Leviticus 3:14

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

And he shall offer {H7126} thereof his offering {H7133}, even an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}; the fat {H2459} that covereth {H3680} the inwards {H7130}, and all the fat {H2459} that is upon the inwards {H7130},

He is to present from it his offering, an offering made by fire to ADONAI ; it is to consist of the fat covering the inner organs, all the fat above the inner organs,

And from his offering he shall present an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,

And he shall offer thereof his oblation, even an offering made by fire unto Jehovah; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,

Commentary

Leviticus 3:14 details a specific instruction regarding the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering. This verse specifies which parts of the animal, particularly the fat, were to be presented as an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Context

This verse is part of the broader instructions for the peace offering (zebach shelamim) in Leviticus chapter 3. Unlike the burnt offering which was entirely consumed, or the sin and trespass offerings which dealt with specific transgressions, the peace offering was unique. It symbolized communion and fellowship between God and the worshiper, often offered in thanksgiving, for a vow, or as a freewill offering. The fat, being the richest part, was exclusively reserved for God, while the meat was shared by the priests and the worshiper, fostering a sense of shared meal and intimacy with the divine.

Key Themes

  • Dedication of the Best: The command to offer "all the fat that is upon the inwards" highlights the principle of giving God the very best. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fat was considered the richest and most desirable part of an animal, symbolizing health, prosperity, and vitality. By reserving it for the LORD, the worshiper acknowledged God's supreme ownership and worthiness of the highest honor.
  • Holiness and Separation: This act underscored the holiness of God and the need for Israel to recognize His distinctness. Certain parts, like the fat and the blood, were forbidden for human consumption (Leviticus 7:23-25), emphasizing that these elements were sacred and belonged solely to the LORD.
  • Fellowship and Atonement: While the primary purpose of the peace offering was fellowship, it still required a blood sacrifice, pointing to the foundational truth that peace with God is only possible through atonement. The burning of the fat produced a "sweet savour" to the LORD, signifying acceptance and pleasure (Leviticus 1:9).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fat" here is chelev (חֵלֶב), which specifically refers to the rich, internal fat that covers the organs, distinct from mere animal grease. This type of fat was considered the choicest part. The phrase "offering made by fire" translates ishsheh (אִשֶּׁה), a general term for any offering consumed by fire on the altar, signifying its dedication to God through combustion.

Practical Application

Leviticus 3:14, though rooted in ancient sacrificial practices, offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of giving God our best – not just remnants or what's convenient, but our choicest time, talents, and resources. Just as the fat was fully dedicated to the LORD, we are called to a complete dedication of our lives to Him. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect peace offering, enabling true and lasting fellowship between God and humanity.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 22:14 (2 votes)

    I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

  • Psalms 22:15 (2 votes)

    My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

  • Proverbs 23:26 (2 votes)

    My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

  • Jeremiah 20:18 (2 votes)

    Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

  • Matthew 26:38 (2 votes)

    Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

  • Matthew 22:37 (2 votes)

    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

  • Romans 12:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.