Leviticus 7:31 – “The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 7:31 gives specific instructions about how the fellowship offering should be handled by the priests. In this verse, God commands that the fat of the sacrificial animal is to be burned on the altar as an offering to Him. This act of burning the fat symbolizes the dedication of the best part of the offering to God. The fat, considered the richest and most desirable part of the animal, was always reserved for God, reflecting His worthiness to receive the best of what His people had to offer.
The verse also specifies that the breast of the animal belongs to Aaron and his sons, the priests. This portion of the offering was not to be burned but was given to the priests as their share. This provision for the priests highlights the way in which God provided for those who served in the Tabernacle. The priests, who did not have land or other means of income, were sustained through the offerings of the people.
Historical Context
In the time of ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was a central part of religious life. The fellowship offering, also known as the peace offering, was one of several types of sacrifices outlined in Leviticus. Unlike other sacrifices that were entirely burned or consumed, the fellowship offering was unique because it was shared. The fat was burned as an offering to God, while the breast and other portions were given to the priests, and the remaining meat was eaten by the worshiper and their family.
The burning of the fat on the altar was a significant act, symbolizing the worshiper’s offering of the best to God. It was an acknowledgment that everything good comes from God and that He deserves the most valued portion. The allocation of the breast to the priests also established a system of provision for those who served in the sanctuary, ensuring that their needs were met through the offerings of the people.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 7:31 emphasizes the importance of giving the best to God. The burning of the fat on the altar represents the idea that God is worthy of the highest honor and the best of what we have. This principle extends beyond the physical act of sacrifice to all areas of life, encouraging believers to dedicate the best of their time, resources, and talents to God.
The verse also underscores the principle of provision within God’s community. The priests, who were dedicated to serving in the Tabernacle, were provided for through the offerings of the people. This reflects God’s care for those who serve Him and the way He ensures that their needs are met.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 7:31 is part of the detailed instructions regarding the handling of sacrifices in the book of Leviticus. The verse is structured to clearly delineate the roles of the worshiper and the priest in the sacrificial process. The command to burn the fat and the allocation of the breast to the priests are presented as direct and non-negotiable instructions, reflecting the seriousness of the sacrificial system.
The language used in this verse is precise and functional, emphasizing the specific actions that must be taken during the offering. The focus on the fat and the breast highlights the dual aspects of the fellowship offering—honoring God and providing for the priests.
Biblical Cross-References
A relevant cross-reference is found in Leviticus 3:16, where it is stated that “all the fat is the Lord’s.” This reinforces the idea that the fat of the sacrifice is specifically reserved for God. Another important reference is Numbers 18:8-11, where God outlines the portions of offerings that are to be given to the priests as their share, further illustrating the principle of provision for those who serve in the sanctuary.
In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 speaks to the principle of those who preach the gospel being supported by the gospel, drawing a parallel to the provision for the priests in the Old Testament.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 7:31 serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicating the best of what we have to God. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of giving God our best remains relevant. This verse challenges believers to consider how they are honoring God with their resources, time, and efforts.
The verse also highlights the importance of supporting those who are dedicated to ministry. Just as the priests were provided for through the offerings of the people, those who serve in ministry today are often supported by the giving of the church community. This reflects the ongoing principle of caring for those who dedicate their lives to serving God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 7:31 reflects God’s love in that He provides clear instructions on how His people are to worship Him and support those who serve Him. By instructing the Israelites to offer the best parts of their sacrifices to Him, God was teaching them to honor His holiness and greatness. This command also shows God’s care for the priests, ensuring that their needs were met through the faithful giving of the people.
God’s love is evident in the way He designed the sacrificial system to be both an act of worship and a means of provision. This system reflects God’s desire for His people to live in a community where worship and support for one another are intertwined.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 7:31 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. Just as the fat was burned as an offering to God, Jesus offered Himself completely to God as the perfect sacrifice. His life and death exemplify the ultimate act of giving the best to God, showing us the depth of God’s love and the seriousness of His commitment to redeeming humanity.
Through Jesus, believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, dedicating the best of their lives to God. This reflects the principle seen in Leviticus 7:31, where the best portions were given to honor God and support His work.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 7:31 challenge you to think about what you are offering to God in your life?
- In what ways can you ensure that you are giving your best to God in your daily activities and decisions?
- How does this verse encourage you to support those who are dedicated to serving God in ministry?
- What can you learn from the connection between the Old Testament sacrificial system and Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross?