What is the meaning of Leviticus 23:20? The priest is to wave the lambs - In every offering, the priest acts as mediator (Exodus 28:1; Hebrews 5:1). - Waving the lambs signifies presenting them alive and whole to God before they are sacrificed, a gesture of total surrender and acknowledgment that all belongs to Him (Romans 12:1). - These lambs foreshadow the ultimate Lamb, Jesus, who is also presented before the Father for our acceptance (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19). as a wave offering before the LORD - The “wave” motion symbolizes God’s acceptance and the people’s gratitude (Exodus 29:24; Leviticus 7:30). - By lifting the lambs “before the LORD,” the act keeps worship God-centered, reminding Israel that fellowship and provision originate with Him (Psalm 24:1). together with the bread of the firstfruits - Two loaves baked with leaven (Leviticus 23:17) are lifted alongside the lambs during the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost). - This links animal sacrifice with agricultural blessing, showing God’s lordship over both life and livelihood (Deuteronomy 26:1-10; James 1:17). - The inclusion of leavened bread hints at God’s grace toward imperfect people, accepted because of the atoning lambs (Acts 2:1-4 parallels the fulfillment of firstfruits in the church). The bread and the two lambs shall be holy to the LORD - “Holy” means set apart exclusively for God (Leviticus 27:30; 1 Peter 1:15-16). - Both meat and bread belong to Him first, emphasizing that worship involves every dimension of life—spiritual and material. - Holiness here underscores the seriousness of approaching God; what is offered must meet His standards, a truth later fulfilled in Christ’s perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-14). for the priest - After being waved, portions are given to the priest for food (Leviticus 6:16-18; Numbers 18:8-11). - God provides for His servants through the worship of His people, weaving care for ministry into the fabric of sacrificial life (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). - The priest’s share reinforces the principle that those who mediate worship should live from the altar yet remain accountable to God’s holiness. summary Leviticus 23:20 pictures a rich, interconnected act of worship: the priest lifts two lambs and firstfruits bread to acknowledge God’s ownership, celebrate His harvest provision, and secure acceptance for a sinful people. The offerings are wholly God’s yet graciously supply His servants. Ultimately, the scene anticipates Jesus—the perfect Lamb—and the Spirit-empowered harvest at Pentecost, inviting us to present every aspect of life to the Lord in thankful, set-apart devotion. |
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