What does "eat the most holy and the holy offerings" signify for priests? Setting of the command Leviticus 21:22: “He may eat the most holy food of his God as well as the holy food.” God gives this directive to the sons of Aaron—even those with physical defects who cannot approach the altar (vv. 17-21). Comparable instructions: Exodus 29:33; Leviticus 6:16-18; Numbers 18:9-11; Ezekiel 42:13. Defining “most holy” and “holy” offerings • Most holy offerings – Grain offerings after the memorial portion is burned (Leviticus 6:16). – Sin offerings and guilt offerings whose blood is brought into the sanctuary (Leviticus 6:25-26; 7:6). – The bread of the Presence (Leviticus 24:5-9). – Eaten only by the priests, only in a sanctified place, and only by males of the priestly line. • Holy offerings (sometimes called “holy things”) – Wave breast and heave shoulder from peace offerings (Leviticus 7:31-34). – Firstfruits, tithes, and vowed things (Numbers 18:11-19). – These could be eaten by priests, their wives, children, and unmarried daughters, normally within clean homes inside the camp or city (Leviticus 22:10-13). Why priests ate the offerings • God’s chosen provision “‘I am your portion and your inheritance…’” (Numbers 18:20-21). The table of the Lord supplied their daily bread so they could focus on ministry rather than farming. • Identification with the sacrifice By consuming what had been laid on the altar, the priest visibly shared in the worshiper’s atonement and thanksgiving (Exodus 29:32-33). • Internalizing holiness Holiness was not just external ritual; the priest “took in” what was sacred. This pictured a life saturated with the things of God (Leviticus 6:17-18). • Covenant fellowship Eating at God’s table echoed the ancient Near-Eastern practice of sealing covenants by sharing a meal. The priests enjoyed continual communion with the LORD on behalf of the people. • Foreshadowing Christ The sacrifices anticipated “the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51). Priests feasting on holy food prefigures believers feeding on Christ’s finished work. Conditions and safeguards • Ceremonial cleanness required (Leviticus 22:1-7). • Food never taken outside designated areas (Leviticus 6:26; Ezekiel 42:13). • Outsiders strictly excluded (Numbers 18:3-4). • Profanation punished by death or expulsion (Leviticus 10:1-2; 22:9). These boundaries protected the distinction between the sacred and the common. Threads that run into the New Testament • 1 Corinthians 9:13-14—Paul cites temple practice to affirm material support for gospel workers. • Hebrews 13:10—Believers “have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat,” highlighting the superior privilege found in Christ. • 1 Peter 2:5, 9—All Christians are now a “royal priesthood,” called to offer spiritual sacrifices and live off the gracious provision of God. Practical take-aways for today • God still funds His work through His people; supporting pastors and missionaries honors a biblical pattern. • Ministry demands personal holiness; leaders must first partake of the grace they proclaim. • Every believer, as a priest in Christ, is invited to feed daily on God’s Word and the finished sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Sacred things remain sacred. Casual treatment of worship, communion, or offering invites spiritual dullness and judgment (1 Corinthians 11:27-30). |
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