Deuteronomy 18:3
And this shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those offering a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This passage reveals that the "sacrifice" here isn't just for atonement, but also for fellowship meals. The specific parts given to the priest – the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach – weren't just random cuts, but were often considered choice portions, symbolizing the people's offering of their best to God and His ministers.
In this section of Deuteronomy, God is outlining the specific rights and provisions for the priests and Levites, who served Him and had no land inheritance among the tribes. This particular verse details the portions of sacrificial animals—whether an ox or a sheep—that belonged to the priests, ensuring they received sustenance from the people's offerings. This is part of a larger instruction that defines the Levites' share and how they would be supported, aiming to prevent disputes and ensure the proper functioning of worship.
The verse mentions 'sacrifice,' but was this only for worship, or did it cover everyday meals too? Understanding this broadens the scope of God's care.
The Hebrew word for 'sacrifice' here isn't limited to worship offerings alone.
A Wider Meaning
It could also refer to an animal killed for a regular meal, a common practice in ancient Israel. This means the instruction wasn't just for those bringing formal sacrifices to the Temple, but also applied to everyday situations where meat was prepared.
God's Pervasive Care
This shows that God's concern extended to the daily lives and sustenance of His ministers. Every time a meal was prepared from an animal, a portion was set aside for the priests and Levites, ensuring they were cared for consistently, not just during religious festivals.
Why these specific parts—the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach? It wasn't random; each had significance in God's design for His ministers.
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The instruction to give the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the stomach to the priest was very specific.
The Priestly Portion
The shoulder represented strength and ability, perhaps symbolizing the priest's work and service. The two cheeks (sometimes interpreted to include the tongue) could signify the words and speech of the priest, his teaching and prayers. The stomach or maw, a rich part, symbolized the priest's physical sustenance and needs.
Consecrating the Whole
Together, these parts offered a representation of the worshipper's entire being—their strength, their words, and their physical needs—being dedicated to God through His appointed ministers. It was a tangible way for the people to acknowledge that everything belongs to God and that His servants should be supported.
Understand the original words
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The rightful portion or legal share allotted to someone. It implies an established right to receive support as a matter of divine ordinance.
zebach · Hebrew Noun/Verb
The act of offering an animal or gift to God, primarily for atonement, thanksgiving, or fellowship. It involves the surrender of something valuable to the Lord.
This passage specifically outlines the priestly portion of the peace offering, directly correlating with the 'shoulder and breast' mentioned here, establishing the foundation for this particular due.
1 Samuel 2:12-17This passage starkly contrasts the proper priestly practice with Eli's sons' corruption, highlighting the importance of God's prescribed portions and the people's rightful offerings.
1 Corinthians 9:9-14Paul uses the principle of supporting those who serve in sacred duties to argue for the financial support of gospel ministers, drawing a clear parallel to the Old Testament provision for priests.
Malachi 3:8-10This passage confronts Israel for withholding tithes and offerings from the Levites and priests, emphasizing that such neglect is robbing God and has severe consequences.
gillDeuteronomy 18:3: "And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw."
And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer sacrifice,.... Not from the priests, as Jarchi observes, but from those that bring the sacrifices to the priests, particularly the peace offerings: whether it be ox or sheep; the one of the herd, the other of t…
clarkeDeuteronomy 18:3: "And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw."
Offer a sacrifice - זבחי הזבח zobechey hazzebach. The word זבח zebach is used to signify, not only an animal sacrificed to the Lord, but also one killed for common use. See Genesis 46:1 ; Proverbs 17:1 ; Ezekiel 39:17 . And in this latter sense it probably should be understood her…
This passage reveals that the "sacrifice" here isn't just for atonement, but also for fellowship meals. The specific parts given to the priest – the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach – weren't just random cuts, but were often considered choice portions, symbolizing the people's offering of their best to God and His ministers.
In this section of Deuteronomy, God is outlining the specific rights and provisions for the priests and Levites, who served Him and had no land inheritance among the tribes. This particular verse details the portions of sacrificial animals—whether an ox or a sheep—that belonged to the priests, ensuring they received sustenance from the people's offerings. This is part of a larger instruction that defines the Levites' share and how they would be supported, aiming to prevent disputes and ensure the proper functioning of worship.
In this section of Deuteronomy, God is outlining the specific rights and provisions for the priests and Levites, who served Him and had no land inheritance among the tribes. This particular verse details the portions of sacrificial animals—whether an ox or a sheep—that belonged to the priests, ensuring they received sustenance from the people's offerings. This is part of a larger instruction that defines the Levites' share and how they would be supported, aiming to prevent disputes and ensure the proper functioning of worship.
"And this shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those offering a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach." — This passage reveals that the "sacrifice" here isn't just for atonement, but also for fellowship meals. The specific parts given to the priest – the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach – weren't just rando…
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