What does the removal of the "kidneys and the fat" symbolize spiritually? The Practice Described in Scripture “Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering…the two kidneys and the fat that is on them…” (Leviticus 3:4–5). God repeatedly commanded that the kidneys and the surrounding fat be removed from peace, sin, and guilt offerings and burned exclusively for Him (Leviticus 3:4, 10, 15; 4:9; 7:4). Why Kidneys and Fat Were Set Apart • They were considered the richest, most inward parts of the animal—hidden and valuable. • By burning them wholly to the LORD, Israel acknowledged that the deepest, choicest portions belong to Him alone (Leviticus 3:16). • The act created a vivid picture: nothing within the offerer was off-limits to God. Symbolic Meaning of the Kidneys • In Hebrew thought, kidneys represented the seat of conscience, emotions, and motives (Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 11:20). • Removing them signified that the worshiper surrendered his inner life—thoughts, desires, secret intentions—to divine scrutiny. • God alone “tests the mind and heart” (literally “kidneys,” Psalm 26:2); offering the kidneys declared, “Search me, O God, and know me completely.” Symbolic Meaning of the Fat • Fat marked abundance and strength (Genesis 45:18; Deuteronomy 32:14). • Burning the fat confessed that all prosperity and vigor come from God and must be devoted back to Him. • Prohibiting personal consumption of this fat (Leviticus 3:17) protected Israel from self-indulgence and kept worship central. Connection to Holiness and Consecration • Only the altar fire—symbolizing God’s holy presence—could consume these precious parts, underscoring His absolute purity (Hebrews 12:29). • The repeated phrase “an aroma pleasing to the LORD” (Leviticus 3:5, 16) stressed that wholehearted consecration delights Him. • Thus the removal ritual taught holiness: what is most inward and best must be set apart for God alone. Applications for Believers Today • Offer the “kidneys” of life—motives, attitudes, secret thoughts—to God’s searching light (Psalm 139:23-24). • Yield the “fat”—strengths, resources, successes—as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). • Guard against consuming what rightfully belongs to the LORD; honor Him first with every talent and treasure (Proverbs 3:9). • Rejoice that Christ, the perfect offering, surrendered His innermost being for us, fulfilling every shadow of the Levitical sacrifices (Hebrews 10:10). |
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