Leviticus 7:31 - The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’.
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What does "Leviticus 7:31" mean?
This verse, Leviticus 7:31, is part of the instructions for the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering) in the Old Testament. Let's break down what it means:
"The priest shall burn the fat on the altar..." The fat (specifically the suet, the hard fat around the internal organs) was considered the best part of the animal and was offered to God. Burning it on the altar symbolized a sacrifice and a pleasing aroma to God. This signified a devotion to God, as the best of the offering was given to him.
"...but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’." After the fat was offered to God, certain parts of the animal, including the breast, belonged to the priests (Aaron and his sons, and by extension, all the priests who served after them). The breast was given to the priests as their portion, serving as food for them and their families. This was part of their provision since they dedicated their lives to serving in the tabernacle/temple.
In essence, this verse outlines the distribution of the peace offering:
1. God receives the best portion (the fat) as a sacrifice.
2. The priests receive a portion (the breast) as their provision.
Symbolic Significance:
Beyond the literal instructions, some scholars believe that the peace offering and the distribution of its parts had symbolic meaning:
The offering as a whole represents fellowship and peace between God and the people, and among the people themselves.
God's portion (the fat) signifies His acceptance and blessing of the offering.
The priest's portion (the breast) may symbolize the priest's close relationship with God and their role as mediators between God and the people. The breast, close to the heart, could represent their devotion and care for the people.
The remaining portion of the animal was eaten by the one who offered the sacrifice and their family and friends, fostering fellowship and sharing.
In summary, Leviticus 7:31 describes how the peace offering was divided, with the fat burned on the altar for God and the breast given to the priests for their sustenance, signifying God's acceptance and the priest's role in the sacrificial system.
Leviticus 7:31 - The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’.
What does "Leviticus 7:31" mean?
This verse, Leviticus 7:31, is part of the instructions for the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering) in the Old Testament. Let's break down what it means:
"The priest shall burn the fat on the altar..." The fat (specifically the suet, the hard fat around the internal organs) was considered the best part of the animal and was offered to God. Burning it on the altar symbolized a sacrifice and a pleasing aroma to God. This signified a devotion to God, as the best of the offering was given to him.
"...but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’." After the fat was offered to God, certain parts of the animal, including the breast, belonged to the priests (Aaron and his sons, and by extension, all the priests who served after them). The breast was given to the priests as their portion, serving as food for them and their families. This was part of their provision since they dedicated their lives to serving in the tabernacle/temple.
In essence, this verse outlines the distribution of the peace offering:
1. God receives the best portion (the fat) as a sacrifice.
2. The priests receive a portion (the breast) as their provision.
Symbolic Significance:
Beyond the literal instructions, some scholars believe that the peace offering and the distribution of its parts had symbolic meaning:
The offering as a whole represents fellowship and peace between God and the people, and among the people themselves.
God's portion (the fat) signifies His acceptance and blessing of the offering.
The priest's portion (the breast) may symbolize the priest's close relationship with God and their role as mediators between God and the people. The breast, close to the heart, could represent their devotion and care for the people.
The remaining portion of the animal was eaten by the one who offered the sacrifice and their family and friends, fostering fellowship and sharing.
In summary, Leviticus 7:31 describes how the peace offering was divided, with the fat burned on the altar for God and the breast given to the priests for their sustenance, signifying God's acceptance and the priest's role in the sacrificial system.