The outcome of the ritual is a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This is the same as in previous cases (cf. Leviticus 1:9, Leviticus 1:13). It is striking that the achievement of this purpose has priority over the size of the animal. While the burnt offering had atonement as its main purpose, it included other related themes as well. For the worshipper, the burnt offering was an act of worship and obedience, a way of expressing one’s faith publicly. The burnt offering brought reconciliation between God and man. These themes are often alluded to in the Psalms where burnt offerings are said to be worthless if it is not accompanied by a broken and a contrite spirit (see Psalm 4:1–8, Psalm 5:1–12, Psalm 40:1–17, Psalm 50:1–23, Psalm 66:1–20).
17 Il déchirera les ailes, sans les détacher; et le sacrificateur brûlera l'oiseau sur l'autel, sur le bois mis au feu. C'est un holocauste, un sacrifice consumé par le feu, d'une agréable odeur à l'Eternel.