What is the meaning of Leviticus 8:16? “Moses also took all the fat that was on the entrails” – The fat surrounding the inner organs was considered the choicest part of the animal, set apart exclusively for the LORD (Leviticus 3:3-5; 4:8-10). – By removing it first, Moses demonstrated that God receives the best before anything is shared with people (Exodus 29:13). – This inward fat, hidden from public view, pictures wholehearted devotion that the Lord alone sees (1 Samuel 16:7). – For believers today, the call is to give the finest and most personal part of life—our inmost thoughts and desires—to God (Romans 12:1-2). “the lobe of the liver” – The liver was regarded as the seat of one’s deepest emotions and motives; its specific mention stresses that consecration must reach the core of a person (Psalm 26:2). – God stipulated that this lobe be His portion in every peace or sin offering (Leviticus 7:4). – In the ordination rite here, Aaron and his sons acknowledged that even their hidden intentions belonged to the LORD (Proverbs 21:2). – Christ’s willing surrender of His inner will to the Father (John 6:38) perfectly fulfills what this sacrifice foreshadowed. “and both kidneys and their fat” – Ancient Israelites linked the kidneys with conscience and moral reasoning (Jeremiah 11:20). – Removing them underscores that priestly service requires a cleansed, discerning heart (Psalm 139:23-24). – God alone could consume these organs, reminding His people that true judgment of motives belongs to Him (Revelation 2:23). – Followers of Jesus are called to guard their inner life so ministry flows from purity (2 Timothy 2:21-22). “and burned it all on the altar” – Burning these parts produced a “soothing aroma” to the LORD (Leviticus 1:9), symbolizing His acceptance of the sacrifice. – Nothing of this inner fat was left for human use; total combustion pictured total surrender (Exodus 29:18). – The altar, already sprinkled with blood (Leviticus 8:15), now bore the purified inner portions, pointing to a life both forgiven and dedicated. – Jesus offered Himself “as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2), fulfilling every symbol in this verse. summary Leviticus 8:16 shows Moses setting apart the choicest, hidden parts of the ordination ram entirely for God. Each removed organ highlights a different facet of inward devotion: desires, motives, conscience, and will—all surrendered and consumed on the altar. The verse teaches that effective service comes from hearts wholly given to the LORD, anticipates Christ’s perfect self-offering, and calls believers to offer every hidden part of life to the One who sees and deserves our best. |
    |