Leviticus 7:4 – “Both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 7:4 gives detailed instructions about which parts of the animal are to be offered in the guilt offering. Specifically, it mentions the kidneys, the fat surrounding them, and the long lobe of the liver. These organs, considered among the most vital and best parts of the animal, were to be carefully removed and offered to God.
In the context of the sacrificial system, the kidneys and the liver were seen as symbols of the innermost being of the animal, representing the very essence of life. Offering these parts to God signified giving Him not just any portion, but the most essential and valuable parts of the sacrifice. This act of offering the best parts was a way of showing deep reverence and dedication to God.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was not just a set of rituals but a way of life that maintained the community’s relationship with God. The specific instructions in Leviticus were part of a broader covenant between God and His people, where sacrifices played a key role in worship, atonement, and maintaining holiness.
The kidneys and liver, mentioned in Leviticus 7:4, were considered the seat of emotion and thought in ancient times. Offering these organs to God was a way of symbolically offering the deepest parts of oneself, signifying total dedication and submission to God’s will.
This practice was in line with other ancient Near Eastern cultures, where similar offerings were made to deities. However, in Israel, these rituals were distinct in their focus on holiness, justice, and the covenant relationship with God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 7:4 highlights the importance of offering God the very best of what we have. The kidneys and liver, being vital organs, symbolize the depth of commitment that God desires from His people. This verse teaches that worship is not about giving the bare minimum but about offering God our most valuable and essential parts, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.
It also reinforces the concept of holiness, which is central to the book of Leviticus. The act of setting apart these organs for God is a reminder that worship involves sacrifice and that God calls His people to be wholly devoted to Him, holding nothing back.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 7:4 is part of a broader passage that gives meticulous details about the sacrificial offerings. The specific mention of the kidneys and liver serves to emphasize the thoroughness with which these offerings were to be made. The detailed instructions reflect the care and precision that were required in approaching God, underscoring the importance of holiness and reverence in worship.
The verse also fits into the repetitive structure of Leviticus, where similar instructions are given for various offerings. This repetition serves to reinforce the principles of holiness, dedication, and the need to approach God with the utmost care and respect.
Biblical Cross-References
A relevant cross-reference can be found in Psalm 139:13, where the psalmist says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This verse highlights the idea that God knows and values our innermost parts, which parallels the offering of the kidneys and liver as a symbol of offering our whole selves to God.
Another cross-reference is Romans 12:1, where Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as a “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” This New Testament verse echoes the principle found in Leviticus 7:4, where the best and most vital parts are offered to God, symbolizing a life fully dedicated to Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 7:4 serves as a reminder to give God our best and most valuable offerings, not just in material terms but in our time, talents, and devotion. It challenges believers to consider what they are holding back from God and to offer their whole selves in worship and service.
This verse also calls Christians to examine their hearts and motives in worship. Are we offering God our best, or are we giving Him what is convenient? Leviticus 7:4 encourages us to approach God with the same reverence and dedication that was required in the ancient sacrificial system.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 7:4 reveals a God who desires a deep and meaningful relationship with His people. He doesn’t just want surface-level devotion; He wants the very best of what we have to offer. This desire reflects His love for us, as He seeks a relationship that is based on genuine commitment and sacrifice.
God’s command to offer the kidneys and liver shows that He values every part of our being and wants us to be fully devoted to Him. This is a reflection of His love, as He calls us into a relationship that involves every aspect of our lives, not just the parts that are easy or convenient to give.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 7:4 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus offered Himself fully and completely as the ultimate sacrifice. Just as the kidneys and liver were offered as the most valuable parts of the guilt offering, Jesus offered His entire being—His life, His will, and His very self—on the cross for our sins.
In Hebrews 10:10, it is written, “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus’ sacrifice was the perfect fulfillment of the sacrificial system, including the principles found in Leviticus 7:4. His complete offering of Himself makes it possible for us to be fully reconciled to God and to offer our lives as living sacrifices in return.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what ways can you offer the best parts of your life to God, following the principle found in Leviticus 7:4?
- How does the symbolism of offering the kidneys and liver challenge your current approach to worship and service?
- What can you learn from Jesus’ complete sacrifice about giving your whole self to God?
- How can you apply the principle of giving God your best in your daily life and relationships?