Leviticus 1:8

The Hebrew word for fat refers to the suet, or hard fat, around the kidneys and loins. This term appears only here and in Leviticus 1:12 and 8:20. All fat (not just this specific fat) belonged to God (3:14–17; 7:23–25; see 1 Samuel 2:15–17). The whole burnt offering was the only offering completely burned on the altar. For other offerings, they burned the fatty parts and some internal organs. The rest belonged to the officiating priests and sometimes the worshiper (Leviticus 7:11–18).

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.