Leviticus 7:17 – “Any meat of the sacrifice left over till the third day must be burned up.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 7:17 provides a clear instruction regarding the handling of leftover meat from a fellowship offering. If any of the meat remains after the first two days, it must be burned on the third day. This command emphasizes the sacredness of the offering and the importance of consuming it within a specific time frame. The act of burning the remaining meat rather than allowing it to be eaten serves as a way to maintain the holiness of the sacrifice, ensuring that what has been dedicated to God is treated with respect and not allowed to become profane.
The requirement to burn the leftovers by the third day prevents the meat from becoming spoiled, which would be unfit for consumption and would desecrate the offering. This instruction underscores the idea that offerings to God should be handled with care and reverence, reflecting their sacred purpose.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was integral to worship and the community’s relationship with God. The fellowship offering, also known as the peace offering, was a communal meal that symbolized peace and fellowship with God. Unlike other sacrifices, portions of the fellowship offering were eaten by the worshiper, the priest, and others, creating a shared experience of communion with God.
The command to burn any leftover meat by the third day was practical, given the lack of refrigeration and preservation methods in ancient times. This rule ensured that the meat was consumed while it was still fresh and that the sacred nature of the offering was upheld. Allowing the meat to remain beyond the third day would risk it becoming tainted, which would be disrespectful to the holy nature of the offering.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 7:17 highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity of what is dedicated to God. The command to burn the leftover meat rather than letting it spoil or be consumed in an unfit state reflects the principle that what is holy must be kept pure. This verse teaches that offerings to God are not to be treated casually but with the utmost care and reverence.
This instruction also serves as a reminder that God’s provisions are meant to be used and enjoyed within the context of His guidelines. The time-sensitive nature of the offering emphasizes the need to be prompt and deliberate in our acts of worship and in how we handle what has been dedicated to God.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 7:17 is part of the detailed legal and ritual instructions provided in the book of Leviticus. The verse is straightforward, with a clear command that reinforces the importance of maintaining holiness in the sacrificial system. The structure of the verse, which places the command to burn the leftovers within the broader context of the fellowship offering, highlights the importance of proper procedure in worship.
The use of the phrase “must be burned up” adds a sense of urgency and finality to the instruction, emphasizing that there is no room for neglect or carelessness when dealing with offerings that have been made to God.
Biblical Cross-References
A relevant cross-reference is found in Leviticus 19:6, which similarly instructs that leftovers from a sacrifice must be burned on the third day. This reinforces the principle that what is dedicated to God must be treated with respect and that the sacred nature of the offering is paramount.
Another important reference is in Exodus 29:34, where the leftovers from the consecration offering are also to be burned on the third day, reflecting the same concern for maintaining the holiness of the sacrifice.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 7:17 serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence in worship and in handling what is dedicated to God. While the specific practice of burning leftover meat may not apply today, the underlying principle of treating what is holy with care and respect remains relevant. This verse challenges believers to consider how they approach their acts of worship and the resources God has given them. Are they using them in a way that honors God, or are they allowing what is sacred to become common or neglected?
This verse also encourages Christians to be mindful of the time-sensitive nature of opportunities to serve and worship God. Just as the offering needed to be consumed within a certain time frame, so too should believers be prompt and deliberate in their response to God’s blessings and in their acts of service.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 7:17 reflects God’s desire for His people to approach Him with sincerity and respect. By providing clear guidelines on how to handle the offerings, God ensures that His people understand the importance of treating what is holy with the reverence it deserves. This command also shows God’s concern for the well-being of His people, as it prevents the consumption of meat that could become spoiled and harmful.
God’s love is evident in the way He provides for His people and sets boundaries to ensure that their worship remains pure and respectful. This verse highlights the care that God takes in guiding His people toward practices that honor Him and protect their well-being.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 7:17 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate offering, fully sufficient and complete. Unlike the fellowship offerings that had to be consumed within a specific time frame, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all, with no need for repetition or additional offerings. Hebrews 10:12 states, “But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” This verse reflects the finality and completeness of Jesus’ offering, which contrasts with the ongoing need for care in the Old Testament sacrifices.
Through Jesus, believers are called to live lives that reflect the holiness and reverence that God requires, recognizing that His sacrifice has made them holy and set apart for His purposes.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 7:17 challenge you to think about the way you treat what is dedicated to God in your life?
- In what ways can you be more intentional in ensuring that your acts of worship and service are done with reverence and respect?
- How does this verse encourage you to respond promptly to opportunities to serve and worship God?
- What can you learn from the connection between the Old Testament sacrificial system and Jesus’ complete and final sacrifice for our sins?