What is the meaning of Leviticus 19:7? If any of it Leviticus 19:7 opens with “If any of it….” The “it” points back to the fellowship (peace) offering described in Leviticus 19:5–6. • The entire portion belongs to the Lord first, yet He graciously allows the worshiper to share in eating it (Leviticus 7:15). • “Any” underscores that no piece is exempt; total obedience is required, echoing God’s call for wholehearted devotion in Deuteronomy 6:5. • Similar all‐inclusive language appears in Leviticus 22:29–30, where the whole sacrifice is to be eaten promptly so that nothing unholy remains. is eaten Eating a sacrifice is not casual snacking—it is covenant fellowship. • Sharing the meal signifies communion with God (Exodus 24:11) and with fellow believers (1 Corinthians 10:18). • Because the act is sacramental, strict boundaries protect its holiness, just as the manna was to be gathered only as God directed (Exodus 16:19–20). on the third day The Lord specifies, “on the third day.” • Day one and two allowed for celebration and thanks; day three crossed into disobedience (Leviticus 7:17). • God ordains time as well as content: the Sabbath pattern in Genesis 2:3 and the festival calendar in Leviticus 23. • Delayed obedience is disobedience; Saul learned this when he spared Agag “the best” beyond God’s command (1 Samuel 15:22–23). it is tainted The meat becomes “tainted.” • Once God’s timeframe passes, decay sets in—physically and spiritually (Leviticus 19:8). • What was holy turns unclean, a picture echoed when Jesus warns about treasures that moth and rust destroy (Matthew 6:19). • Sin corrupts quickly; Achan’s hidden plunder polluted the whole camp (Joshua 7:11–12). and will not be accepted When a worshiper ignores the rule, “it will not be accepted.” • God rejects worship that bypasses His instructions (Isaiah 1:13; Malachi 1:8). • Acceptance hinges on obedience, prefiguring Christ, whose perfect offering “was accepted” once for all (Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 10:8–10). • This sober warning guards Israel from casual, self–styled religion, calling them to serve “with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). summary Leviticus 19:7 teaches that every part of the fellowship offering must be eaten within God’s prescribed time. Delaying until the third day corrupts what was holy, turning the act from obedient celebration into unacceptable worship. The verse reminds believers that wholehearted, timely obedience matters, because true fellowship with God respects His boundaries and trusts His wisdom. |
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