Leviticus 7:31
The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that the priestly portion wasn't just taken, it was given by God, emphasizing that those who serve Him are supported by His provision, not by human merit. It shows God's design for His ministers to be sustained by the very offerings dedicated to Him, a principle that underscores the sacred trust involved.
This passage is part of the detailed instructions for priests regarding the handling and distribution of sacrificial offerings, specifically the peace offering. Following the earlier commands about what parts of various offerings were designated for the priests, these verses clarify the specific portions belonging to Aaron and his sons. The fat is burned as God's portion, while the breast, after being waved before the Lord, becomes the priests' due, ensuring their sustenance from the sacrifices they served.
Why did God command specific parts of sacrifices to be burned while others were given to the priests? This wasn't just about leftovers; it was a foundational principle of worship.
The passage in Leviticus 7 outlines a clear system for distributing the sacrifices.
God's Share: The Fat
The Priests' Share: The Breast and Shoulder
This division highlights that even within the act of sacrifice, God's sovereignty and His provision for His chosen servants were clearly demonstrated.
The priests didn't just take their portion; they performed specific actions with it. What was the deep meaning behind these ceremonial movements?
The portions given to the priests, like the breast and shoulder, weren't just handed over. They were first presented to God through symbolic actions.
The Wave Offering (Breast)
Understand the original words
kohen · Hebrew Noun
The mediator between God and the people, appointed to perform sacrifices, maintain the tabernacle/temple, and teach the law. Their primary function was to represent the people before God and facilitate atonement.
cheleb · Hebrew Noun
Often associated with the best part of an animal sacrifice; symbolically represents the richness or the 'life' of the offering, which was strictly reserved for God as the portion belonging solely to Him.
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
The place of sacrifice, typically a raised structure where offerings were consumed by fire. It serves as the meeting point between the holy God and sinful humanity, symbolizing atonement and consecration.
This passage directly parallels Leviticus 7:31 by stating that the breast of the ram used in the ordination of priests was to be taken and waved as a wave offering, then given to Aaron and his sons, establishing the principle of their portion.
1 Corinthians 9:13The Apostle Paul uses the principle behind Leviticus 7:31 to argue for the support of Gospel ministers, showing that those who serve at the altar, or in spiritual service, should live from the offerings of God's people.
Hebrews 10:11This passage highlights the inadequacy of the Levitical sacrifices, including those that provided portions for the priests, by contrasting them with the single, perfect sacrifice of Christ, who ultimately fulfills the purpose of all Old Testament offerings.
Matthew 10:42Jesus emphasizes that even the smallest act of service and support given to those who serve Him will be rewarded, echoing the principle that those dedicated to God's work are to be cared for by His people.
jfbLeviticus 7:28-38: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Le 7:28-38. The Priests' Portion.
gillLeviticus 7:31: "And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'."
And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar,.... Of burnt offering, even the fat upon the inwards, the two kidneys, the flanks, the caul, and liver: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons; which being waved before the Lord for a wave offering, was the Lord's, and so was given to his priests to eat of, for the service done by them, it being but reasonable that they that s…
This verse highlights that the priestly portion wasn't just taken, it was given by God, emphasizing that those who serve Him are supported by His provision, not by human merit. It shows God's design for His ministers to be sustained by the very offerings dedicated to Him, a principle that underscores the sacred trust involved.
This passage is part of the detailed instructions for priests regarding the handling and distribution of sacrificial offerings, specifically the peace offering. Following the earlier commands about what parts of various offerings were designated for the priests, these verses clarify the specific portions belonging to Aaron and his sons. The fat is burned as God's portion, while the breast, after being waved before the Lord, becomes the priests' due, ensuring their sustenance from the sacrifices they served.
This passage is part of the detailed instructions for priests regarding the handling and distribution of sacrificial offerings, specifically the peace offering. Following the earlier commands about what parts of various offerings were designated for the priests, these verses clarify the specific portions belonging to Aaron and his sons. The fat is burned as God's portion, while the breast, after being waved before the Lord, becomes the priests' due, ensuring their sustenance from the sacrifices they served.
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The Heave Offering (Shoulder)
These ritualistic movements weren't just religious theatre. They were vital acts of worship, reminding both the priests and the people that all sustenance and service ultimately came from God and were dedicated to Him.
"The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons." — This verse highlights that the priestly portion wasn't just taken, it was given by God, emphasizing that those who serve Him are supported by His provision, not by human merit. It shows God's des…
