Leviticus 7:14 is part of the instructions for the peace offering (also sometimes called the fellowship offering). Let's break down what it means:
"Of it he shall offer one out of each offering...": "It" refers to the peace offering. The person bringing the offering is instructed to select one portion from each of the different kinds of bread or cakes offered with the animal sacrifice. Peace offerings weren't just meat; they were accompanied by unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes of fine flour well mixed with oil (see Leviticus 7:12).
"...for a heave offering to Yahweh.": This selected portion is designated as a "heave offering." A heave offering was typically lifted up before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of dedication. It's a way of acknowledging that everything comes from God.
"It shall be the priest’s who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings.": This is the key to understanding the verse's purpose. The heave offering (the portion of bread/cakes) becomes the rightful property of the priest who performed the sacrificial ritual. The priest earned this portion because they were the ones responsible for sprinkling the blood of the animal sacrifice onto the altar. This act of sprinkling blood was crucial for atonement and reconciliation.
In simpler terms:
When someone brings a peace offering, along with the animal, they also bring different types of bread or cakes. Out of each type of bread or cake, they must select one portion to give as a special "heave offering" to God. This heave offering then becomes the priest's food/portion as payment for performing the sacrifice, specifically for sprinkling the blood of the animal.
Why is this important?
Supporting the Priesthood: The peace offering was a voluntary offering (unlike the sin offering, which was required). The portion given to the priest was one way to support them and their service to the community. The priests had specific duties related to the temple and sacrifices, and they relied on these portions as part of their sustenance.
Sharing the Blessing: The peace offering was a communal meal. The offerer and their family could eat part of the sacrificed animal. This symbolized fellowship with God and with others. The priest's portion was part of that shared blessing.
Order and Structure: This verse provides a specific instruction within the sacrificial system, ensuring that the process is followed correctly and that the priests are properly provided for.
Symbolic Act: The "heave offering" symbolizes that all things come from and belong to God. By offering a portion back to God, through the priest, the offerer acknowledges God's ownership and blessing.
Leviticus 7:14 is part of the instructions for the peace offering (also sometimes called the fellowship offering). Let's break down what it means:
"Of it he shall offer one out of each offering...": "It" refers to the peace offering. The person bringing the offering is instructed to select one portion from each of the different kinds of bread or cakes offered with the animal sacrifice. Peace offerings weren't just meat; they were accompanied by unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes of fine flour well mixed with oil (see Leviticus 7:12).
"...for a heave offering to Yahweh.": This selected portion is designated as a "heave offering." A heave offering was typically lifted up before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of dedication. It's a way of acknowledging that everything comes from God.
"It shall be the priest’s who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings.": This is the key to understanding the verse's purpose. The heave offering (the portion of bread/cakes) becomes the rightful property of the priest who performed the sacrificial ritual. The priest earned this portion because they were the ones responsible for sprinkling the blood of the animal sacrifice onto the altar. This act of sprinkling blood was crucial for atonement and reconciliation.
In simpler terms:
When someone brings a peace offering, along with the animal, they also bring different types of bread or cakes. Out of each type of bread or cake, they must select one portion to give as a special "heave offering" to God. This heave offering then becomes the priest's food/portion as payment for performing the sacrifice, specifically for sprinkling the blood of the animal.
Why is this important?
Supporting the Priesthood: The peace offering was a voluntary offering (unlike the sin offering, which was required). The portion given to the priest was one way to support them and their service to the community. The priests had specific duties related to the temple and sacrifices, and they relied on these portions as part of their sustenance.
Sharing the Blessing: The peace offering was a communal meal. The offerer and their family could eat part of the sacrificed animal. This symbolized fellowship with God and with others. The priest's portion was part of that shared blessing.
Order and Structure: This verse provides a specific instruction within the sacrificial system, ensuring that the process is followed correctly and that the priests are properly provided for.
Symbolic Act: The "heave offering" symbolizes that all things come from and belong to God. By offering a portion back to God, through the priest, the offerer acknowledges God's ownership and blessing.