Leviticus 7:24

And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.

And the fat {H2459} of the beast that dieth of itself {H5038}, and the fat {H2459} of that which is torn with beasts {H2966}, may be used {H6213} in any other use {H4399}: but ye shall in no wise {H398} eat {H398} of it.

The fat of animals that die of themselves or are killed by wild animals may be used for any other purpose, but under no circumstances are you to eat it.

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.

And the fat of that which dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn of beasts, may be used for any other service; but ye shall in no wise eat of it.

Commentary

Leviticus 7:24 is part of a larger section (Leviticus 6-7) that details the laws concerning various offerings and sacrifices, providing specific instructions to the priests and the people of Israel. This particular verse addresses the proper handling and use of fat from animals that were not ritually slaughtered for sacrifice or food.

Context

This verse immediately follows Leviticus 7:23, which strictly forbids the eating of fat from any animal offered to the Lord. The broader context of Leviticus emphasizes the meticulous details of the sacrificial system and the importance of holiness and purity within the Israelite community. The fat of sacrificial animals was considered the Lord's portion, reserved for Him (see Leviticus 3:16).

Leviticus 7:24 clarifies that while eating the fat of animals that died naturally ("dieth of itself") or were killed by wild beasts ("torn with beasts") is also prohibited, its fat is not considered sacred like that from a sacrifice. Therefore, it could be repurposed for other practical uses, distinguishing it from fat meant for the altar.

Key Themes

  • Distinction and Purity: God's laws established clear boundaries between the sacred and the common, the clean and the unclean. Animals that died by natural causes or were torn by wild animals were considered ritually unclean for consumption. This prohibition reinforced the sanctity of life and the proper methods of slaughter and consumption according to the Law, preventing the Israelites from consuming anything that would defile them.
  • Respect for Life: The strict regulations surrounding animal consumption, particularly concerning blood and fat, instilled a deep respect for life, recognizing that life belonged to God.
  • Economic Utility: While the fat of these animals was not to be eaten, it was not to be wasted. The allowance to use it "in any other use" demonstrates God's practicality and provision, permitting its use for non-dietary purposes such as fuel for lamps, soap making, or lubrication. This highlights a responsible stewardship of resources within the divine framework.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ye shall in no wise eat of it" conveys an absolute and unequivocal prohibition. The Hebrew emphasizes the strictness of this command, underscoring that there were no exceptions to this dietary restriction for consumption, even if the fat could be used for other purposes.

Practical Application & Reflection

While Christians today are not bound by the ceremonial dietary laws of the Old Covenant (as articulated in passages like Acts 10:15), Leviticus 7:24 still offers valuable principles:

  • Obedience to God's Commands: It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when the reasons may not be immediately apparent to us. God's laws were designed for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people, setting them apart.
  • Stewardship of Resources: The allowance to use the fat for other purposes demonstrates a principle of good stewardship—not wasting resources, even those that cannot be used in a specific way.
  • Holiness in Daily Life: The detailed nature of these laws reminds us that God desires holiness to permeate all aspects of our lives, including our daily practices and choices. For believers today, this translates to living in a way that honors God in all we do, whether in our diet, our work, or our relationships.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 22:31

    And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat [any] flesh [that is] torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs.

  • Leviticus 17:15

    And every soul that eateth that which died [of itself], or that which was torn [with beasts, whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.

  • Leviticus 22:8

    That which dieth of itself, or is torn [with beasts], he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I [am] the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 44:31

    The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.

  • Ezekiel 4:14

    Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

  • Deuteronomy 14:21

    Ye shall not eat [of] any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that [is] in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
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