Leviticus 1:12

The law allowed poorer Israelites to offer smaller animals so that atonement (a sacrifice that removes guilt and restores fellowship with God) would be more affordable. The way these animals were offered was very similar to the way bulls were offered (Leviticus 1:3–9).

burnt offering (Hebrew ‘olah, which means “what goes up”): The Hebrew word suggests the animal rises up in flame and smoke. Its hide was not burned, but given to the officiating priest as payment (Leviticus 7:8). They completely burned this offering on the altar (1:9).

Its purpose was to turn away God’s judgment against sin. It also makes the worshiper clean in a ceremonial way and restores his or her relationship with God (compare Romans 3:25; 8:3; 2 Corinthians 5:18–21). The whole burnt offering appears first in this list of offerings (Leviticus 1–7). It sets a pattern for the offerings that follow. It is the most common offering for atonement.