What is the meaning of Leviticus 9:19? They also brought the fat portions from the ox and the ram Leviticus 9 records the first public sacrifices after the ordination of Aaron and his sons. By “bringing” the specified portions, the priests are showing exact obedience to God’s earlier commands (Leviticus 3:3-5; 7:30-31). All the fat portions belong exclusively to the LORD—“All the fat belongs to the LORD” (Leviticus 3:16). In offering them: • The priests acknowledge God’s sole right to the best parts of the sacrifice, underscoring His supreme worth. • The people see a living picture of total dedication; the choicest pieces are not for human consumption (Leviticus 7:23-25). • The moment foreshadows Christ’s perfect obedience in offering Himself completely to the Father (Hebrews 10:5-10). the fat tail This refers mainly to the ram, whose broad, oil-rich tail was considered a delicacy (Leviticus 3:9). By placing it on the altar: • Israel yields something prized and nourishing, declaring that even life’s richest blessings are secondary to God (Proverbs 3:9). • The visual of abundant fat burning up reminds worshipers that prosperity is safest when surrendered to the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:18). the fat covering the entrails Hidden under the animal’s ribs, this layer guards the vital organs. Burning it teaches: • Inner protection and unseen strength come from the LORD, so even the “inward parts” are His (Psalm 51:6). • True worship is not skin-deep; it reaches the unseen motives and desires (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 23:25-26). the kidneys Ancient thought viewed the kidneys as the seat of conscience and emotion (cf. Psalm 73:21). Removing and offering them signifies: • God claims not only external acts but the deepest thoughts and feelings (Jeremiah 17:10). • The priest inspects the kidneys before placing them on the altar, hinting at the self-examination believers practise before communion (1 Corinthians 11:28). and the lobe of the liver The “long lobe” of the liver lies alongside the kidneys (Exodus 29:13). Its inclusion highlights: • Comprehensive surrender—nothing internal is withheld (Romans 12:1). • Life itself (symbolised by blood filtered through the liver) is offered back to the Giver of life (Leviticus 17:11). summary Leviticus 9:19 illustrates wholehearted worship. Every prized, nourishing, or hidden part of the sacrificial animals is carried to the altar, proclaiming that God deserves the best and the deepest from His people. The verse urges us to respond with the same thorough devotion, letting every outward blessing and inward motive be consumed in obedient love for the LORD. |
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