Leviticus 7:17

But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.

But the remainder {H3498} of the flesh {H1320} of the sacrifice {H2077} on the third {H7992} day {H3117} shall be burnt {H8313} with fire {H784}.

However, what remains of the meat of the sacrifice on the third day is to be burned up completely.

But any meat of the sacrifice remaining until the third day must be burned up.

but that which remaineth of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 7:17 is part of the detailed instructions concerning the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering), which is one of the primary sacrifices in the Mosaic Law. These verses (Leviticus 7:11-21) specify how the meat from this particular offering was to be handled after it was presented to God. Unlike some other sacrifices whose meat was entirely consumed by fire or reserved solely for the priests, the peace offering was unique in that a portion was shared by the worshipper, the priests, and God, symbolizing communal fellowship. This verse specifically addresses the strict time limit for consuming the sacrificial meat.

Key Themes

  • Ceremonial Purity and Holiness: The command to burn the remaining flesh on the third day underscores the importance of maintaining ritual purity. Meat that lingered beyond the prescribed time was considered to have lost its sacred character and could even become defiling if consumed. This prevented the holy from becoming common or corrupt.
  • Preventing Decay and Contamination: In an ancient climate without refrigeration, this law served a practical purpose by preventing the consumption of spoiled meat, ensuring the health and well-being of the worshippers.
  • Timeliness and Obedience: The strict deadline emphasized the need for promptness in enjoying the blessings of fellowship with God and fellow Israelites. It also highlighted the absolute necessity of obedience to God's specific commands regarding worship and offerings.
  • Distinction from Other Offerings: While the peace offering allowed consumption on the day of sacrifice and the day after, other offerings, like the sin offering, had even stricter rules, often requiring consumption on the same day or immediate burning if not eaten.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "shall be burnt with fire" translates from the Hebrew saraph ba'esh (Χ©ΦΈΧ‚Χ¨Φ·Χ£ בָּא֡שׁ), which indicates complete destruction by fire. This is not for consumption but for disposal, emphasizing that the meat, by the third day, was no longer fit for holy consumption and had to be utterly removed, preventing any misuse or defilement.

Spiritual Application

While specific animal sacrifices are no longer practiced by believers today due to Christ's perfect and once-for-all sacrifice, the principles embedded in these Old Testament laws remain relevant. Leviticus 7:17 reminds us of:

  • The Importance of Promptness: Just as the physical meat had a limited shelf life for holy consumption, spiritual opportunities and blessings should be embraced with urgency. We are called to be diligent in our spiritual walk, not letting opportunities for fellowship, service, or obedience become "stale" through procrastination.
  • Maintaining Purity: The principle of not allowing what was once holy to become common or defiled still applies. Believers are called to live a life of holiness and purity, carefully guarding against anything that would corrupt their relationship with God or their spiritual walk.
  • God's Specificity in Worship: God has always desired worship according to His terms. This verse teaches that true worship involves obedience to God's revealed will, not just our own preferences.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 12:10

    And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:4

    And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

  • Hosea 6:2

    After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

  • Genesis 22:4

    Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

  • Leviticus 19:7

    And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it [is] abominable; it shall not be accepted.

  • Exodus 19:11

    And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

  • Leviticus 6:22

    And the priest of his sons that is anointed in his stead shall offer it: [it is] a statute for ever unto the LORD; it shall be wholly burnt.
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