Why Judaism Slaughtered Pagan Gods: Rambam on the Korbanot

Why did the Torah command animal sacrifices? In this lecture, we explore one of the most misunderstood subjects in Judaism: the Korbanot. According to Maimonides, the sacrificial system was not designed because God needs offerings. Rather, it was part of a deliberate strategy to uproot pagan beliefs and reorient humanity toward the worship of the One God. We examine: Why sheep, goats, and cattle were chosen for sacrifices How these animals were viewed in ancient pagan religions Why the Korbanot represent a direct challenge to idolatry and superstition The connection between the Korban Pesach and the Exodus from Egypt The prohibition against consuming blood and its relationship to pagan ritual practices The symbolism behind the Chatat, Asham, Olah, and the scapegoat of Yom Kippur Why sacrifices are meant to inspire repentance rather than function as magical acts Rambam presents a powerful and often controversial thesis: The Korbanot were a form of spiritual and psychological education. By performing the very acts that pagan cultures considered forbidden or offensive to their gods, Israel was trained to reject superstition, abandon idolatry, and embrace a rational understanding of divine worship. This lecture continues our systematic study of the mitzvot and reveals how the sacrificial service fits into Rambam's broader project of replacing myth, magic, and paganism with knowledge, prophecy, and covenant.