The Role of Priests in Flaying Old Testament Sacrifices

Yes, under the Levitical law, the priest was responsible for flaying the animals offered as burnt sacrifices Leviticus 1:6ARSH February 13, 1900, page 89.3+1.

The Role of the Priest in Flaying Sacrifices 🐑

In the sanctuary service, specific procedures were ordained for the treatment of animal offerings. When a burnt sacrifice of the herd was brought to the door of the tabernacle, the priest was commanded to flay the offering and cut it into pieces Leviticus 1:1-6LOM, page 39.31. This process of flaying involved stripping the skin or hide from the beastNWAD PEEL.2+2.

Symbolism and Procedure

The sacrificial system was a divinely appointed means of expressing faith in the future sacrifice of ChristARSH February 13, 1900, page 89.3+1. The specific steps taken by the priesthood were deeply significant:

• Preparation: The animal, such as a bullock or lamb, was killed before the Lord, and the priests—Aaron's sons—would sprinkle the blood upon the altar Leviticus 1:5LOM, page 39.31.

• The Act of Flaying: Once the animal was slain, the priest would proceed to flay it, which means to remove the skin, even if an instrument was used for paring Leviticus 1:6NWAD PEEL.2.

• Completing the Offering: After the skin was removed, the animal was cut into pieces and placed in order upon the wood on the altar fire as a sweet smell to the Lord Leviticus 1:7-9LOM, page 39.31.

Broader Context of the Word

While flaying in the sanctuary was a sacred duty performed with machine-like precision, the term is also used in historical contexts to describe the cruel treatment of captives by pagan nations, such as the AssyriansEB 262.2+2. However, within the Hebrew economy, these laws and ceremonies were intended to teach the simple truths of the gospel and point toward the "better priesthood" of ChristBHOTV2 162.1+1. The entire Levitical system served as a figure or shadow of the ministry of our Lord in the heavenly sanctuary Hebrews 8:4-5ARSH January 16, 1900, page 41.10+1.