If the offering is a burnt offering from the flock, from either the sheep or the goats, you are to offer a male without defect. The burnt offering regulation is extended to include animals from the flock: sheep or goats rather than cattle. The same standard applies — male, without defect — though the animal is smaller and less costly. The extension of the burnt offering to the flock recognizes the economic diversity of the covenant community: those who cannot bring a bull from the herd can bring a sheep or goat. Leviticus 1:14 will further extend the offering to birds. The graduated scale ensures that the covenant's most fundamental offering is accessible to every Israelite regardless of wealth.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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