This verse is part of the instructions for the peace offering in the book of Leviticus in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It describes specific parts of the animal that were to be offered to God, specifically burned on the altar.
Here's a breakdown of what each part of the verse refers to and the likely significance:
"the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins": The kidneys and the fat surrounding them were considered choice parts of the animal. The loins are the area around the lower back.
"and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, shall he take away": This refers to the lobe or appendage of the liver, often the fatty or membranous portion. It was removed along with the kidneys and their fat.
Meaning and Significance:
Offering the Best: The act of offering these specific parts (kidneys, fat, liver covering) is understood as offering the best and richest portions of the animal to God. Fat, in particular, was considered a delicacy and representative of abundance.
Symbolic Cleansing: Some scholars believe that the kidneys, as organs of purification, might have held a symbolic association with cleansing and dedicating the worshiper's inner being to God.
Communion and Atonement: The peace offering was a voluntary offering made for various reasons, including thanksgiving, fellowship, and vows. By sacrificing these specific parts, the offerer sought to establish or maintain a peaceful relationship with God and find atonement for sins.
In summary, Leviticus 7:4 describes a specific ritual act within the peace offering, where choice parts of the animal (kidneys, surrounding fat, and liver covering) were dedicated to God, symbolizing devotion, atonement, and a desire for a harmonious relationship with the divine.
This verse is part of the instructions for the peace offering in the book of Leviticus in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It describes specific parts of the animal that were to be offered to God, specifically burned on the altar.
Here's a breakdown of what each part of the verse refers to and the likely significance:
"the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins": The kidneys and the fat surrounding them were considered choice parts of the animal. The loins are the area around the lower back.
"and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, shall he take away": This refers to the lobe or appendage of the liver, often the fatty or membranous portion. It was removed along with the kidneys and their fat.
Meaning and Significance:
Offering the Best: The act of offering these specific parts (kidneys, fat, liver covering) is understood as offering the best and richest portions of the animal to God. Fat, in particular, was considered a delicacy and representative of abundance.
Symbolic Cleansing: Some scholars believe that the kidneys, as organs of purification, might have held a symbolic association with cleansing and dedicating the worshiper's inner being to God.
Communion and Atonement: The peace offering was a voluntary offering made for various reasons, including thanksgiving, fellowship, and vows. By sacrificing these specific parts, the offerer sought to establish or maintain a peaceful relationship with God and find atonement for sins.
In summary, Leviticus 7:4 describes a specific ritual act within the peace offering, where choice parts of the animal (kidneys, surrounding fat, and liver covering) were dedicated to God, symbolizing devotion, atonement, and a desire for a harmonious relationship with the divine.