Leviticus 7:35

¶ This [is the portion] of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the LORD made by fire, in the day [when] he presented them to minister unto the LORD in the priest's office;

This is the portion of the anointing {H4888} of Aaron {H175}, and of the anointing {H4888} of his sons {H1121}, out of the offerings {H801} of the LORD {H3068} made by fire {H801}, in the day {H3117} when he presented {H7126} them to minister unto the LORD {H3068} in the priest's office {H3547};

On the day when Aharon and his sons were presented to serve ADONAI in the office of cohen, this portion was set aside for him and his descendants from the offerings for ADONAI made by fire.

This is the portion of the offerings made by fire to the LORD for Aaron and his sons since the day they were presented to serve the LORD as priests.

This is the anointing-portion of Aaron, and the anointing-portion of his sons, out of the offerings of Jehovah made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister unto Jehovah in the priest’s office;

Commentary

Leviticus 7:35 concludes a section detailing the specific portions of various offerings that were allotted to Aaron and his sons, the priests, for their sustenance and as their due for serving in the Tabernacle. This verse specifically highlights that these provisions were a permanent right, established at the very moment of their anointing and consecration into the priestly office.

Context

The Book of Leviticus is foundational for understanding the Old Covenant's worship system, emphasizing God's holiness and the means by which a sinful people could approach Him. Chapters 1-7 meticulously outline the laws for various sacrifices and offerings (burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, trespass offerings). Leviticus 7:35 specifically falls within the instructions regarding the priests' share from these offerings, particularly those made by fire. This provision ensured that the Levitical priesthood, having no tribal land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel, would be fully supported by the community through their service to God. Their anointing (consecration) marked the beginning of their sacred duties and their right to these provisions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision for Ministry: This verse underscores God's principle of providing for those who dedicate themselves to His service. The portions from the offerings were not charity but a divinely ordained right, ensuring the priests could focus on their sacred duties without worldly distraction. This reflects God's faithfulness to His servants.
  • The Authority and Rights of the Priesthood: The anointing of Aaron and his sons set them apart as unique mediators between God and Israel. With this sacred office came specific responsibilities and corresponding rights, including a share in the holy things offered to the LORD.
  • Consecration and Holiness: The act of "anointing" signified their setting apart for a holy purpose. This consecration was not merely ceremonial but conferred a sacred status and the authority to minister unto the LORD, making their portion from the offerings a holy provision for holy service.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons" uses the Hebrew word mishchah (מִשְׁחָה), which refers to the act of anointing or the consecrated oil itself. It signifies being set apart and designated for a special purpose, often involving the pouring of oil. The term "offerings of the LORD made by fire" translates the Hebrew isheh (אִשֶּׁה), meaning "fire offering" or "burnt offering," indicating sacrifices that involved burning a portion on the altar, with specific parts then designated for the priests.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament priesthood has been superseded by the perfect priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 7:24), the principles within Leviticus 7:35 remain relevant.

  1. God's Provision for His Servants: Just as God provided for the Old Testament priests, He continues to provide for those dedicated to His work today, whether through direct means or through the support of the believing community (see 1 Corinthians 9:14).
  2. Honoring Those in Ministry: This verse establishes a divine precedent for honoring and supporting those who are set apart for ministry and service, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties.
  3. The Believer's Priesthood: In the New Covenant, all believers are considered a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices. While we don't receive physical portions from temple offerings, we are called to be faithful stewards of God's blessings and to support the work of the church and those God has called into full-time service.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 28:1

    ¶ And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, [even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

  • John 3:34

    For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

  • Isaiah 10:27

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

  • Exodus 29:21

    And thou shalt take of the blood that [is] upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle [it] upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

  • Isaiah 61:1

    ¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

  • Exodus 29:1

    ¶ And this [is] the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

  • 1 John 2:20

    ¶ But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
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