An oblation is an offering or sacrifice made to God. The word “oblation” comes from the Latin oblatio, meaning “an offering.” In the Bible, there are various types of oblations mentioned, usually involving animal sacrifices, grain offerings, or drink offerings. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about oblations:
Animal Oblations
In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were a common form of oblation. When a burnt offering was made, the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar (Leviticus 1:3-17). This total burning signified the total dedication of the sacrifice to God. Other animal oblations included sin offerings (Leviticus 4:1-35), guilt offerings for sins against holy things (Leviticus 5:14-19), and fellowship offerings (Leviticus 3:1-17). The shedding of animal blood was key as a covering for sins (Hebrews 9:22).
While animal sacrifices are no longer practiced today, they symbolized the seriousness of sin (Romans 6:23) and pointed ahead to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Jesus is called “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Grain Oblations
Along with animal sacrifices, grain offerings were also presented in the Old Testament. Grain offerings usually consisted of fine flour, oil, salt, and frankincense (Leviticus 2:1-16). Part of the grain offering would be burned on the altar and the remainder was given to the priests to eat. The grain itself represented the fruits of labor offered back to the Lord.
In the New Testament, a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying is used as a vivid picture of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross (John 12:24). Jesus is called the “bread of life” (John 6:35) whose body was broken for us, pictured in the breaking of bread at communion (Luke 22:19).
Drink Oblations
While not as common, drink offerings were also a form of oblation. Wine would be poured out as a sacrificial offering to the Lord (Genesis 35:14; Numbers 15:1-10). It was given in addition to other sacrifices. The pouring out of the wine represented the pouring out of the offerer’s heart in service and devotion to God.
In the New Testament, Jesus took the cup of wine and declared it represented the new covenant in His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 22:20). Christ’s death on the cross fulfilled all the sacrificial symbolism of old covenant oblations (Hebrews 9:11-14).
Incense Oblations
The burning of incense before God was another oblation meant to please and glorify Him. God instructed the priests to burn incense at the altar of incense every morning and evening (Exodus 30:7-8). The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers of God’s people, ascended to His throne (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8). The incense was to be prepared in a special way (Exodus 30:34-38). Using unauthorized fire or improper incense resulted in judgment (Leviticus 10:1-3).
This shows how seriously God regarded these ceremonial oblations. The incense offerings poetically pictured the prayers and praise that God desires from His people (Hebrews 13:15-16).
First Fruits and Tithes
Another form of oblation was the offering of first fruits and tithes. The first fruits were a portion of the earliest harvest which was dedicated to the Lord (Exodus 23:19; 34:26). Giving the first and best to God displayed a trusting heart (Proverbs 3:9-10). Tithing involved giving 10% of one’s income or produce back to God (Leviticus 27:30-32; Malachi 3:8-10). This honored God’s provision and expressed gratitude for blessings received.
In the New Testament, believers are urged to generously give back to God knowing that He promises to supply all our needs (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). Our time, talents, and treasures should be offered as spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
The Wave Offering
Unique among the grain offerings was the wave offering. This involved the priest waving the offering before the Lord and towards the four compass points (Exodus 29:24; Leviticus 9:21). This symbolized the understanding that God is everywhere and the oblation was presented to Him with total reverence. The portion waved was then consumed as a sacrificial offering.
In the New Testament, no direction is excluded from the call to take the message of the Gospel everywhere (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus Christ has now made the perfect and complete sacrificial offering on behalf of sinners (Hebrews 9:28).
Money Offerings
While offerings in the Old Testament were often agricultural, monetary offerings were also given. For instance, whenever a census was taken of the Israelites, each man gave a half shekel as an offering to the Lord (Exodus 30:11-16). Temple maintenance and operations relied heavily on the freewill monetary offerings brought by worshippers (2 Kings 12:4-5; 2 Chronicles 24:4-14).
Financial giving should still be part of worship today. Believers are to generously give to support gospel ministry and care for those in need (2 Corinthians 8-9). When done with a cheerful heart, it pleases God (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Personal Vows
In addition to required oblations, the Bible records vowed oblations. A person could take a special vow of dedication to God which required offering sacrifices (Leviticus 27; Numbers 30). For instance, Hannah pleaded with God for a child and vowed to give him back to the Lord’s service, which she did with Samuel (1 Samuel 1-2).
While we may not take the same kinds of vows today, we are still called to live in devoted service to Christ out of thanks for His salvation (Romans 12:1-2). All we have is from God and should be used for His glory.
Jesus Christ – The Supreme Oblation
All the oblations in the Old Testament point ahead to Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus said of Himself, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The once-for-all oblation of Christ obtains eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). His blood purifies our conscience from dead works to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14).
As our great High Priest, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice and stands as our permanent mediator before the Father (Hebrews 7:26-28). All previous oblations foreshadowed what was accomplished fully by Christ on the cross. The old has passed away and the new covenant has come in His blood (Luke 22:20). We now approach God based on Christ’s perfect life and atoning death, not our own faulty offerings. With hearts cleansed by His blood, we offer ourselves as living sacrifices of praise (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15-16).
In summary, oblations in the Bible took various forms under the old covenant. Animal sacrifices, grain offerings, drink offerings, and other gifts and vows were offered in worship and thanksgiving to God. While we no longer follow these ceremonial practices, they symbolically pointed ahead to the once and for all sacrifice of Christ for the sins of the world. As recipients of God’s amazing grace, we respond with obedient and reverent lives offered back to God our Savior.