RPG Adults
THE PRIESTS KEPT PARTS OF OFFERINGS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
Leviticus 7
John 6:53-56
“Likewise this is the law of the
trespass offering: it is most holy.”
THE PRIESTS KEPT PARTS OF OFFERINGS
We know that the priests and their families were supported by the firstfruits of the people of Israel. Here, we see the priests receiving parts of the offerings on behalf of the LORD. The same altar used for the burnt offerings was also used for the trespass offerings. The blood would also be sprinkled round about the altar. After all the inner parts of the animal such as the fat, two kidneys, liver were burned upon the altar by the priest, whatever remained would be given to the presiding priest who did the offering. The skin of the animal (the ox only) would be given to the priest as well. This is the skin of the sin offering and the trespass offering, and NOT the regular burnt offering of Leviticus 1:3-9 where all parts of the animals must be given to the LORD. The “burnt offering” here refers to sin and trespass offerings where parts of the animals were burned on the altar. Other parts that remained were given to the priests who were holy in the sight of God.
We know that in Old Testament times, covenants were sealed by the parties involved eating a meal together. In this instance, the priests ate of the offerings of the people representing both the people of God and God. When seen from the perspective of God, the people eating did not eat of the offerings they brought. The priests who represented the people consumed the offerings on their behalf as both the offerings and the priests were holy. From the perspective of the people, the parts of their offerings that were burned at the altar represented the LORD “eating” the offerings. Thus, the significance of a covenantal relationship was symbolised by these sin and trespass offerings. The ones who offered them were made clean by the LORD, and their relationship and fellowship with God was healed and restored. Eating and drinking together have a very intimate significance. Read John 6:53-56.
MEMORISATION: Leviticus 7:8
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, for Christ who died on Calvary’s cross for my sins and He now dwells in me. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.