St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Beginner Course #2; Lesson #2 - Discussion

In my effort to understand the Mass better, I am taking this online course from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. It is a beginner's course, but what better place to start than at the beginning. As I read and finish a lesson, I will post my answers to the discussion questions here.

All this information came from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. I do not want anyone to think I put this together. I am just reflecting and responding to it.

Beginner's Course No. 2: The Lamb's Supper: The Bible and the Mass
Lesson Two: Given For You: The Old Testament Story of Sacrifice

Discussion Questions

1. What is the first sacrifice recorded in the Bible?

The first sacrifice recorded in the Bible were those of Cain and Able, Adam and Eve's sons (Gen 4:3-4):


In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the soil,
while Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his flock...



2. Who is the first priest mentioned in the Bible?

Melchizedek, king of Salem was the first priest of the "God Most High" (Gen 14:18):


Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words:



3. Why did Moses originally ask Pharaoh for permission to leave Egypt?

Since sacrifice was central to the Israelites' worship of God, Moses asked the Pharaoh of Egypt for permission to go into the desert to make a scarifice. Of course, the Pharaoh refused, and scolded Moses and Aaron for asking such a thing (Ex 5:3,8,17):


They replied, "The God of the Hebrews has sent us word. Let us go a three days' journey in the desert, that we may offer sacrifice to the LORD, our God; otherwise he will punish us with pestilence or the sword."

Yet you shall levy upon them the same quota of bricks as they have previously made. Do not reduce it. They are lazy; that is why they are crying, 'Let us go to offer sacrifice to our God.'

Pharaoh answered, "It is just because you are lazy that you keep saying, 'Let us go and offer sacrifice to the LORD.'



4. What did the Ark of the Covenant contain?

The Ark of the Covenant contained signs of God's covenant (Heb 9:4) - the tablets of the 10 Commandments (Ex 40:22), Aaron's priestly staff (Nu 17:25), and some of the manna upon which the Israelites fed in the desert (Ex 16:32-33):


in which were the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant entirely covered with gold. In it were the gold jar containing the manna, the staff of Aaron that had sprouted, and the tablets of the covenant.



5. Where was the Ark housed when Israel became a kingdom?

The Ark was housed in the Temple in Jerusalem when Israel became a kingdom.


6. What are the five basic types of sacrifice prescribed in the Old Testament?


• The Holocaust - an entire animal burnt on the altar as a "sweet smelling oblation to the Lord" (Lev 1:3-17, 6:8-13).


• The Cereal or Grain Offering - milled wheat mixed with oil and incense and usually offered in conjunction with other sacrifices (Lev 2:1-16; 6:14-23; Num 6:14-17; 28:3-6).


• The Peace Offering - an animal sacrifice in which the fatty parts and kidneys are burnt on the altar and the meat is consumed by the offerer and the priests (Lev 3:1-17; 7:11-36).


• The Sin Offering - an animal (young bull, goat, lamb, turtledoves, etc.) offered to atone for sin and purifies the sinner (Lev 4:1-5;13: 6:24-30).


• The Guilt Offering - a ram offered in atonement for desecration or some offense against a neighbor (Lev 5:14-18: 7:1-10).



7. What is the todah sacrifice?

The Todah is a "thank offering". Psalm 40:1-11 is classified as one of the todah.