We would like to consider some of the birds that were used for sacrifice in the Old Testament. Here in Genesis 8, we find the first occasion where birds were offered up in sacrifice to God. Noah had just stepped off the ark into a cleansed world. Scripture tells us that before the flood, “Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart only evil continually” (6:5). The corruption and violence that filled the earth brought the judgment of the flood.

In contrast to this evil, notice that Noah offered up all the clean fowl upon the altar as burnt offerings. This reminds us of the Son of God who came to earth. In the midst of a world defiled by sin, He was “clean.” He was pure (1 Jn. 3:3). He was holy, harmless, and undefiled (Heb. 7:26). When the Holy Spirit descended upon Him at His baptism, He came upon Him in the form of a dove, showing His pure and clean character. At last a blessed Man in whom God could delight, who would fulfill all His will (cf. Acts 13:22). For us He would offer up Himself as the true burnt offering (Eph. 5:2; Heb. 9:14).

Then we notice the results of this offering. Jehovah smelled the sweet odor, or the “savor of rest.” We read that the heart and the thoughts of mankind remained the same as before the flood. But the offering of Christ has given God rest. Then chapter 9 begins with blessing: “And God blessed Noah and his sons” (v. 1). So for us today, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ (Eph. 1:3). This can only be because of His sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, and glory at God’s right hand. May we praise Him!