What does Leviticus 3:11 teach about offerings being "food for the LORD"? The Text “ ‘The priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire to the LORD.’ ” (Leviticus 3:11) Context in Leviticus • Leviticus 3 describes the fellowship (peace) offering. • Fat portions from cattle, sheep, or goats were removed and placed on the altar. • Verse 11 caps the instructions by calling those portions “food” for the LORD. Meaning of “Food for the LORD” • God is Spirit (John 4:24); He does not require nutrition (Psalm 50:12-13). • “Food” speaks of what satisfies God’s righteous pleasure—an aroma He “accepts” (Genesis 8:21; Ephesians 5:2). • The altar fire consumes the sacrifice, picturing total dedication; nothing is held back (Romans 12:1). • By calling it food, Scripture underscores that the offering belongs wholly to Him—His portion alone (Leviticus 21:6). What the Offering Signified • Fellowship restored—offerer, priest, and God share a “meal.” – Portions eaten by the worshiper (Leviticus 7:15). – Portions given to the priest (Leviticus 7:31-34). – Portions burned for God (Leviticus 3:3-5, 11). • Gratitude and peace—the worshiper celebrates shalom established through shed blood (Leviticus 17:11). • Holiness—only the best parts (the fat) go to the LORD, mirroring His worthiness (Malachi 1:7-8). Why Call It “Food”? Three Key Ideas 1. Ownership—food is the rightful property of its eater; these parts are exclusively God’s. 2. Satisfaction—the rising smoke pictures God “smelling” and being pleased (Exodus 29:18). 3. Communion—the peace offering functioned like a covenant banquet, portraying shared life with Him (Deuteronomy 12:6-7). Christ-Centered Fulfillment • Jesus is the true peace offering: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). • His death fully satisfied the Father, making lasting peace (Colossians 1:20). • At the Lord’s Table we remember His sacrifice and enjoy fellowship comparable to the shared meal of Leviticus 3 (1 Corinthians 10:16-18). Living It Out Today • Offer God the “fat portions” of your life—first place, best time, finest resources. • Aim for wholehearted consecration; partial obedience stays off the altar. • Rejoice that, in Christ, you enjoy continual peace with God and can draw near (Hebrews 10:19-22). Supporting Scriptures • Genesis 8:21 – pleasing aroma of a burnt offering • Leviticus 7:31-34 – fat burned for the LORD, breast and thigh for the priest • Psalm 50:12-13 – God needs nothing but delights in obedience • Malachi 1:7-8 – offering polluted sacrifices dishonors God • Ephesians 5:2 – Christ as fragrant offering • Hebrews 13:15 – spiritual sacrifices of praise |
    |