What is the meaning of Exodus 29:28? This will belong to Aaron and his sons - God sets apart a tangible, continual gift for the priesthood. - Earlier verses establish that parts of the ram of ordination are “consecrated” (Exodus 29:26-27), underscoring that the priestly portion is not a human courtesy but a divine decree. - Numbers 18:8-11 confirms this ongoing pattern: “I have given you charge of My offerings… they are yours, a perpetual allotment.” - By declaring ownership, God supplies for those who serve at His altar (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). as a regular portion from the Israelites - “Regular” signals a standing obligation, not a one-time gift. - Leviticus 7:34 calls the breast and thigh “a permanent statute for the Israelites,” echoing the language here. - This rhythm of giving nurtures covenant mindfulness: every generation actively remembers that ministry costs are met by God through His people. - Practical take-away: worship and support go hand-in-hand (Philippians 4:16-18). for it is the heave offering - A heave offering is lifted upward, illustrating open acknowledgment that the rightful Owner is above. - Numbers 18:24 says the Levites “receive the tithes… as their inheritance in return for the work.” The lift signifies transfer: from Israel’s hands to God’s possession, then to the priests. - The gesture embodies gratitude; God’s portion is honored before personal use. - Hebrews 13:15-16 draws the parallel: we still “offer up” sacrifices of praise and generosity. the Israelites will make to the LORD - Offerings are first “to the LORD,” not merely to religious leaders. - Malachi 1:6-8 rebukes half-hearted gifts, reminding us that God discerns motivations behind every offering. - By directing the gift to Himself, God protects the priesthood from appearing self-serving. - 2 Chronicles 31:4-10 shows the blessing that follows when the people give “to the LORD,” resulting in abundance for both priests and givers. from their peace offerings - Peace (or fellowship) offerings celebrate harmony with God (Leviticus 3:1-17). - A portion feeds the worshiper, another portion is burned, and the priest receives his share—symbolizing shared table fellowship between God, priest, and people. - Ephesians 2:13-18 points to the ultimate peace offering: Christ, who “is our peace” and who unites God and humanity. - Every time Israel brought a peace offering, they rehearsed future reconciliation accomplished at the cross. summary Exodus 29:28 anchors a perpetual provision: God claims a lifted-up share of every peace offering, then assigns it to Aaron and his sons. This statute underscores three truths—God faithfully sustains His servants, worship involves regular and visible giving, and every offering ultimately belongs to the LORD who grants peace. |
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