Leviticus 7:16

But if the sacrifice of his offering [be] a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:

But if the sacrifice {H2077} of his offering {H7133} be a vow {H5088}, or a voluntary offering {H5071}, it shall be eaten {H398} the same day {H3117} that he offereth {H7126} his sacrifice {H2077}: and on the morrow {H4283} also the remainder {H3498} of it shall be eaten {H398}:

But if the sacrifice connected with his offering is for a vow or is a voluntary offering, then, while it is to be eaten on the day he offers his sacrifice, what remains of it may be eaten the next day.

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 if the sacrifice of his oblation be a vow, or a freewill-offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offereth his sacrifice; and on the morrow that which remaineth of it shall be eaten:

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 7:16

Leviticus 7:16 provides specific instructions regarding the consumption period for certain types of peace offerings: those made as a vow or a voluntary offering. Unlike the thanksgiving offering, which had to be eaten entirely on the day it was offered, these offerings allowed for consumption on the day of the sacrifice and also on the following day.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of the extensive regulations concerning the peace offering (zevach shlamim), detailed in Leviticus 7:11-21. The peace offering was unique among Israelite sacrifices as it typically involved a communal meal, symbolizing fellowship between God, the priests, and the worshipper. The fat portions were burned to the Lord, while specific cuts went to the priests, and the remainder was eaten by the offerer and his household or invited guests.

The distinction in consumption times was crucial. For a thanksgiving offering (Leviticus 7:15), the entire portion had to be eaten on the same day, emphasizing immediate and fervent gratitude. However, for offerings made as a vow or a voluntary gift, a longer period (two days) was permitted. This might have allowed for broader participation in the celebratory meal or acknowledged the less urgent nature of a pre-planned vow or spontaneous gift compared to an immediate expression of thanks.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Distinction in Offerings: God's law was meticulously detailed, differentiating between various types of offerings based on their purpose and the worshipper's intent. This highlights divine order and the importance of understanding specific commands.
  • Holiness and Purity: The strict time limits for consuming the meat were essential for maintaining ritual purity. Any meat kept beyond the prescribed time became defiled and had to be burned, as stated in Leviticus 7:18. This prevented spoilage and emphasized reverence for sacred things.
  • Freewill Devotion: The "vow" (Hebrew: neder) and "voluntary offering" (Hebrew: nedabah) emphasize a commitment made in fulfillment of a promise to God or a spontaneous, uncompelled gift from the heart. These offerings highlight devotion that goes beyond mere obligation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "vow" is neder (ื ึถื“ึถืจ), signifying a promise or commitment made to God, often conditional upon divine favor. The term for "voluntary offering" is nedabah (ื ึฐื“ึธื‘ึธื”), which denotes a freewill offering, given willingly and spontaneously, without any prior obligation or condition. Both terms underscore the worshipper's intentionality and heartfelt desire to honor God.

Practical Application

While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are not binding on New Covenant believers, the principles behind them offer timeless insights. Leviticus 7:16 reminds us that God values intentionality and freewill in our devotion. Our spiritual "offerings" today โ€“ whether it's our praise, service, or financial giving โ€“ should stem from a genuine desire to honor Him, not just out of compulsion or routine.

Furthermore, the emphasis on timely consumption can be seen as a spiritual metaphor. Just as the physical sacrifice was to be enjoyed and consumed within a specific timeframe to maintain its purity, so too our spiritual commitments and expressions of faith should be acted upon with diligence and not allowed to "spoil" through procrastination or neglect. We are called to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), an offering that is continually fresh and vibrant.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 19:5 (4 votes)

    And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, ye shall offer it at your own will.

  • Leviticus 19:8 (4 votes)

    Therefore [every one] that eateth it shall bear his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallowed thing of the LORD: and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

  • Deuteronomy 12:6 (4 votes)

    And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

  • Psalms 116:18 (2 votes)

    I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,

  • Leviticus 22:29 (2 votes)

    And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer [it] at your own will.

  • Deuteronomy 12:26 (2 votes)

    Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:

  • Leviticus 22:23 (2 votes)

    Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer [for] a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.