Meaning of Leviticus 7:31

This verse from Leviticus 7:31 outlines a specific directive regarding the division of sacrificial offerings, distinguishing between parts designated for God and those allocated to the priestly family. It is part of a larger section detailing the laws for various offerings, particularly the olah (burnt offering) and the shelamim (peace offering). The instruction here clarifies that while the fatty portions, considered the choicest and most representative part of the animal for God, are to be entirely consumed by fire on the altar, the breast of the animal is reserved for the priests, specifically Aaron and his sons, who served as mediators between God and the people. This division highlights a principle of both divine honor and priestly sustenance within the sacrificial system.

Context and Background

Leviticus 7 is dedicated to the laws concerning the korbanot (offerings or sacrifices). Chapter 7, in particular, focuses on the asham (guilt offering) and the todah (thanksgiving offering), but it also elaborates on the regulations for the general peace offering, which includes the shelamim. These offerings were communal meals where a portion was given to God, a portion to the priests, and a portion was eaten by the offerer and their household. The shelamim were characterized by their voluntary nature and the fellowship they represented between God, the priests, and the people. The burning of the fat on the altar was a universal practice for most offerings, symbolizing the offering's complete dedication to God.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Portion: The burning of the fat signifies the most sacred part of the sacrifice being given entirely to God. Fat was considered the richest and most desirable part of the animal, thus representing the best offered to the divine.
• Priestly Provision: The breast being designated for Aaron and his sons underscores the divinely ordained role of the priesthood. They were to be sustained by the offerings they facilitated, reflecting their service and dedication to God's work.
• Order and Distinction: The verse establishes a clear order and distinction in the sacrificial process, demonstrating that God's commands involved meticulous detail concerning who received which portion and why.
• Sacramental Meal: The offering, in part, was a communal meal where God's portion was consumed by fire, and the priestly and laity portions were shared, reinforcing covenantal relationships.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the fat burned on the altar represents the complete surrender and devotion of the worshipper to God, offering the very best. The breast, belonging to the priests, symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and sustenance that God provides for those who serve Him. In a broader sense, it points to the principle that those who minister in spiritual matters should be supported by the community they serve, a concept echoed in the New Testament. The distinction between God's portion and the priests' portion also foreshadows the different roles and responsibilities within God's kingdom.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This directive is foundational to understanding the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system, which served as a foreshadowing of Christ. Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice. The "fat" burned on the altar can be seen as a type of Christ's perfect obedience and divine nature, completely surrendered to the Father's will. The priests receiving the breast can be interpreted as a type of Christ's ongoing intercessory ministry, where He sustains and nourishes His spiritual "sons" and daughters through His grace and presence. The entire sacrificial system, including these detailed instructions, points towards the need for atonement and mediation, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.

Analogies

One analogy for this division is a family meal where the parents (representing God) take the most prized portion of the food for themselves, while also ensuring that the elders who help prepare and serve the meal (representing the priests) are provided for. Another analogy could be a kingdom where the king (God) receives the tribute of the land, and the royal stewards who manage the affairs of the kingdom (priests) are granted a portion of the harvest for their upkeep and service.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is closely related to Leviticus 7:32-34, which further details the specific parts of the peace offering that the priest would receive, including the right thigh. It also aligns with Exodus 29:26-28, where the breast of the ram of consecration was waved by Aaron and his sons and then given to them as a portion. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 draws a parallel, stating that "those who serve at the altar share in what is offered at the altar," and that "the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." This demonstrates the enduring principle of provision for those who serve God.