Why must leftover meat from the sacrifice be burned on the third day? The Command in Leviticus “Any meat of the sacrifice that remains until the third day must be burned up.” (Leviticus 7:17) God’s Call to Holiness and Purity • The altar offerings were “most holy” (Leviticus 6:17), set apart exclusively for the LORD. • Holiness tolerates no corruption or mixture; decay symbolized moral uncleanness (Deuteronomy 23:14). • Leaving consecrated meat past the appointed time risked defilement, so burning it guarded the sanctity of worship. Health and Practical Love • In a desert climate meat spoiled quickly. Consuming it after two days invited disease. • The law embodied love for neighbor by protecting the community’s physical well-being (Leviticus 19:18). Foreshadowing of Christ’s Incorruptible Sacrifice • Scripture repeatedly marks the “third day” as a turning point of life over decay. – “You will not abandon My soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” (Psalm 16:10; fulfilled Acts 2:27) – “The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day.” (Luke 24:46) • The burnt-up leftovers picture that no part of Christ’s offering was allowed to decay; His body saw no corruption, but He rose instead. • Thus, the law anticipates the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1-10). Rejecting Stale Worship • Israel could not stretch obedience for convenience. • God desires fresh, wholehearted devotion, not leftovers (Malachi 1:7-8). • Burning the meat after two days dramatized that delayed, deteriorating worship is unacceptable. Application for Today • Offer “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1), giving Him our best while it is still fresh. • Guard the purity of the Lord’s Table; examine ourselves so we do not partake “in an unworthy manner” (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). • Trust the risen Christ whose body did not decay; because He conquered corruption, He sanctifies our lives for genuine holiness. |
    |