Leviticus 7:34 - For the waved breast and the heaved thigh I have taken from the children of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons as their portion forever from the children of Israel.’”

Generated Verse: Leviticus 7:34

What does "Leviticus 7:34" mean?


Leviticus 7:34 is part of the instructions regarding peace offerings in the Old Testament law. To understand it, we need to break down the context:

Peace Offerings (Shelamim): These were offerings made to God, often accompanied by a communal meal. They expressed thanksgiving, fellowship, and a desire for peace with God. Part of the offering was burned on the altar, part was eaten by the priest and his family, and part was eaten by the offerer and their family/friends.

"Waved Breast" and "Heaved Thigh": These terms describe specific portions of the peace offering that were designated for the priests. The "waved breast" likely refers to the breast portion of the animal, which was waved (moved back and forth) before the altar. The "heaved thigh" likely refers to the right thigh, which was heaved (lifted up) before the altar. These actions may have been symbolic, dedicating these portions to God before giving them to the priests.

"Aaron the Priest and to his Sons": This indicates that these specific portions of the peace offering were assigned to the priestly family as their due for their service in the tabernacle/temple.

"Their Portion Forever": This specifies that this was a permanent provision for the priests, not a one-time gift. It was their right to receive these portions from the peace offerings brought by the Israelites.

In essence, the verse means:

God has designated the waved breast and the heaved thigh of the peace offerings as the specific portions that belong to Aaron and his sons (the priests). This is a permanent provision for them from the sacrifices made by the people of Israel.

Significance:

Provision for the Priesthood: This law provided a means of support for the priests, who were dedicated to serving God and the community. They did not have land or other means of income, so the offerings were essential for their livelihood.
Role of the Priests: It highlights the importance of the priests as intermediaries between God and the people. They performed the sacrifices and received a portion as a symbol of their service.
God's Ownership: The waving and heaving rituals indicated that these portions were first presented to God, acknowledging His ownership before being given to the priests.
Systematic Approach to Worship: It reveals the detailed and systematic nature of the sacrificial system established by God in the Old Testament.