Leviticus 8:25

And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that [was] upon the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:

And he took {H3947} the fat {H2459}, and the rump {H451}, and all the fat {H2459} that was upon the inwards {H7130}, and the caul {H3508} above the liver {H3516}, and the two {H8147} kidneys {H3629}, and their fat {H2459}, and the right {H3225} shoulder {H7785}:

He took the fat, the fat tail, all the fat covering the inner organs, the covering of the liver, the two kidneys with their fat, and the right thigh.

And Moses took the fat—the fat tail, all the fat that was on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with their fat—as well as the right thigh.

And he took the fat, and the fat tail, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul of the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right thigh:

Commentary

Leviticus 8:25 details a specific action taken by Moses during the elaborate consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests. This verse enumerates the particular parts of the sacrificial ram that were taken to be offered on the altar as a burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication to God.

Context

This verse is situated within a highly ritualistic and significant event: the ordination of the first priests for Israel, as commanded by God. The detailed instructions for this ceremony were first given in Exodus 29, and Leviticus 8 describes Moses meticulously carrying out these commands. The offerings made during this consecration were not primarily for atonement for sin, but rather to set apart and sanctify Aaron and his sons for their holy office, making them fit to serve in the Tabernacle. The specific animal parts mentioned here were designated for the burnt offering, signifying total surrender and devotion to God.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Holiness: The meticulous enumeration of the sacrificial parts emphasizes the thoroughness required for setting apart individuals for sacred service. Every detail was prescribed by God, highlighting His absolute holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him in worship.
  • Divine Prescription and Obedience: Moses' precise adherence to God's instructions underscores the importance of strict obedience in worship. This was not a humanly devised ritual but a divinely ordained process, ensuring proper reverence and efficacy in the establishment of the priesthood.
  • Offering the Best to God: The "fat" (Hebrew: chelev) was consistently considered the choicest portion of an animal, symbolizing richness, vitality, and the best. By offering the fat, the rump, and other specified fatty parts, Israel was commanded to give God their very best, signifying complete devotion and surrender. The "right shoulder" was also a significant part; while often given to the priest in other offerings (see Leviticus 7:32-34), here it is offered to God, reinforcing the theme of total dedication during consecration.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "fat," chelev, refers specifically to the thick, choicest fat covering the internal organs and the fat tail (like the "rump," alyah, of a sheep). This was distinguished from the fat marbled within the meat and was explicitly forbidden for human consumption, being exclusively reserved for God as His portion (as seen in Leviticus 3:17).
  • The "caul above the liver" is rendered from the Hebrew yoteret, another specific fatty membrane, which further demonstrates the precise and detailed nature of God's instructions regarding the sacrificial system.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament priestly consecration rituals are no longer practiced today because of the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles of this verse remain profoundly relevant for believers. It reminds us of:

  • Giving God Our Best: Just as the choicest parts of the sacrifice were given to God, we are called to offer Him our best in every area of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and devotion—rather than mere leftovers.
  • Reverence and Obedience: God's meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle service highlight the importance of reverent obedience in our worship and daily lives. Our service should be in accordance with His revealed will.
  • Holiness in Service: Those who serve God are called to a life of holiness, reflecting the character of the God they serve. For Christians, this consecration is a spiritual reality, as we are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), set apart for His purposes.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 53:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

  • Proverbs 23:26 (2 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 3:9 (2 votes)

    And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, [and] the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

  • Leviticus 3:3 (2 votes)

    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,

  • Leviticus 3:5 (2 votes)

    And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which [is] upon the wood that [is] on the fire: [it is] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Exodus 29:22 (2 votes)

    Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and the right shoulder; for it [is] a ram of consecration:

  • Exodus 29:25 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn [them] upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before the LORD: it [is] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.