The Sacrificial System of Propitiation

The sacrificial system functioned to facilitate the juxtaposition of the holy and the unholy. It did this not merely by purging the tabernacle and its paraphernalia of ceremonial impurity but also by propitiating God and so averting his wrath upon the people. This is especially evident in the roasting of certain sacrificial animals, where it is repeatedly said to produce a pleasing odor or fragrance to the Lord.