What was the reason that God had people sacrifice animals in the Old Testament?


Man has a sin problem "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).

Before God sent His Son to die as the ultimate sacrifice, the priest would offer animal sacrifices so the people's sins would be covered.

Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.
(Heb. 5:1-3)

The reason the priests were taught by God to offer animal sacrifices has to do with this truth. .

When Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people.

He said, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
(Heb. 9:19-22)

Blood had to be shed in order for sin to be forgiven. This animal blood was a covering, but the holy and pure blood of Jesus, our High Priest, had to be shed. His was a permanent sacrifice, and animal sacrifices were no longer required.

Copyright © Bible Answers Foundation
All rights reserved. Used by permission.