1 “This is the law of the guilt offering. It is most holy.”
2 In the place where they kill the burnt offering they shall kill the guilt offering, and its blood shall be thrown against the sides of the altar.
3 And all its fat he shall offer from it: the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,
4 Then he shall offer from it all its fat; the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,
5 Then the priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering with a pleasing aroma. All fat is the Lord’s.
6 Every male among the priests may eat of it. It shall be eaten in a holy place. It is most holy.
7 The guilt offering is just like the sin offering; there is one law for them. The priest who makes atonement with it shall have it.
8 And the priest who offers any man’s burnt offering shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering that he has offered.
9 And every grain offering baked in the oven and all that is prepared in a pan or on a griddle shall belong to the priest who offers it.
10 But the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed you shall eat in a clean place, you and your sons and your daughters with you, for they are given as your due and your sons’ due from the sacrifices of the peace offerings of the people of Israel.
11 “And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings that one may offer to the Lord.
12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the thanksgiving sacrifice unleavened loaves mixed with oil, unleavened wafers smeared with oil, and loaves of fine flour well mixed with oil.
13 With the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving, he shall bring his offering with loaves of leavened bread.
14 And of it he shall offer one from each offering, as a food offering to the Lord.
15 And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten on the day of his offering.
16 But if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow offering or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offers his sacrifice, and on the next day what remains of it shall be eaten.
17 But what remains of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burned up with fire.
18 If any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offering is eaten on the third day, he who offers it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be credited to him. It is tainted, and he who eats of it shall bear his iniquity.
19 “And the flesh that touches any unclean thing shall not be eaten. It shall be burned up with fire. All who are clean may eat flesh,”
20 If anyone who is unclean eats of the flesh of the sacrifice of the Lord that is offered as a food offering to the Lord, that person shall be cut off from his people.
21 And if anyone touches an unclean thing, whether human uncleanness or an unclean beast or any unclean detestable creature, and then eats some flesh from the sacrifice of the Lord’s peace offerings, that person shall be cut off from his people.
22 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
23 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, You shall eat no fat, of ox or sheep or goat.
24 And the fat of an animal that dies of itself and the fat of one that is torn by beasts may be put to any other use, but on no account shall you eat it.
25 For anyone who eats the fat of an animal of which a food offering may be made to the Lord shall be cut off from his people.
26 Moreover, you shall eat no blood whatever, whether of fowl or of animal, in any of your dwelling places.
27 Whoever eats blood, that person shall be cut off from his people.
28 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
29 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, ‘Whoever offers the sacrifice of his peace offerings to the Lord shall bring his offering to the Lord from the sacrifice of his peace offerings.
30 His own hands shall bring the Lord’s food offerings. He shall bring the fat with the breast, that the breast may be waved as a wave offering before the Lord.
31 And the priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be for Aaron and his sons.
32 And the right thigh you shall give to the priest as a contribution from the sacrifice of your peace offerings.
33 Whoever among the sons of Aaron offers the blood of the peace offerings and the fat shall have the right thigh for a portion.
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.
35 This is the portion of Aaron and of his sons from the Lord’s food offerings, in the day when they were presented to serve as priests of the Lord.
36 On the eighth day he shall bring them to the priest to offer them to the Lord before the Lord; then the priest shall offer them, the grain offering and the drink offering.
37 This is the law of the burnt offering, of the grain offering, of the sin offering, of the guilt offering, of the ordination offering, and of the peace offering,
38 which the Lord commanded Moses on Mount Sinai, on the day that he commanded the people of Israel to bring their offerings to the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai.
The True Meaning of Leviticus 7
The book of Leviticus was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Leviticus, as the second book in the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Bible, provides detailed instructions on the laws and rituals that God established for the Israelites to follow. The people were required to make various offerings and sacrifices to the Lord, and we will explore them in this chapter. These offerings were an essential part of the Israelites’ worship and their relationship with God. We will see how the different types of offerings, such as the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the sin offering, were to be presented and the specific instructions for each one.
The chapter also touches on the role of the priests in the sacrificial system, highlighting their responsibilities in handling the offerings and making atonement for the people. This aligns with the instructions given in Exodus 29, where God establishes the priesthood and the duties of the priests. As we delve into this chapter, we will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of obedience and reverence in the Israelites’ worship of the Lord. These principles are echoed throughout the Scriptures, such as in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, where Moses reminds the people to “fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Leviticus 7:1-10
Leviticus 7:1-10 focuses on the guilt offering, explaining the procedure and regulations surrounding it. The guilt offering was a sacrifice required when someone had sinned unintentionally against the Lord, in a way that required restitution to be made. It was distinct from the sin offering which was for sins committed unknowingly, without the need for restitution. The guilt offering was also different from the burnt and peace offerings.
The passage lays out the specific instructions for the guilt offering, emphasizing the importance of following these rituals precisely. It details the portions that belong to the priests, outlining that the breast of the animal was to be waved before the Lord and then given to the priest, while the right thigh was to be given as a contribution. This underscores the significance of the priestly role in mediating between the people and God, as well as highlighting the value of honoring God with the best portions of one’s possessions.
One significant aspect of this passage is the attention to detail and the importance placed on obedience to God’s commands. The Israelites were demonstrating their reverence for the Lord and their willingness to submit to His authority by following these instructions meticulously. This obedience was a reflection of their faith and acknowledgment of God’s holiness.
The concept of restitution and making amends for wrong actions is a timeless message that resonates throughout the Bible. The guilt offering served not only as a way to seek forgiveness from God but also to restore what was taken or lost from another person. It teaches us the importance of taking responsibility for our actions, seeking reconciliation, and making things right with those we have wronged. Psalm 51:16-17 says, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.” My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise,” we see the emphasis on true repentance and a humble heart before God. The outward act of offering a sacrifice was meant to be accompanied by inner repentance and a genuine desire to turn back to God. God established the intricate system of offerings and sacrifices in Leviticus 7:1-10 to maintain a relationship with His people and to provide a way for atonement and reconciliation. The principles of obedience, restitution, and genuine repentance conveyed in this passage continue to hold relevance for believers today, reminding us of the importance of approaching God with reverence, humility, and a sincere heart.
Leviticus 7:11-21
The focus in Leviticus 7:11-21 is on the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering. This particular sacrifice was a voluntary offering made to express gratitude, devotion, or to fulfill a vow. Unlike the sin and guilt offerings which were mandatory in certain situations, the peace offering was a way for the Israelites to strengthen their relationship with God through joyful celebration and communal meals.
The passage begins by detailing the offering itself, emphasizing the specific ways it was to be prepared and presented to the Lord. The animal, whether from the herd or flock, was to be brought to the tabernacle, presented at the entrance, and slaughtered by the offeror. The blood of the animal was then sprinkled on the altar, representing atonement and reconciliation with God.
One interesting aspect of the peace offering was that it involved both the Lord, the priests, and the worshipper. The fat portions of the animal, along with various organs, were to be burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, symbolizing the worshipper’s dedication and thankfulness to God. The breast and right thigh, however, were designated for the priests as their portion, highlighting the communal aspect of the sacrifice. This sharing of the meal among the priests and the offeror symbolized unity and fellowship within the community of believers.
Furthermore, this passage underscores the importance of consuming the meat of the peace offering on the same day it was sacrificed. Any leftovers were to be burnt up, ensuring that nothing was left to waste. This requirement not only emphasized the freshness and immediacy of the fellowship meal but also reinforced the idea of wholehearted dedication and commitment to God. We can draw timeless lessons that are relevant to our lives today as we reflect on this passage. The concept of the peace offering reminds us of the importance of expressing gratitude to God, not out of obligation, but out of a sincere desire to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him. We are called to give God our firstfruits and our best efforts in everything we do, just as the Israelites offered their best to the Lord (Proverbs 3:9). The fellowship meal served as a symbol of unity and community, illustrating the importance of coming together in worship and sharing in God’s abundant blessings with one another (1 Corinthians 10:17). Leviticus 7:11-21 sheds light on the significance of the peace offering as a voluntary act of worship and thanksgiving. It encourages us to approach God with a grateful heart, to share in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to honor God by offering Him our best in all aspects of our lives.
Leviticus 7:22-27
Key points in Leviticus 7:22-27 are important to break down and understand deeply. This section addresses the consumption of meat that was sacrificed as part of a peace offering to the Lord. The verses specify that the fat of animals from such offerings should not be eaten, as it is considered to be the Lord’s portion. This prohibition against consuming fat is repeated multiple times in the book of Leviticus and serves as a clear instruction to the Israelites regarding how they were to honor God with their sacrifices.
Fat was often seen as the best part of the animal in ancient cultures, and by abstaining from consuming it in the context of sacrifices, the Israelites were demonstrating their reverence for God and acknowledging His authority over all things, including the best portions of their livestock. This act of not eating the fat can be seen as an act of obedience and submission to God’s commands.
It is essential to note that the act of sacrifice itself was significant in ancient Israelite culture. Sacrifices were made to atone for sins, express thanksgiving, or seek God’s favor. The peace offering, in particular, was a voluntary offering that symbolized fellowship and communion with God. The Israelites were not only following legal requirements but also participating in a sacred act that reinforced their relationship with the divine by adhering to the stipulations outlined in Leviticus 7 regarding the proper handling of sacrificial meat. The text emphasizes that anyone who eats the fat from a peace offering would be cut off from their people, and the consequences for disregarding these instructions were severe. Being “cut off” in the context of Leviticus typically refers to being excommunicated from the community of Israel, which was a serious penalty for failing to adhere to the covenant laws established by God. This underscores the importance of obedience and adherence to the regulations set forth in Leviticus, as they were designed to purify and sanctify the Israelites as a chosen people set apart for God’s purposes. The theme of obedience to God’s commands runs consistently throughout both the Old and New Testaments in the broader narrative of the Bible. This principle of obedience is encapsulated in Jesus’ words in John 14:15 where he says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” This verse reinforces the idea that obedience is an integral aspect of the believer’s relationship with God, just as it was for the ancient Israelites. The regulations outlined in Leviticus served as a means of shaping the Israelites’ identity as a holy nation and cultivating their faithfulness to God amidst a surrounding culture that often embraced idolatry and immorality.
Leviticus 7:28-38
The continuation of instructions regarding the offerings to the Lord can be seen in Leviticus 7:28-38. This passage emphasizes the importance of not eating any fat or blood, as these were reserved as offerings to God. The prohibition against consuming blood is reiterated here, as it was in previous verses, emphasizing the sacred nature of blood in the Israelite culture and the need to honor God by following His commands.
One significant aspect of this passage is the concept of gratitude and thanksgiving. The offerings mentioned in these verses were often brought by the people as a way of expressing thankfulness to God for His provision and blessings. The Israelites were demonstrating their acknowledgment that all good things come from the Lord and showing their gratitude for His provision in their lives by offering the fat and blood to Him. This act of offering also served as a way to bring the people closer to God and reinforce their faith and trust in Him.
The specific instructions provided in Leviticus 7:28-38 regarding the offering of sacrifices are in line with the broader theme of obedience and reverence for God found throughout the Bible. The Israelites were instructed to follow these guidelines meticulously, as a way of demonstrating their commitment to God and their desire to live according to His will. This attention to detail in following God’s commandments reflected the importance of living a holy and set-apart life, separate from the practices of the surrounding pagan cultures. We, as Christians, can learn the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving in our own lives from these verses. We are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices in worship to God, just as the Israelites were called to offer sacrifices to Him in acknowledgment of His provision (Romans 12:1). Our response to God’s blessings should be one of gratitude and thanksgiving, expressed not only through our words but also through our actions and obedience to His commands. Leviticus 7:28-38 serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, gratitude, and reverence in our relationship with God. We can see a model for how we should approach God with thankfulness and honor in all aspects of our lives by following the instructions given to the Israelites regarding offerings.
After Leviticus 7
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “This is the law of the guilt offering. It is most holy. They shall kill the guilt offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering, and they shall throw its blood against the sides of the altar. And all its fat shall be offered, the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails, the two kidneys with the fat that is on them at the loins, and the long lobe of the liver that he shall remove with the kidneys. The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering to the Lord. It is a guilt offering.”
The reverend continued, solemnly reflecting on the gravity of the guilt offering. This sacred ritual served as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for atonement. The people witnessed the blood being thrown against the altar, confronting them with the weight of their transgressions and the costly price required for forgiveness. The burning of the fat and organs on the altar symbolized the complete surrender of the individual to the Lord, a humbling act of repentance and submission. This chapter lays the foundation for the next, where we will explore the intricate details of the sin offering and the profound impact it had on the lives of the Israelites.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.