What is the meaning of Leviticus 7:23? Speak to the Israelites and say The command begins with God addressing His covenant people through Moses. By singling out “the Israelites,” the Lord emphasizes that they are a distinct, holy nation (Leviticus 20:26) and are to live differently from surrounding cultures (Deuteronomy 4:6–8). The phrase “speak … and say” underscores the authority of divine revelation—Moses isn’t offering advice; he is conveying God’s unchanging Word (Exodus 24:3). Just as the prophets later declared, “Thus says the LORD” (Jeremiah 2:2), so every believer today is called to receive Scripture as fully trustworthy (2 Timothy 3:16–17). You are not to eat any of the fat The prohibition focuses on “any … fat,” meaning the best or choicest portions reserved for sacrificial worship (Leviticus 3:16). By forbidding its consumption, God teaches several truths: • Ownership—All good gifts ultimately belong to Him; He deserves the richest part (Psalm 24:1). • Reverence—Keeping the fat off the dinner table protected Israel from treating holy things casually (Malachi 1:7–8). • Atonement—Fat that was burned produced a pleasing aroma, picturing Christ’s complete, acceptable offering on our behalf (Ephesians 5:2). Ignoring this command brought severe consequences (Leviticus 7:25), reminding us that obedience and worship are inseparable (1 Samuel 15:22). of an ox, a sheep, or a goat These three animals represent the primary sacrificial categories in Israel’s daily life (Numbers 7:16–17). Specifying them shows that God’s standards apply across the board, whether the sacrifice was costly like an ox or humble like a goat. The New Testament echoes this principle of comprehensive devotion: whatever we do—eating, drinking, or anything else—is to honor God (1 Corinthians 10:31). While the dietary restriction itself is fulfilled in Christ (Acts 10:13–15), the heart behind it still matters. We gladly set aside personal appetites so that every part of life points to the Lord’s worth (Romans 12:1). summary Leviticus 7:23 commands Israel to reserve the choicest fat of their sacrifices for God alone, underscoring His ownership, holiness, and right to the best we have. Though the ceremonial law has been fulfilled in Christ, the passage still calls believers to wholehearted, reverent obedience, offering every aspect of life as worship to the Lord. |
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