The answer is: His hand

Lev 1:4 - Laying a hand on the head of the burnt offering symbolized the transfer of the offerer's sins to the sacrifice.

In Leviticus 1:4, when the priest laid his hand on the head of a burnt offering, it wasn’t just a ritual gesture; it signified a deep and meaningful connection between the individual and the sacrifice. This act illustrated the belief that something essential was being communicated—by placing a hand on the animal, the offerer acknowledged their guilt and responsibility, signifying that the offering would take on the penalty of sin.

Imagine the atmosphere of such an event! As people gathered, they understood this was not merely about sacrifice for the sake of formality, but about restitution and forgiveness. Likewise, many practices throughout the Bible echo this idea of substitution—think about the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16. The community would place their sins onto the goat, sending it into the wilderness, symbolically removing their burdens.

Also fascinating is the similarity found in other ancient cultures that practiced animal sacrifice for atonement, showcasing a shared human understanding of the need to reconcile the wrongdoings. These rituals reveal not just about the faith of Israel but also human nature’s quest for redemption across various societies. In this context, the burnt offering emerges as a powerful representation of transformation and the hope of a fresh start—something engaging that continues to resonate with humanity throughout the ages!