What does the "fat that covers the entrails" symbolize in spiritual purification? Scene in Leviticus Leviticus repeatedly singles out “the fat that covers the entrails” when describing sin, guilt, and peace offerings (Leviticus 3:3–4; 4:8–9; 7:3–4). The priest was to remove this inner fat and burn it entirely on the altar: “Then he shall present from the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire to the Lord: the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is upon the entrails.” (Leviticus 3:3) What the Inner Fat Signifies • Hidden, interior life. The fat lies deep inside, unseen by others; it pictures the secret thoughts, motives, and desires of the heart (Psalm 51:6). • Fullness and abundance. Fat in Scripture represents richness and excess (Deuteronomy 32:14); offering it acknowledges that every blessing comes from God. • Reserved for the Lord alone. “All the fat belongs to the Lord” (Leviticus 3:16). By burning it, worshipers confess that even their deepest capacities for pleasure and satisfaction must be surrendered to Him. Burning the Fat and Spiritual Purification • Total consecration. Nothing is held back—not even what is hidden within (Romans 12:1). • Removal of concealed sin. Just as inner fat is extracted, secret sins must be exposed and consumed by God’s refining fire (Psalm 139:23–24; Hebrews 4:12–13). • A pleasing aroma. When the fat is burned, “it is an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the Lord” (Leviticus 3:5). Pure motives offered to God delight Him. • Mediator’s role. The priest carries the fat to the altar; Christ, our great High Priest, presents our inner life purified before the Father (Hebrews 9:14). Life Application • Invite the Lord to search the hidden places of the heart and yield them fully. • Reject the temptation to keep “private” sins; allow Scripture and the Spirit to expose and cleanse them. • Celebrate that Christ’s sacrifice not only forgives outward acts but also purifies inward desires, enabling whole-hearted devotion (Titus 2:14). Summary The “fat that covers the entrails” symbolizes the most private, abundant, and potentially self-indulgent parts of our inner life. God commands it be removed and wholly burned, illustrating His demand—and gracious provision—for complete inward purification and exclusive devotion to Him. |
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