They washed the offering with water to remove dirt or debris that might contaminate it. Washing was also necessary for purification from ceremonial uncleanness, a requirement for serving in the Tent of Meeting (Leviticus 6:27; 11:28).
an offering made by fire: Traditional Bible versions translate the Hebrew term ’isheh this way. Although they did burn the offering (Leviticus 1:13, 17), recent research suggests the word meant “gift.”
a pleasing aroma to the LORD (literally a restful odor; also in Leviticus 1:13, 17): Pagans in the ancient Near East believed their gods smelled the offerings because they needed to eat them to live. God's response is sometimes described in ways that reflect this cultural setting (for example, Leviticus 21:6; Numbers 28:2). Yet, the Bible makes it clear that God did not need offerings as food (Psalm 50:9–13). Instead, they pleased him as sincere offerings for atonement.