Review article
Sacrifice in the Holy Scriptures
Slađana Babijanski
; Gunja
Abstract
The article discusses sacrifice in the Holy Scriptures and is divided into three sections. Sacrifice in general is discussed as a phenomenon of various Eastern religions. Israel cannot be separated from the environment in which it originated and grew. It accepted part of the pre-Israel tradition and sacrificial practices, and was constantly in contact with the traditions and practices of Canaan and Egypt. Among other things, we encounter human sacrifices, which later underwent some development, so that we have substitution. A sacrifice is a means of purification, reconciliation with God. Here, the scapegoat has a particular role, which is offered for the sins of the entire nation, while another goat was sent to the desert demon Azazel. The second section discusses sacrifices in the Old Testament, focusing on the Pentateuch, i.e., the books of Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus. Thus, there are the sacrificial offerings made in Genesis by Cain and Abel, Noah’s sacrifices, the sacrifices by Malchizedek (king of Salem and priest), and the sacrifice of Isaac, which can be interpreted as a prototype of the Servant of God. The Paschal sacrifice and the celebration of the first Passover in Egypt in the Book of Exodus are discussed. There is also mention of the altars and the priesthood who were later in charge of sacrifices. Burnt offerings, guilt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings and meal offerings in the Book of Leviticus are mentioned. The third section discusses sacrifices in the New Testament, with particular attention to the Letters to the Hebrews, in which Jesus is called a high priest. Old Testament victims are prototypes and heralds of the sacrifice of Jesus, who by his own power supersedes all the Old Testament sacrifices.
Keywords
sacrifice; sacrifice in the Old Testament; Passover; Letters to the Hebrews; Jesus–High Priest
Hrčak ID:
111261
URI
Publication date:
3.12.2012.
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