Leviticus 7:3

And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof; the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards,

And he shall offer {H7126} of it all the fat {H2459} thereof; the rump {H451}, and the fat {H2459} that covereth {H3680} the inwards {H7130},

He is to offer all its fat - the fat tail, the fat covering the inner organs,

And all the fat from it shall be offered: the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,

And he shall offer of it all the fat thereof: the fat tail, and the fat that covereth the inwards,

Commentary

Leviticus 7:3, a verse from the detailed instructions for the various Old Testament sacrifices, specifies a critical component of the offering process, particularly for the peace offering. It highlights that the fat of the sacrificial animal was to be given entirely to the Lord.

Context

This verse is found within Leviticus Chapter 7, which provides elaborate regulations concerning the trespass offering, the sin offering, and notably, the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering or shalom offering). Unlike the burnt offering, where the entire animal was consumed on the altar, or the sin offering, which focused on atonement for sin, the peace offering was unique. It was a voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving, fulfilling a vow, or simply offering fellowship with God. In this offering, only specific parts were given to God, some to the priests, and a portion was returned to the worshipper for a communal meal. Leviticus 7:3 focuses on the portion exclusively reserved for God.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Consecration: The command to offer "all the fat thereof" underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for the best. In ancient Israelite culture, fat was considered the richest, most vital part of the animal, symbolizing abundance and strength. By reserving it for Himself, God teaches that the choicest parts of life and worship belong to Him. This theme resonates with the broader biblical principle that God deserves our firstfruits and our very best.
  • Divine Prescription and Obedience: The meticulous details regarding which parts to offer (the "rump" or fatty tail, and the "fat that covereth the inwards") emphasize the precision and authority of God's instructions. Worship was not to be performed arbitrarily but according to His specific commands, highlighting the importance of obedience in approaching a holy God.
  • Atonement and Fellowship: While the fat was burned on the altar, creating a "sweet savour unto the Lord" (as seen in burnt offerings), it contributed to the overall purpose of the peace offering: to facilitate fellowship and peace between God and His people. The burning of the fat symbolized the worshipper's complete dedication and the offering's acceptance by God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fat" here is chelev (Χ—Φ΅ΧœΦΆΧ‘), which specifically refers to the abdominal fat and internal fat, distinct from general animal grease or oil. This particular fat was considered sacred and was explicitly forbidden for human consumption in Leviticus 7:23-25, reinforcing its exclusive dedication to the Lord. The "rump" (Hebrew: alyah, ΧΦ·ΧœΦ°Χ™ΦΈΧ”) refers specifically to the large, fatty tail of certain breeds of sheep common in the Middle East, which was highly prized and considered a delicacy. Its inclusion emphasizes the offering of the most valuable and choicest parts.

Practical Application

While we no longer offer animal sacrifices today, the principles embedded in Leviticus 7:3 remain profoundly relevant. The command to offer the fat teaches us about giving our best to God. This can be applied to:

  • Our Resources: Giving our financial resources, not just leftovers, but a generous portion that reflects His priority in our lives, akin to cheerful giving.
  • Our Time and Talents: Dedicating our prime time, energy, and abilities to God's service, rather than just what's convenient or remaining after other pursuits.
  • Heartfelt Devotion: The physical act of offering the fat symbolized the inner disposition of the worshipper. Today, our "offering" is our heart, our obedience, and our worship, which should be sincere and wholehearted, as encouraged in Romans 12:1.

Ultimately, these Old Testament sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all the requirements of God's law. Through His perfect offering, we can now enjoy true and lasting fellowship with God, not through animal fat, but through His shed blood, entering into the Most Holy Place with boldness.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 29:13

    And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [that is] above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and burn [them] upon the altar.

  • Leviticus 3:15

    And the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, which [is] by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.

  • Leviticus 3:16

    And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat [is] the LORD'S.

  • Leviticus 4:8

    And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

  • Leviticus 4:10

    As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering.

  • Psalms 51:17

    The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

  • Leviticus 3:3

    And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,
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