Seven burnt offerings
The offering of seven burnt offerings appears in multiple places in Scripture, often signifying complete devotion and consecration to God, rather than atonement for sin.
Job’s Sacrifices (Job 1:5)
In Job 1:5, Job regularly offered burnt offerings for his children, not because they had outwardly sinned, but just in case they had cursed God in their hearts. This suggests a recognition of total dependence on God and a desire for their complete sanctification, rather than a response to specific wrongdoing.
Balaam & Balak (Numbers 23:1, 14, 29)
Balaam, under Balak’s direction, also offered seven burnt offerings at three different locations. While Balak's intention was to manipulate God, Balaam's actions—though misguided—reflected an attempt to align with divine revelation. The repetition of the seven offerings suggests an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and a desire for complete alignment with Him.
Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18)
Although Elijah does not explicitly offer seven sacrifices, his altar of twelve stones (for the twelve tribes) and the dramatic calling of fire from heaven share a similar theme of total devotion. The act was not about sin atonement, but about restoring the people’s hearts to God.
Job 42:7-9 – Atonement vs. Devotion
When Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar are commanded to offer seven burnt offerings, it is in response to speaking wrongly about God. Here, the offering does serve a propitiatory role, with Job acting as an intercessor. However, the number seven still implies completeness, full restoration, and an alignment with God’s truth.
The Theme of Sonship and Devotion
Seven burnt offerings in Job signify the son’s total devotion to the Father, rather than just atonement for sin. Job’s role as intercessor also reflects Christ, who perfectly mediates for His brethren before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). And in this case reconciles Holiness and Love.
The burnt offering (olah, עֹלָה) is distinct because it is completely consumed—nothing is eaten, and all of it ascends to God as smoke. This symbolizes total devotion, surrender, and acceptance by the Father.
Unlike other offerings where the priests or participants partake (such as the peace offering or the sin offering), the burnt offering is unique in that it is for God alone. The worshipers do not receive anything back; they simply watch as the offering rises to the Father.
This aligns beautifully with Christ’s total devotion to the Father:
- John 6:38 – "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me."
- Ephesians 5:2 – "Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."
In this Christ is fully reconciled with the word of God expressed through the four voices and four friends with no hint of sin on any part.
