Leviticus 7:18 – “If any meat of the fellowship offering is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted. It will not be credited to the one who offered it, for it is impure; the person who eats any of it will be held responsible.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 7:18 provides a stern warning about the proper handling of the meat from a fellowship offering. The verse specifies that if any of the meat is eaten on the third day, the offering will not be accepted by God, and it will not count as a valid sacrifice. Additionally, the person who consumes the meat on the third day will bear the consequences of their actions, as the meat is considered impure by that time.
This verse emphasizes the importance of following God’s instructions precisely. The fellowship offering was intended to be consumed within a specific time frame—by the end of the second day—to ensure that the meat remained fresh and suitable for a holy sacrifice. Eating the meat on the third day, after it had begun to decay, would corrupt the offering, rendering it unfit for worship. The strictness of this rule underscores the seriousness with which God views worship and obedience.
Historical Context
In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, offerings played a central role in maintaining the community’s relationship with God. The fellowship offering, also known as the peace offering, was a voluntary sacrifice that symbolized peace and communion with God. It was unique because the worshiper, the priest, and others would share in eating the meat of the sacrifice, making it a communal meal that represented fellowship with God and among the people.
The command to consume the meat within two days and to burn any leftovers by the third day was not just a matter of hygiene but also of maintaining the sacredness of the offering. In a time before refrigeration, meat would spoil quickly, and consuming spoiled meat would be both physically dangerous and spiritually inappropriate for a sacrifice to God. By setting a time limit, God ensured that the offering remained pure and worthy of the sacred act of worship.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 7:18 teaches that obedience to God’s commands is not optional but essential for true worship. The verse highlights the concept of purity in worship, where offerings to God must be kept holy and free from corruption. The instruction that the offering would not be accepted if the meat was eaten on the third day underscores the idea that God does not accept half-hearted or careless worship. He desires worship that is pure, intentional, and in line with His commands.
This verse also emphasizes personal responsibility in worship. The one who eats the meat on the third day “will be held responsible,” showing that individuals are accountable for how they handle what is dedicated to God. This teaches that worship is not just a communal act but also a personal responsibility that must be approached with seriousness and reverence.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 7:18 is part of a detailed set of instructions that govern the various offerings in the Israelite sacrificial system. The verse is structured to provide a clear prohibition against eating the meat on the third day, with a strong consequence for disobedience. The repetition of the phrase “it will not be accepted” and “it will not be credited” emphasizes the severity of the offense and the nullification of the sacrifice if the command is violated.
The language used in the verse is direct and absolute, leaving no room for ambiguity. The use of the term “impure” to describe the meat after the third day reinforces the idea that what was once holy can become defiled if not handled according to God’s instructions.
Biblical Cross-References
A relevant cross-reference is found in Isaiah 1:13, where God says, “Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me.” This verse reflects the same principle that offerings must be made in a manner that is pleasing to God, not just in form but in substance and intent. Another cross-reference is found in Malachi 1:8, where God rebukes the priests for offering blemished sacrifices, saying, “When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong?” This passage emphasizes that God requires offerings that are pure and without defect, paralleling the requirement in Leviticus 7:18.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 7:18 serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and purity in worship. While the specific regulations of the Old Testament sacrificial system are no longer in effect, the principles behind them remain relevant. This verse challenges believers to consider how they approach their worship and service to God. Are they offering their best, or are they allowing what is dedicated to God to become corrupted or compromised?
This verse also encourages Christians to take personal responsibility in their relationship with God. Just as the worshiper was accountable for how they handled the meat of the sacrifice, believers today are responsible for how they live out their faith, ensuring that their actions align with God’s will and commands.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 7:18 reflects God’s love in that He provides clear guidelines for how His people should worship Him, ensuring that their offerings are acceptable and pleasing. By setting boundaries on how the meat of the sacrifice should be handled, God protects His people from offering something that would be unfit or offensive. This verse shows that God cares deeply about the purity of worship and the well-being of His people.
God’s love is also evident in the way He holds His people accountable for their actions. By requiring obedience to His commands, God teaches His people the importance of holiness and reverence in their relationship with Him. This accountability is an expression of His love, as it guides His people toward a deeper and more sincere worship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 7:18 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus represents the ultimate sacrifice, one that is pure, perfect, and fully acceptable to God. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices that had to be offered repeatedly and with strict regulations, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all, complete and without defect. In Hebrews 10:10, it says, “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” This verse contrasts the temporary and conditional nature of the Old Testament sacrifices with the eternal and perfect nature of Jesus’ offering.
Through Jesus, believers are freed from the need to offer repeated sacrifices, but they are still called to live lives of holiness and obedience, offering themselves as living sacrifices, as Paul writes in Romans 12:1.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 7:18 challenge you to think about the purity and sincerity of your worship?
- In what ways can you ensure that your actions and offerings to God are in line with His commands and pleasing to Him?
- How does this verse encourage you to take personal responsibility for your relationship with God?
- What can you learn from the connection between the Old Testament sacrificial system and Jesus’ perfect and complete sacrifice for our sins?