What is the meaning of Leviticus 9:20? Setting the Scene Leviticus 9 records the very first day Aaron and his sons function publicly as priests. After Moses’ careful instruction, the family presents sin, burnt, grain, and fellowship offerings “as the LORD had commanded” (Leviticus 9:7-10). Verse 20 falls within the fellowship (peace) offering, which is shared between God, priest, and worshiper (see Leviticus 3:3-5; 7:28-34). The orderly handling of every piece highlights that nothing in worship is accidental; each detail has purpose and meaning. What Were the Fat Portions? • The “fat portions” were the richest inner fat—the “fat tail,” kidneys, and lobe of the liver (Leviticus 3:9-10; 4:8-10). • God repeatedly claims this fat as His exclusive portion: “All the fat is the LORD’s” (Leviticus 3:16). • Burning it on the altar pictured giving God the very best, underscoring His supreme worth (Exodus 29:13). • Cross references: Deuteronomy 32:14 emphasizes “the finest wheat” and “the blood of grapes,” again illustrating that God deserves the choicest. Why Place Them on the Breasts? • The priests laid the fat on top of the animal’s breast (the chest meat) before carrying it to the altar (Leviticus 7:30-31). – This action visually separated God’s portion (fat) from the priest’s portion (breast). – It taught that even the priestly share must first pass under God’s claim, reminding leaders that their provision flows from Him (Numbers 18:8-12). • By physically placing one piece upon another, the priests dramatized the layered fellowship: God receives first honor, then the priest, and finally the worshiper (Leviticus 7:15). Aaron Burned the Fat on the Altar • Aaron personally ignites the fat: “Aaron burned the fat on the altar” (Leviticus 9:20). – The smoke rising symbolizes the offering ascending to God as “a pleasing aroma” (Leviticus 3:5). – Aaron’s active role confirms his acceptance as mediator; God’s fire later falls in approval (Leviticus 9:23-24). • Cross references: – Psalm 51:19 speaks of God’s delight when “burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings” are rightly offered. – Hebrews 7:27 looks back to priests who “offer sacrifices day after day,” all pointing forward to Christ who offered Himself once for all. A Picture for Our Worship Today • God still deserves the “first and best.” We honor Him by surrendering our finest time, talents, and resources (Proverbs 3:9). • Like the layered offering, worship embraces fellowship: – God is glorified, – leaders are provided for, – believers share together (Philippians 4:18). • Christ has fulfilled the sacrificial system (Ephesians 5:2), yet Romans 12:1 urges us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” The principle remains: give God the choicest portions of our lives. summary Leviticus 9:20 shows the priests carefully placing the choice inner fat—the LORD’s exclusive share—on the breast before Aaron burns it on the altar. The act teaches that God receives the best first, the priest receives his portion only after acknowledging God’s claim, and the worshiper shares in fellowship afterward. This vivid moment affirms God’s rightful priority in every offering and invites us to honor Him today by surrendering our finest to Him. |
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