What is the meaning of Leviticus 7:31? The priest is to burn the fat on the altar “The priest shall burn the fat on the altar” (Leviticus 7:31). • God consistently reserves the fat of the peace offering for Himself (Leviticus 3:3–5; 4:8–10; 17:6). The fat represents the richest, choicest part of the animal, underscoring that the Lord deserves the best. • By turning the fat to smoke, the priest visually demonstrates total surrender to God, much like the rising incense of prayer (Psalm 141:2) and the “pleasing aroma” language woven through the offerings (Leviticus 1:9). • Treating the fat as holy protects worshipers from the self-centeredness condemned in 1 Samuel 2:15–17, where Eli’s sons seized the fat for themselves. • The directive also prefigures the perfect sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself fully to the Father (Ephesians 5:2), showing that wholehearted devotion, not partial loyalty, is the Lord’s rightful portion. but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons “but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons” (Leviticus 7:31). • God provides for His priests through specific portions of the fellowship offering—the wave-breast here, and the right thigh in verse 32 (see also Leviticus 7:34; Exodus 29:26–28; Numbers 18:18). • The breast is waved before the Lord, acknowledging that it first belongs to Him, then handed to the priests. This balance affirms both divine ownership and priestly sustenance. • By sustaining those who serve at the altar, God embeds the principle later restated in 1 Corinthians 9:13–14: “those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar.” • The arrangement also fosters community. Worshipers, priests, and the Lord all share in the peace offering meal (Leviticus 7:15). The breast’s allocation models generous support for spiritual leaders (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17–18), while still keeping God first. summary Leviticus 7:31 highlights two complementary truths: the Lord receives the choicest portion, and His servants are cared for from what is offered. Burning the fat proclaims God’s supreme worth; giving the breast to Aaron’s line ensures the ongoing ministry of the priesthood. Together they call believers to honor God with their very best and to faithfully support those who minister in His name. |
    |