What is the meaning of Exodus 29:13? Take all the fat that covers the entrails • The priest was told to remove every bit of the thick layer of fat wrapping the inner organs. Leviticus 3:16 reminds us, “All fat belongs to the LORD,” underscoring that the choicest, richest parts were reserved exclusively for Him. • Fat supplied energy and richness to the body; by surrendering it wholly to God, Israel declared that their very strength came from Him (Deuteronomy 8:18). • The entrails lie hidden inside, so offering this fat pictured yielding the unseen, private areas of life. Psalm 51:6 echoes this heart-level devotion: “Surely You desire truth in the inmost being.” and the lobe of the liver • The liver, saturated with blood, was considered vital to life. Removing its distinctive lobe and giving it to God emphasized that life itself is His gift (Leviticus 4:9). • Scripture often links the liver with motives and decision-making (Lamentations 2:11). Presenting it on the altar symbolized surrendering every decision and desire to the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). • By setting apart a single, notable portion—“the lobe”—God highlighted that no detail is too small for His holiness (Matthew 5:18). and both kidneys with the fat on them • In the ancient world kidneys represented the emotions and conscience. Psalm 26:2 pleads, “Examine my heart and mind,” literally “heart and kidneys.” • Offering these organs declared, “Lord, test and claim my deepest thoughts and feelings” (Jeremiah 11:20). • The surrounding fat again pointed to giving the very best. Just as the kidneys were covered and protected, God’s people were to let Him guard their innermost life (Psalm 139:23-24). and burn them on the altar • Nothing from these parts was eaten or used otherwise; it was entirely consumed by fire for God alone (Leviticus 1:9). • Fire speaks of purification and complete dedication. Hebrews 12:29 calls God “a consuming fire,” purging what is offered so it becomes a “pleasing aroma” (Ephesians 5:2). • Every day, as the flames rose, Israel saw a vivid picture of Romans 12:1—living sacrifices wholly given to the Lord—and were reminded that atonement requires total consecration (Hebrews 9:14). summary Exodus 29:13 commands the priest to set aside the richest, most hidden parts of the sacrifice and let them be wholly consumed for God. Fat, liver, and kidneys all represent the best, the vital, and the innermost aspects of life. By burning them on the altar, Israel affirmed that every strength, motive, emotion, and secret place rightly belongs to the Lord. The verse calls believers today to the same wholehearted surrender, letting God claim and purify all that is within us for His glory. |
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