Leviticus 7 Study Notes
General
What did 7:26-27 forbid the Israelites to eat wherever they lived?
Answer: Blood, whether from birds or animals
God forbade eating blood from birds or animals wherever Israel lived, on penalty of being cut off (7:26-27). Leviticus later explains why: the life of a creature is in its blood, and God gave blood on the altar to make atonement (Leviticus 17:11). The ban goes back to God's word to Noah (Genesis 9:4). Blood was reserved for God because forgiveness requires blood to be shed (Hebrews 9:22), a requirement fully met in the blood of Christ.
- Leviticus 7:26-27 (BSB)“You must not eat the blood of any bird or animal in any of your dwellings. If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people.’””Israel must not eat blood from birds or animals anywhere they live, on pain of being cut off.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”The life is in the blood, and God gave blood on the altar to make atonement.
- Genesis 9:4 (BSB)“But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.”The ban on eating meat with its lifeblood goes back to God's word to Noah.
- Hebrews 9:22 (BSB)“According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”Under the law, forgiveness came only through the shedding of blood, which points to Christ.
Theological
What dietary prohibition does 7:26-27 impose throughout Israel's dwellings?
Answer: Blood, whether from birds or animals
Blood from any bird or beast is forbidden as food in all Israel's dwellings, on pain of being cut off (7:26-27). Its rationale is given in 17:11: life resides in blood, and God has assigned it to the altar for atonement (Leviticus 17:11). The prohibition antedates Sinai in the Noahic command (Genesis 9:4). Blood is reserved to God because remission of sins requires blood to be shed (Hebrews 9:22), fulfilled in the blood of Christ.
- Leviticus 7:26-27 (BSB)“You must not eat the blood of any bird or animal in any of your dwellings. If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people.’””Israel must not eat blood from birds or animals anywhere they live, on pain of being cut off.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”The life is in the blood, and God gave blood on the altar to make atonement.
- Genesis 9:4 (BSB)“But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.”The ban on eating meat with its lifeblood goes back to God's word to Noah.
- Hebrews 9:22 (BSB)“According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”Under the law, forgiveness came only through the shedding of blood, which points to Christ.
General
Which part of a peace offering went to the particular priest who presented its blood and fat (7:32-33)?
Answer: The right thigh
Once the fat had been burned on the altar, the breast belonged to the priests as a group (7:31), while the right thigh was given as a contribution (a portion set aside for God and given to the priest) to the particular priest who presented the blood and the fat (7:32-33). God had already named these two portions as a regular share for Aaron's family in His instructions for the priests' ordination (Exodus 29:27-28), and Numbers confirms that they belong to the priests (Numbers 18:18).
- Leviticus 7:31-33 (BSB)“The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. And you are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion.”The fat is burned, the breast goes to Aaron and his sons, and the right thigh goes to the priest who presents the blood and fat.
- Exodus 29:27-28 (BSB)“Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the heave offering that is lifted up from the ram of ordination. This will belong to Aaron and his sons as a regular portion from the Israelites, for it is the heave offering the Israelites will make to the LORD from their peace offerings.”In the ordination instructions, God designates the waved breast and lifted thigh as a regular share for Aaron and his sons from Israel's peace offerings.
- Numbers 18:18 (BSB)“And their meat belongs to you, just as the breast and right thigh of the wave offering belong to you.”Numbers confirms that the breast and right thigh belong to the priests.
Theological
According to 7:32-33, which part of a peace offering is assigned to the priest presenting its blood and fat?
Answer: The right thigh
The fat is burned, the breast becomes the common portion of the Aaronic priests (7:31), and the right thigh is the contribution assigned to the individual priest presenting the blood and the fat (7:32-33). These portions were first designated as a regular priestly share in the ordination instructions (Exodus 29:27-28) and are reaffirmed as priestly dues in Numbers 18:18.
- Leviticus 7:31-33 (BSB)“The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. And you are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion.”The fat is burned, the breast goes to Aaron and his sons, and the right thigh goes to the priest who presents the blood and fat.
- Exodus 29:27-28 (BSB)“Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the heave offering that is lifted up from the ram of ordination. This will belong to Aaron and his sons as a regular portion from the Israelites, for it is the heave offering the Israelites will make to the LORD from their peace offerings.”In the ordination instructions, God designates the waved breast and lifted thigh as a regular share for Aaron and his sons from Israel's peace offerings.
- Numbers 18:18 (BSB)“And their meat belongs to you, just as the breast and right thigh of the wave offering belong to you.”Numbers confirms that the breast and right thigh belong to the priests.
General
True or False: When a priest offered someone's burnt offering, the animal's hide belonged to that priest (7:8).
Answer: True
This is true. A burnt offering (an offering wholly burned on the altar) was skinned before it was cut up (Leviticus 1:6), and all the rest was burned on the altar (Leviticus 1:9). The hide, however, went to the officiating priest (7:8). Even the offering that went entirely up in smoke provided something for the one serving at the altar.
- Leviticus 7:8 (BSB)“As for the priest who presents a burnt offering for anyone, the hide of that offering belongs to him.”The priest who presents someone's burnt offering keeps its hide.
- Leviticus 1:6 (BSB)“Next, he is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces.”The burnt offering was skinned before being cut into pieces.
- Leviticus 1:9 (BSB)“The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”The rest of the burnt offering was burned entirely on the altar.
Theological
True or False: According to 7:8, the hide of a burnt offering goes to the officiating priest.
Answer: True
This is true. The burnt offering was flayed before being cut up (Leviticus 1:6), and everything else was consumed on the altar (Leviticus 1:9), but the hide was assigned to the officiating priest (7:8). Even the whole burnt offering, given entirely to God, made provision for the one ministering at the altar.
- Leviticus 7:8 (BSB)“As for the priest who presents a burnt offering for anyone, the hide of that offering belongs to him.”The priest who presents someone's burnt offering keeps its hide.
- Leviticus 1:6 (BSB)“Next, he is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces.”The burnt offering was skinned before being cut into pieces.
- Leviticus 1:9 (BSB)“The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”The rest of the burnt offering was burned entirely on the altar.
General
True or False: Fat from an ox, sheep, or goat that was found dead or torn by wild animals could be used for other purposes, though it was not to be eaten (7:23-24).
Answer: True
This is true. Israelites were not to eat the fat of oxen, sheep, or goats (7:23). The fat of such an animal that was found dead or torn by wild animals could be put to other uses, but it still could not be eaten (7:24). Eating fat from an animal fit for sacrifice brought the penalty of being cut off (7:25). The fat belonged to God as His portion on the altar (Leviticus 3:16-17), which is why the sons of Eli sinned so seriously when they demanded meat before the fat had been burned (1 Samuel 2:15-16).
- Leviticus 7:23-25 (BSB)““Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat. The fat of an animal found dead or mauled by wild beasts may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it. If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which a food offering may be presented to the LORD, the one who eats it must be cut off from his people.”Israelites may not eat the fat of an ox, sheep, or goat; fat from a carcass may be used otherwise, and eating sacrificial fat brings being cut off.
- Leviticus 3:16-17 (BSB)“Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.””All the fat is the LORD's, and Israel must never eat fat or blood.
- 1 Samuel 2:15-16 (BSB)“Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!””Eli's sons showed contempt by taking meat before the LORD's fat had been burned.
Theological
True or False: According to 7:23-24, fat from an ox, sheep, or goat that was found dead or torn by beasts could be used for other purposes but not eaten.
Answer: True
This is true. The fat of oxen, sheep, and goats is forbidden as food (7:23); fat from a carcass found dead or torn by beasts may serve other uses but may not be eaten (7:24), and eating the fat of a sacrificial species incurs being cut off (7:25). The prohibition rests on the fat's being the LORD's portion (Leviticus 3:16-17), which is what made the conduct of Eli's sons, who seized meat before the fat had gone up in smoke, so grave (1 Samuel 2:15-16).
- Leviticus 7:23-25 (BSB)““Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat. The fat of an animal found dead or mauled by wild beasts may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it. If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which a food offering may be presented to the LORD, the one who eats it must be cut off from his people.”Israelites may not eat the fat of an ox, sheep, or goat; fat from a carcass may be used otherwise, and eating sacrificial fat brings being cut off.
- Leviticus 3:16-17 (BSB)“Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.””All the fat is the LORD's, and Israel must never eat fat or blood.
- 1 Samuel 2:15-16 (BSB)“Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!””Eli's sons showed contempt by taking meat before the LORD's fat had been burned.
General
According to 7:9-10, who received a cooked grain offering, whether from oven, pan, or griddle?
Answer: The priest who presented it
The text draws a distinction. A cooked grain offering, whether from an oven, a pan, or a griddle (the kinds described in Leviticus 2:4-5, 7), went to the individual priest who presented it (7:9). A dry grain offering, or one mixed with oil, was shared equally among all of Aaron's sons (7:10). Both arrangements kept the priests supplied from the offerings God had assigned to them.
- Leviticus 7:9-10 (BSB)“Likewise, every grain offering that is baked in an oven or cooked in a pan or on a griddle belongs to the priest who presents it, and every grain offering, whether dry or mixed with oil, belongs equally to all the sons of Aaron.”Cooked grain offerings go to the priest who presents them; dry or oil-mixed ones are shared equally among Aaron's sons.
- Leviticus 2:4-5 (BSB)“Now if you bring an offering of grain baked in an oven, it must consist of fine flour, either unleavened cakes mixed with oil or unleavened wafers coated with oil. If your offering is a grain offering prepared on a griddle, it must be unleavened bread made of fine flour mixed with oil.”Describes the grain offerings baked in an oven or prepared on a griddle.
- Leviticus 2:7 (BSB)“If your offering is a grain offering cooked in a pan, it must consist of fine flour with oil.”Describes the grain offering cooked in a pan.
Theological
To whom does 7:9 assign a cooked grain offering, whether from oven, pan, or griddle?
Answer: The officiating priest
Cooked grain offerings, the oven, pan, and griddle forms legislated in Leviticus 2:4-5, 7, belong to the officiating priest (7:9), whereas those that are dry or oil-mixed are distributed equally among all Aaron's sons (7:10). Both arrangements provided for the priesthood from the offerings God assigned to it.
- Leviticus 7:9-10 (BSB)“Likewise, every grain offering that is baked in an oven or cooked in a pan or on a griddle belongs to the priest who presents it, and every grain offering, whether dry or mixed with oil, belongs equally to all the sons of Aaron.”Cooked grain offerings go to the priest who presents them; dry or oil-mixed ones are shared equally among Aaron's sons.
- Leviticus 2:4-5 (BSB)“Now if you bring an offering of grain baked in an oven, it must consist of fine flour, either unleavened cakes mixed with oil or unleavened wafers coated with oil. If your offering is a grain offering prepared on a griddle, it must be unleavened bread made of fine flour mixed with oil.”Describes the grain offerings baked in an oven or prepared on a griddle.
- Leviticus 2:7 (BSB)“If your offering is a grain offering cooked in a pan, it must consist of fine flour with oil.”Describes the grain offering cooked in a pan.
General
What did the priest do with the guilt offering's blood (7:2)?
Answer: Splashed it against the altar on every side
The guilt offering, called most holy (set apart to God in the highest degree), was killed at the spot where burnt offerings were killed, and the priest splashed its blood against the altar on every side (7:1-2). Peace offering blood was handled the same way (Leviticus 3:2), while sin offering blood was daubed on the altar's horns with the rest poured at its base (Leviticus 4:25). Blood lay at the center of these offerings because God appointed blood as the means of atonement at the altar: the life of a creature is in its blood (Leviticus 17:11).
- Leviticus 7:1-2 (BSB)““Now this is the law of the guilt offering, which is most holy: The guilt offering must be slaughtered in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered, and the priest shall splatter its blood on all sides of the altar.”The guilt offering is most holy, slaughtered at the burnt offering's place, and its blood splattered on every side of the altar.
- Leviticus 3:2 (BSB)“He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splatter the blood on all sides of the altar.”Peace offering blood was handled the same way, splattered on all sides of the altar.
- Leviticus 4:25 (BSB)“Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.”Sin offering blood, by contrast, was put on the horns of the altar and the rest poured at its base.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”God explains that He gave blood on the altar to make atonement, because the life is in the blood.
Theological
What does 7:2 prescribe for the guilt offering's blood?
Answer: Splashing against the altar on every side
The guilt offering, designated most holy, is slaughtered at the burnt offering's site, and its blood is dashed against the altar on every side (7:1-2), the same rite used for the peace offering (Leviticus 3:2) and distinct from the sin offering, whose blood is applied to the altar's horns and the remainder poured at the base (Leviticus 4:25). The blood rite is central because God appointed blood upon the altar as the means of atonement, the life being in the blood (Leviticus 17:11).
- Leviticus 7:1-2 (BSB)““Now this is the law of the guilt offering, which is most holy: The guilt offering must be slaughtered in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered, and the priest shall splatter its blood on all sides of the altar.”The guilt offering is most holy, slaughtered at the burnt offering's place, and its blood splattered on every side of the altar.
- Leviticus 3:2 (BSB)“He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splatter the blood on all sides of the altar.”Peace offering blood was handled the same way, splattered on all sides of the altar.
- Leviticus 4:25 (BSB)“Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.”Sin offering blood, by contrast, was put on the horns of the altar and the rest poured at its base.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”God explains that He gave blood on the altar to make atonement, because the life is in the blood.
General
Which parts of a guilt offering did the priest burn on the altar (7:3-5)?
Answer: All the fat, including the fat tail, both kidneys, and the liver's lobe
All the guilt offering's fat was offered to God: the fat around the inner organs, the fat tail, both kidneys with their fat, and the liver's lobe, which the priest burned on the altar (7:3-5). These are the same portions burned from a peace offering of the flock (Leviticus 3:9-11), because God had declared that every bit of fat belongs to Him (Leviticus 3:16). The richest part of the animal went to the LORD.
- Leviticus 7:3-5 (BSB)“And all the fat from it shall be offered: the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which is to be removed with the kidneys. The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering to the LORD; it is a guilt offering.”All the fat, including the fat tail, the kidneys, and the liver's lobe, is burned on the altar.
- Leviticus 3:9-11 (BSB)“And from the peace offering he shall bring a food offering to the LORD consisting of its fat: the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then the priest is to burn them on the altar as food, a food offering to the LORD.”The same fat portions of the peace offering from the flock are burned as a food offering.
- Leviticus 3:16 (BSB)“Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s.”God declares that all the fat belongs to Him.
Theological
According to 7:3-5, which portions of a guilt offering are burned on the altar?
Answer: All the fat, including the fat tail, both kidneys, and the liver's lobe
The guilt offering's fat portions, namely the fat covering the inner organs, the fat tail, both kidneys and their fat, and the liver's lobe, are burned on the altar (7:3-5). They correspond exactly to the fat of a peace offering from the flock (Leviticus 3:9-11), in keeping with the principle that every portion of fat is reserved for the LORD (Leviticus 3:16).
- Leviticus 7:3-5 (BSB)“And all the fat from it shall be offered: the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which is to be removed with the kidneys. The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering to the LORD; it is a guilt offering.”All the fat, including the fat tail, the kidneys, and the liver's lobe, is burned on the altar.
- Leviticus 3:9-11 (BSB)“And from the peace offering he shall bring a food offering to the LORD consisting of its fat: the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then the priest is to burn them on the altar as food, a food offering to the LORD.”The same fat portions of the peace offering from the flock are burned as a food offering.
- Leviticus 3:16 (BSB)“Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s.”God declares that all the fat belongs to Him.
General
What does 7:7 say about how the guilt offering relates to the sin offering?
Answer: One regulation covers both, and the meat goes to the atoning priest
The guilt offering was treated as the sin offering was: a single regulation governed both, and the meat went to the atoning priest. Any male priest could eat it, but only in a sacred area, because it was most holy (7:6-7). The sin offering was likewise eaten by the priest who offered it in the tabernacle courtyard (Leviticus 6:26). Numbers confirms that the most holy grain, sin, and guilt offerings were given to Aaron's sons as food for every male priest (Numbers 18:9-10).
- Leviticus 7:6-7 (BSB)“Every male among the priests may eat of it. It must be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy. The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both. It belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it.”Any male priest may eat the guilt offering in a holy place; one law governs it and the sin offering, and it belongs to the atoning priest.
- Leviticus 6:26 (BSB)“The priest who offers it shall eat it; it must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting.”The sin offering is likewise eaten by the officiating priest in the courtyard.
- Numbers 18:9-10 (BSB)“A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy.”The most holy grain, sin, and guilt offerings are given to Aaron's sons to be eaten by every male.
Theological
What does 7:7 state regarding the relationship between the guilt offering and the sin offering?
Answer: A single law governs both, and the flesh belongs to the officiating priest
A single law governs the guilt offering and the sin offering, and the flesh belongs to the atoning priest; as most holy, it may be eaten by any male priest but only within a sacred area (7:6-7). The same holds for the sin offering eaten by the officiating priest in the court (Leviticus 6:26), and Numbers assigns the most holy grain, sin, and guilt offerings as food for all the male priests (Numbers 18:9-10).
- Leviticus 7:6-7 (BSB)“Every male among the priests may eat of it. It must be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy. The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both. It belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it.”Any male priest may eat the guilt offering in a holy place; one law governs it and the sin offering, and it belongs to the atoning priest.
- Leviticus 6:26 (BSB)“The priest who offers it shall eat it; it must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting.”The sin offering is likewise eaten by the officiating priest in the courtyard.
- Numbers 18:9-10 (BSB)“A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy.”The most holy grain, sin, and guilt offerings are given to Aaron's sons to be eaten by every male.
General
According to 7:29-30, who was to bring the LORD's portions from a peace offering?
Answer: The worshiper personally
The person giving the peace offering was to bring the LORD's portions personally. He carried the fat and the breast, then waved the breast before the LORD, making it a wave offering (a portion lifted and waved before God) (7:29-30). Worship could not be handed off to someone else; the worshiper took part himself, just as he laid his own hand on the animal's head (Leviticus 3:2). Likewise, believers are called to present their very selves to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
- Leviticus 7:29-30 (BSB)““Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Anyone who presents a peace offering to the LORD must bring it as his sacrifice to the LORD. With his own hands he is to bring the food offerings to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD.”The one presenting a peace offering must personally bring the LORD's portions, the fat and the breast, and wave the breast before the LORD.
- Leviticus 3:2 (BSB)“He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splatter the blood on all sides of the altar.”The offerer also laid his own hand on the head of his peace offering.
- Romans 12:1 (BSB)“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”Believers are called to present their own bodies to God as living sacrifices.
Theological
According to 7:29-30, who must bring the LORD's portions from a peace offering?
Answer: The offerer in person
The offerer must present the LORD's portions in person, bringing the fat and the breast and waving the breast before the LORD (7:29-30). Participation in the sacrifice is personal and not delegated, consistent with the offerer's own imposition of the hand on the victim (Leviticus 3:2). The new covenant analogue is the believer's presentation of his own body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
- Leviticus 7:29-30 (BSB)““Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Anyone who presents a peace offering to the LORD must bring it as his sacrifice to the LORD. With his own hands he is to bring the food offerings to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD.”The one presenting a peace offering must personally bring the LORD's portions, the fat and the breast, and wave the breast before the LORD.
- Leviticus 3:2 (BSB)“He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splatter the blood on all sides of the altar.”The offerer also laid his own hand on the head of his peace offering.
- Romans 12:1 (BSB)“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”Believers are called to present their own bodies to God as living sacrifices.
General
Where does 7:38 say the offering laws were given to Moses?
Answer: At Mount Sinai in the Sinai wilderness
Chapter 7 closes by summing up the laws of six offerings: the burnt, grain, sin, guilt, ordination, and peace offerings. The LORD gave these to Moses at Mount Sinai when He commanded Israel to bring their offerings (7:37-38), and Leviticus elsewhere affirms that its laws came through Moses at Sinai (Leviticus 26:46). These sacrifices were God's own ordinance, yet they were only a shadow pointing to the blessings that were coming, not the reality itself (Hebrews 10:1). Christ fulfilled them: by the offering of His own body once for all, believers are made holy (Hebrews 10:8-10).
- Leviticus 7:37-38 (BSB)“This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering, and the peace offering, which the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai on the day He commanded the Israelites to present their offerings to the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai.”A summary names six offerings and says the LORD gave these laws to Moses at Mount Sinai.
- Leviticus 26:46 (BSB)“These are the statutes, ordinances, and laws that the LORD established between Himself and the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai.”Leviticus elsewhere affirms that its laws were given through Moses on Mount Sinai.
- Hebrews 10:1 (BSB)“For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.”The law's sacrifices were a shadow of the blessings to come, not the reality.
- Hebrews 10:8-10 (BSB)“In the passage above He says, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor did You delight in them” (although they are offered according to the law). Then He adds, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”Christ's once-for-all offering of His body fulfills and replaces the sacrifices of the law.
Theological
According to 7:38, where were the laws of the offerings given to Moses?
Answer: At Mount Sinai in the Sinai wilderness
The colophon of 7:37-38 summarizes the laws of the burnt, grain, sin, guilt, ordination, and peace offerings as revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai, consistent with the book's own claim of Sinaitic origin (Leviticus 26:46). Divinely ordained, these sacrifices were nevertheless a shadow cast by the coming blessings rather than their substance (Hebrews 10:1). Christ removes the first order so that the second may stand, and by His will believers are sanctified through the once-for-all offering of His body (Hebrews 10:8-10).
- Leviticus 7:37-38 (BSB)“This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering, and the peace offering, which the LORD gave Moses on Mount Sinai on the day He commanded the Israelites to present their offerings to the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai.”A summary names six offerings and says the LORD gave these laws to Moses at Mount Sinai.
- Leviticus 26:46 (BSB)“These are the statutes, ordinances, and laws that the LORD established between Himself and the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai.”Leviticus elsewhere affirms that its laws were given through Moses on Mount Sinai.
- Hebrews 10:1 (BSB)“For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.”The law's sacrifices were a shadow of the blessings to come, not the reality.
- Hebrews 10:8-10 (BSB)“In the passage above He says, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor did You delight in them” (although they are offered according to the law). Then He adds, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”Christ's once-for-all offering of His body fulfills and replaces the sacrifices of the law.
General
According to 7:34-36, who established the priests' share of the peace offerings?
Answer: The LORD Himself, who took these portions from Israel and gave them to the priests
God Himself took the breast and thigh from the Israelites' peace offerings and gave them to Aaron's family of priests as a lasting portion for future generations; He commanded this the day the priests were anointed (7:34-36). The priests' provision was God's gift, not something they seized (Numbers 18:8). Paul uses this principle for the church: just as altar workers ate from the altar, the Lord has directed that gospel preachers be supported by their work (1 Corinthians 9:13-14), and those taught the word should share good things with their teachers (Galatians 6:6).
- Leviticus 7:34-36 (BSB)“I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’” This is the portion of the food offerings to the LORD for Aaron and his sons since the day they were presented to serve the LORD as priests. On the day they were anointed, the LORD commanded that this be given them by the sons of Israel. It is a permanent portion for the generations to come.”God Himself takes the breast and thigh from Israel's peace offerings and gives them to the priests as a lasting portion.
- Numbers 18:8 (BSB)“Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute.”God tells Aaron that He has given him the sacred offerings as a portion and a permanent statute.
- 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (BSB)“Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”Paul applies the altar portions to the Lord's command that gospel ministers be supported.
- Galatians 6:6 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.”Those taught the word are to share good things with their teachers.
Theological
According to 7:34-36, by whose authority were the priests' portions from peace offerings established?
Answer: The LORD, who took them from Israel and granted them to the priests
The LORD Himself takes the breast and thigh from Israel's peace offerings and grants them to Aaron's priestly line as a perpetual due, commanded on the day of their anointing (7:34-36). Priestly provision is divine grant, not priestly appropriation (Numbers 18:8). Paul draws the principle into the new covenant, grounding the support of gospel ministers in the Lord's command (1 Corinthians 9:13-14) and calling those taught to share with their teachers (Galatians 6:6).
- Leviticus 7:34-36 (BSB)“I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’” This is the portion of the food offerings to the LORD for Aaron and his sons since the day they were presented to serve the LORD as priests. On the day they were anointed, the LORD commanded that this be given them by the sons of Israel. It is a permanent portion for the generations to come.”God Himself takes the breast and thigh from Israel's peace offerings and gives them to the priests as a lasting portion.
- Numbers 18:8 (BSB)“Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute.”God tells Aaron that He has given him the sacred offerings as a portion and a permanent statute.
- 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (BSB)“Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”Paul applies the altar portions to the Lord's command that gospel ministers be supported.
- Galatians 6:6 (BSB)“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.”Those taught the word are to share good things with their teachers.
General
How long could the meat of a thanksgiving peace offering be eaten (7:15)?
Answer: Only on the day it was offered; nothing could remain overnight
A thanksgiving offering had to be finished on the very day it was offered; nothing could be kept until the next morning (7:15). The rule is repeated later in Leviticus (Leviticus 22:29-30). Offering thanks in this way honored God (Psalm 50:23). Believers today offer thanks through Jesus as a continual sacrifice of praise from lips that openly acknowledge Him (Hebrews 13:15).
- Leviticus 7:15 (BSB)“The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day he offers it; none of it may be left until morning.”The meat of the thanksgiving offering must be eaten the day it is offered, with none left for the morning.
- Leviticus 22:29-30 (BSB)“When you sacrifice a thank offering to the LORD, offer it so that it may be acceptable on your behalf. It must be eaten that same day. Do not leave any of it until morning. I am the LORD.”Repeats that a thank offering must be eaten the same day, with none left until morning.
- Psalm 50:23 (BSB)“He who sacrifices a thank offering honors Me, and to him who rightly orders his way, I will show the salvation of God.””God says the one who sacrifices a thank offering honors Him.
- Hebrews 13:15 (BSB)“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.”Believers now offer God a continual sacrifice of praise through Jesus.
Theological
What time limit does 7:15 set for eating the flesh of the thank offering?
Answer: The day of offering only, with nothing remaining until morning
The flesh of the thank offering must be consumed on the day of sacrifice, with nothing left over until morning (7:15), a stipulation restated in Leviticus 22:29-30. Such thanksgiving honors God (Psalm 50:23), and under the new covenant it takes the form of the continual sacrifice of praise offered through Christ (Hebrews 13:15).
- Leviticus 7:15 (BSB)“The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day he offers it; none of it may be left until morning.”The meat of the thanksgiving offering must be eaten the day it is offered, with none left for the morning.
- Leviticus 22:29-30 (BSB)“When you sacrifice a thank offering to the LORD, offer it so that it may be acceptable on your behalf. It must be eaten that same day. Do not leave any of it until morning. I am the LORD.”Repeats that a thank offering must be eaten the same day, with none left until morning.
- Psalm 50:23 (BSB)“He who sacrifices a thank offering honors Me, and to him who rightly orders his way, I will show the salvation of God.””God says the one who sacrifices a thank offering honors Him.
- Hebrews 13:15 (BSB)“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.”Believers now offer God a continual sacrifice of praise through Jesus.
General
True or False: Along with the unleavened cakes, a peace offering given in thanksgiving also included loaves made with yeast (7:12-13).
Answer: True
This is true. A thanksgiving peace offering (a fellowship offering given to thank God) came with unleavened cakes and wafers (made without yeast) and kneaded cakes of flour and oil, and also loaves made with yeast (7:12-13). One of each kind was given to the LORD and belonged to the priest sprinkling the blood (7:14). Leaven was never burned on the altar (Leviticus 2:11), but it could be brought as an offering that did not go up in smoke (Leviticus 2:12); the leavened loaves were food, not altar fire. Such offerings expressed joyful thanks for God's works (Psalm 107:22).
- Leviticus 7:12-14 (BSB)“If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread. From the cakes he must present one portion of each offering as a contribution to the LORD. It belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering.”The thanksgiving peace offering comes with unleavened cakes and wafers and with leavened bread; one of each goes to the priest.
- Leviticus 2:11 (BSB)“No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD.”No leaven was to be burned as an offering to the LORD.
- Leviticus 2:12 (BSB)“You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of firstfruits, but they must not go up on the altar as a pleasing aroma.”Leavened items could be brought as offerings of firstfruits, but not placed on the altar.
- Psalm 107:22 (BSB)“Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.”Thanksgiving sacrifices were offered with rejoicing, declaring what God had done.
Theological
True or False: According to 7:12-13, the thanksgiving peace offering was accompanied by leavened bread as well as unleavened cakes and wafers.
Answer: True
This is true. The thank offering was accompanied by unleavened cakes and wafers, kneaded cakes of flour and oil, and also by leavened loaves (7:12-13), one of each being given as a contribution that belonged to the priest sprinkling the blood (7:14). Leaven was barred from the altar fire (Leviticus 2:11), yet it could be offered where nothing was burned (Leviticus 2:12); the leavened loaves were eaten rather than burned. The sacrifice gave joyful expression to thanksgiving for God's works (Psalm 107:22).
- Leviticus 7:12-14 (BSB)“If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread. From the cakes he must present one portion of each offering as a contribution to the LORD. It belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering.”The thanksgiving peace offering comes with unleavened cakes and wafers and with leavened bread; one of each goes to the priest.
- Leviticus 2:11 (BSB)“No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD.”No leaven was to be burned as an offering to the LORD.
- Leviticus 2:12 (BSB)“You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of firstfruits, but they must not go up on the altar as a pleasing aroma.”Leavened items could be brought as offerings of firstfruits, but not placed on the altar.
- Psalm 107:22 (BSB)“Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.”Thanksgiving sacrifices were offered with rejoicing, declaring what God had done.
General
What happened if someone ate peace offering meat on day three (7:18)?
Answer: The offering was not accepted or counted to the offerer's credit, and the eater bore the guilt
Eating the meat on day three undid the offering: God would not accept it, it would not be counted to the worshiper's credit, it became detestable, and whoever ate it would carry the guilt of his sin (7:18). Leviticus 19:7-8 adds that such a person profaned the LORD's holy things and faced being cut off from Israel. The offering had to be handled the way God commanded; worship carried out in disobedience does not please Him, for obeying His voice matters more than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
- Leviticus 7:18 (BSB)“If any of the meat from his peace offering is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted. It will not be credited to the one who presented it; it shall be an abomination, and the one who eats of it shall bear his iniquity.”Eating peace offering meat on the third day voids the offering, makes it an abomination, and brings guilt on the eater.
- Leviticus 19:7-8 (BSB)“If any of it is eaten on the third day, it is tainted and will not be accepted. Whoever eats it will bear his iniquity, for he has profaned what is holy to the LORD. That person must be cut off from his people.”Adds that eating it on the third day profanes what is holy and brings the penalty of being cut off.
- 1 Samuel 15:22 (BSB)“But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.”Samuel teaches that God values obedience above sacrifice.
Theological
What does 7:18 declare regarding peace offering meat eaten on day three?
Answer: The offering is not accepted or reckoned to the offerer, and the eater bears his iniquity
Consumption on day three nullifies the sacrifice: it is not accepted, not reckoned to the offerer, becomes abominable, and the eater bears his iniquity (7:18). Leviticus 19:7-8 identifies the offense as profaning the LORD's holy things, punishable by being cut off. Cultic acts performed in disobedience to God's stated ordinance are not acceptable, since God prizes obedience over sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
- Leviticus 7:18 (BSB)“If any of the meat from his peace offering is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted. It will not be credited to the one who presented it; it shall be an abomination, and the one who eats of it shall bear his iniquity.”Eating peace offering meat on the third day voids the offering, makes it an abomination, and brings guilt on the eater.
- Leviticus 19:7-8 (BSB)“If any of it is eaten on the third day, it is tainted and will not be accepted. Whoever eats it will bear his iniquity, for he has profaned what is holy to the LORD. That person must be cut off from his people.”Adds that eating it on the third day profanes what is holy and brings the penalty of being cut off.
- 1 Samuel 15:22 (BSB)“But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.”Samuel teaches that God values obedience above sacrifice.
General
What was the penalty for someone who ate peace offering meat while ceremonially unclean (7:20-21)?
Answer: Being cut off from the community
Meat that touched anything unclean was burned rather than eaten, and only people who were ceremonially clean (ritually fit to take part in worship) could eat the rest (7:19). Anyone who ate the LORD's peace offering while unclean, whether from touching unclean people, animals, or other detestable things, faced being cut off from the community (7:20-21). Uncleanness was a ritual condition rather than a moral sin in itself, but approaching holy food in that state was a serious offense; the same penalty applied to any priest who came near the sacred offerings while unclean (Leviticus 22:3). The New Testament shows similar seriousness about the Lord's Supper, calling each believer to examine himself before eating (1 Corinthians 11:27-28).
- Leviticus 7:19-21 (BSB)“Meat that touches anything unclean must not be eaten; it is to be burned up. As for any other meat, anyone who is ceremonially clean may eat it. But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people. If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.””Meat touched by anything unclean is burned, and an unclean person who eats peace offering meat is cut off.
- Leviticus 22:3 (BSB)“Tell them that for the generations to come, if any of their descendants in a state of uncleanness approaches the sacred offerings that the Israelites consecrate to the LORD, that person must be cut off from My presence. I am the LORD.”Any descendant of Aaron who approaches the sacred offerings while unclean is cut off from God's presence.
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 (BSB)“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”Paul warns against eating the Lord's Supper unworthily and calls each believer to examine himself first.
Theological
What sanction does 7:20-21 impose on someone eating peace offering meat while ritually unclean?
Answer: Being cut off from the covenant community
Meat contacting anything unclean is burned, and the rest is restricted to those ceremonially clean (7:19). Anyone who eats the LORD's peace offering while unclean, whether through contact with unclean persons, animals, or other detestable things, is cut off (7:20-21). Ritual impurity is not moral guilt as such, yet approaching holy food in that state is a grave violation, as the parallel law for Aaron's descendants confirms (Leviticus 22:3). Paul applies comparable gravity to the Lord's Supper, requiring self-examination before participation (1 Corinthians 11:27-28).
- Leviticus 7:19-21 (BSB)“Meat that touches anything unclean must not be eaten; it is to be burned up. As for any other meat, anyone who is ceremonially clean may eat it. But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people. If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.””Meat touched by anything unclean is burned, and an unclean person who eats peace offering meat is cut off.
- Leviticus 22:3 (BSB)“Tell them that for the generations to come, if any of their descendants in a state of uncleanness approaches the sacred offerings that the Israelites consecrate to the LORD, that person must be cut off from My presence. I am the LORD.”Any descendant of Aaron who approaches the sacred offerings while unclean is cut off from God's presence.
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 (BSB)“Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”Paul warns against eating the Lord's Supper unworthily and calls each believer to examine himself first.
General
How did the rules for a vow or freewill peace offering differ from those for a thanksgiving offering (7:16-17)?
Answer: It could also be eaten the following day, but anything left by the third day had to be burned
A peace offering could also be given to fulfill a vow (a promise made to God) or as a freewill offering (a voluntary gift). Unlike the thanksgiving offering, which had to be eaten the same day, this meat could be eaten the day it was offered and the day after, but whatever was left by the third day had to be burned (7:16-17). Leviticus 19:6 repeats the same two-day limit. Keeping one's vows to God was itself an act of worship (Psalm 50:14).
- Leviticus 7:16-17 (BSB)“If, however, the sacrifice he offers is a vow or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day he presents his sacrifice, but the remainder may be eaten on the next day. But any meat of the sacrifice remaining until the third day must be burned up.”A vow or freewill offering may be eaten on the day of offering and the next day, but what remains on the third day is burned.
- Leviticus 19:6 (BSB)“It shall be eaten on the day you sacrifice it, or on the next day; but what remains on the third day must be burned up.”Restates the rule: eaten the day of sacrifice or the next, and the remainder burned on the third day.
- Psalm 50:14 (BSB)“Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.”Links thank offerings with paying the vows a worshiper has made to God.
Theological
According to 7:16-17, how does the time limit for a votive or freewill peace offering differ from that of the thank offering?
Answer: Its eating may extend into the second day, with leftovers burned on the third
Votive and freewill peace offerings allow a second day of eating, unlike the single-day thank offering, but any remainder must be burned when the third day arrives (7:16-17), a limit restated in Leviticus 19:6. Payment of vows was itself a form of worship to be rendered to God Most High (Psalm 50:14).
- Leviticus 7:16-17 (BSB)“If, however, the sacrifice he offers is a vow or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day he presents his sacrifice, but the remainder may be eaten on the next day. But any meat of the sacrifice remaining until the third day must be burned up.”A vow or freewill offering may be eaten on the day of offering and the next day, but what remains on the third day is burned.
- Leviticus 19:6 (BSB)“It shall be eaten on the day you sacrifice it, or on the next day; but what remains on the third day must be burned up.”Restates the rule: eaten the day of sacrifice or the next, and the remainder burned on the third day.
- Psalm 50:14 (BSB)“Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.”Links thank offerings with paying the vows a worshiper has made to God.