Leviticus 7:1-10
The trespass offering was offered in cases of trespass committed in holy things, dishonesty or falsehood in a trust, robbery coupled with deceit, and dishonesty and falsehood in reference to things found (Leviticus 5:15–6:7). [Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (p. 147). Bridge-Logos Publishers.]
We get more details on the guilt offering that was first discussed in 5:1-6:7. The priest who made the sacrifice took charge of the priests portion. He got first choice of the meat, but it was distributed among the others. The priest making the offering got the hide of the animal. Baked grain offerings belong to the officiating priest. Grain offerings we divided among all the priests. The priests could eat the offerings in the holy place.
The guilt offering and the sin offering had the same rules. We again see a blending of the distinction between these two. Both were for purification; there is the idea of 'to whom the sin was against' as well as a distinction of breaking commandment vs. covenant. None seem to hold up consistently to form a line.
Leviticus 7:11-21
The Peace offering can be used for either thanksgiving, a vow or voluntary offering to God. The offering for thanksgiving was to have leavened bread along with one of the 3 unleavened cakes. The Mishnah taught that within the offering an equal amount of leaven and unleavened should be offered. The memorial portion was offered on the fire. The remainder went with the flesh of the sacrifice back to the one offering it.
The 'heave offering' (tribute) that is a dedicated gift for the officiating priest. It is transfer of ownership, not generally done in the confines of the sanctuary. There is debate whether something was actually lifted up in some ritual motion. One argument against, is that it brings attention to the gift and the person, and not God.
The flesh of the sacrifice could then be eaten by the one bringing the offering and other lay people. The flesh had to be eaten that day. This encouraged sharing any leftovers with the poor. This created new relationships around the table.
If it was a vow or voluntary offering, they had two days to eat it. Nothing was to be eaten on the 3rd day. The meat would be spoiled, corrupt and seen as an abomination. Sharing in the fellowship offering would not be imputed to the one eating it on the 3rd day. In fact, they would bear guilt for doing so. The fellowship had, in a sense, expired.
Because laymen were allowed to eat these sacrificed, it was important they understand the guidelines the Lord put forth. To eat of the fellowship offering and eat as an act of worship, one must be ritually clean. This was approaching and handling the sacred. This was not to be done when unclean. If the meat was touched by the unclean, it was to be burned in the fire.
Anyone eating this meat when they were unclean was to be cut off. The idea of being 'cut off' was a range of punishment applied based on the offense (maybe the heart behind the offense).
- A loss of social status – a damaged standing in community
- Banishment from the community
- Execution.
Leviticus 7:22-27
The fat of the animals, considered the best parts, were not to be eaten by anyone. This was the Lord's portion. This may also have been for health reasons. Even outside of worship, animals that died in other ways, they were to take care not to eat the fat. Those eating the fat were to be 'cut off' from the people.
Likewise, no one was to ever eat any blood, ever. This also applied outside of worship. There was never a circumstance where it was okay to eat the blood.
Leviticus 7:28-38
While making the peace offering, the breast was brought as a wave offering. This offering is for the priests and their families. This was considered their tithe. Application of the wave offering seen in several places (Ex 29:23-34; Ex 38:24; Lev 14:12; Lev 23:11).
In addition, the thigh was given as a heave offering (tribute) for the officiating priest. This is like the heave offering of 7:14.
The late chief Rabbi Hertz described the wave offering as thus: First, the portion was laid upon the hands of the donor. Then the officiating priest placed his own hands beneath those of the person offering the sacrifice, and moved the portion first forward and backward, then upward and downward. These motions make a sign of a cross! (site by David Guzik)
The breast and thigh were given as provision for the priests. These were the consecrated portions (Lev 10:15).
From David Guzik commentary:
Jesus Christ and The Sacrificial System
But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12)
- JESUS FULFILLED THE BURNT OFFERING (Leviticus 1)
- As Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma (Ephesians 5:2)
- JESUS FULFILLED THE GRAIN AND FIRSTFRUITS OFFERING (Leviticus 2)
- But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:20)
- JESUS FULFILLED THE PEACE OFFERING (Leviticus 3)
- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God though our Lord, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
- JESUS FULFILLED THE SIN OFFERING (Leviticus 4)
- For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)
- JESUS FULFILLED THE GUILT OFFERING (Leviticus 5)
- Who was delivered up because of our offenses and was raised because of our justification (Romans 4:25)
- You have made His soul an offering for sin (Isaiah 53:10)
JESUS FULFILLED EVERY SACRIFICE FOR US!
- "He is the Burnt-offering, the Meat-offering, the Peace-offering, the Sin-offering, and the Trespass-offering for His people. By His one oblation of Himself once offered, He has stood in all these different relations" (Jukes)
- We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10)
[Guzik, D. (2004). Leviticus (Le 7:37–38). David Guzik.]
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