What is the significance of the "two kidneys" in Leviticus 3:4's offering? The text “...the two kidneys with the fat that is on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he shall remove with the kidneys” (Leviticus 3:4). What the kidneys are • Small, bean-shaped organs tucked close to the backbone • Surrounded by a rich layer of fat—the choicest, most energy-dense fat in the animal • In biblical physiology, essential for purifying the blood and sustaining life Why the kidneys were placed on the altar • The peace (fellowship) offering was voluntary, celebrating harmony between worshiper and God (Leviticus 3). • Only specific parts—the fat, the liver lobe, and the two kidneys—were burned; the rest was shared in a meal. • By giving God the innermost, best-protected organs along with their richest fat, the offerer acknowledged that life’s hidden source and best portions belong first to the LORD (Leviticus 3:16 “all the fat is the LORD’s”). Symbolism of kidneys in the wider Old Testament • “Examine me, LORD... test my kidneys and my heart” (Psalm 26:2, cf. Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 17:10). The kidneys represent the seat of motives, conscience, and deepest feelings. • Burning them says, “My inmost thoughts and desires are Yours.” • The surrounding fat pictures abundance and delight. What brings us pleasure is to be surrendered to Him. Foreshadowing Christ • Jesus offered not mere parts but His whole being: “a body You prepared for Me... I have come to do Your will” (Hebrews 10:5–10). • At Calvary He yielded every hidden motive and affection entirely to the Father—perfectly fulfilling what the kidneys signified. • Because His self-giving was complete, we now enjoy true peace with God (Romans 5:1). Practical take-aways for believers • God still looks beyond outward acts to the “kidneys”—the secret thoughts (1 Samuel 16:7). • Present your body “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1), holding nothing back, especially the areas no one else sees. • Let the Holy Spirit search and refine motives, ensuring that what delights us most is placed on the altar for His pleasure. In short The two kidneys, protected by the choicest fat, symbolized a worshiper’s hidden motives and richest affections wholly yielded to God. Burned on the altar, they pointed forward to Christ’s total self-offering and invite us today to surrender our innermost selves in grateful fellowship with the Lord. |
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