Leviticus 7:34
For the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed I have taken from the people of Israel, out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons, as a perpetual due from the people of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" weren't just random pieces; they were specifically chosen to symbolize the heart and strength needed to serve God. This ordinance, lasting "for ever," points to a permanent reality of God's provision for His servants and the dedication He requires from us.
This verse concludes a section detailing the specific portions of the peace offering that belong to the priests. After explaining how the sacrifice is to be performed and what parts are dedicated to God or burned, this passage clarifies the lasting entitlement of Aaron and his sons to the "wave breast" and "heave shoulder." These designated parts, signifying priestly compensation, were to be perpetually given to them from the Israelites' sacrifices.
Ever wonder how God ensures His people are cared for? This verse reveals a specific way God provided for His priests.
In the intricate system of Israelite worship, the peace offerings weren't just for the people to share their joy with God. Specific parts—the 'wave breast' and the 'heave shoulder'—were designated for the priests. This wasn't an arbitrary selection; it was a divine ordinance, a 'perpetual due' from the people to their spiritual leaders. This provision was a tangible reminder that those who served at God's altar were meant to be supported by the very community they served. It established a lasting principle of sustenance for ministry.
Why these specific parts? The breast and shoulder carried profound symbolic meaning pointing beyond the physical.
The 'wave breast' and 'heave shoulder' were not just random cuts of meat. The breast, where the heart is, traditionally symbolized wisdom, thought, and emotion. The shoulder represented strength and the ability to act. When these parts were 'waved' (symbolizing God's sovereignty over the whole earth) and 'heaved' (symbolizing God's elevation to heaven), they pointed to the ideal qualities of service. These were meant to remind the priests, and ultimately us, that true service to God requires wisdom and strength, reflecting the very nature of Christ, our ultimate High Priest.
Understand the original words
nuph · Hebrew Verb
A ritual gesture where the offering was moved back and forth before the Lord to signify presenting it to Him, before it was then received by the priest for consumption.
chuqqah olam · Hebrew Noun phrase
Something lasting indefinitely; a statute or law intended to continue throughout the generations of Israel.
This passage draws a direct parallel, arguing that those who serve at the altar (priests) and those who serve the gospel should live from the gospel, echoing the principle of the priests receiving a portion of the sacrifices for their service.
Hebrews 5:1This verse highlights the role of the Levitical priests, who were chosen from among men to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins, connecting to the Old Testament system where specific portions of sacrifices were designated for their sustenance and service.
Exodus 29:27This verse explicitly details the ordinance of the wave breast and heave shoulder being consecrated and waved before the Lord, and given to the priests, reinforcing the specific ritual mentioned in Leviticus 7:34.
Numbers 18:8-10This passage further establishes the perpetual rights of the priests and Levites to portions of the offerings, including the peace offerings, ensuring their livelihood as they served the people and God.
gillLeviticus 7:34: "For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel."
For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel,.... These two parts were particularly pitched upon and selected: from off the sacrifices of their peace offering; the rest being allowed the owners,…
jfbLeviticus 7:28-38: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Le 7:28-38. The Priests' Portion.
The "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" weren't just random pieces; they were specifically chosen to symbolize the heart and strength needed to serve God. This ordinance, lasting "for ever," points to a permanent reality of God's provision for His servants and the dedication He requires from us.
This verse concludes a section detailing the specific portions of the peace offering that belong to the priests. After explaining how the sacrifice is to be performed and what parts are dedicated to God or burned, this passage clarifies the lasting entitlement of Aaron and his sons to the "wave breast" and "heave shoulder." These designated parts, signifying priestly compensation, were to be perpetually given to them from the Israelites' sacrifices.
This verse concludes a section detailing the specific portions of the peace offering that belong to the priests. After explaining how the sacrifice is to be performed and what parts are dedicated to God or burned, this passage clarifies the lasting entitlement of Aaron and his sons to the "wave breast" and "heave shoulder." These designated parts, signifying priestly compensation, were to be perpetually given to them from the Israelites' sacrifices.
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"For the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed I have taken from the people of Israel, out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons, as a perpetual due from the peo…" — The "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" weren't just random pieces; they were specifically chosen to symbolize the heart and strength needed to serve God. This ordinance, lasting "for ever," points to…
