The term "heave-shoulder" refers to a specific portion of the sacrificial offerings in the Old Testament, particularly within the context of the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. The heave-shoulder is part of the peace offerings, which were offerings made to express gratitude and fellowship with God.

Biblical References:

The concept of the heave-shoulder is primarily found in the book of Leviticus. In Leviticus 7:32-34 , it is written: "You are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offerings. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion. I have taken the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering from the sons of Israel, from their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons as a perpetual portion from the sons of Israel."

Function and Significance:

The heave-shoulder, or the right thigh, was a designated portion of the peace offerings that was given to the priests. This portion was considered holy and was set apart for the sustenance of the priestly family. The act of "heaving" or lifting the shoulder was a symbolic gesture of presenting it to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. The heave-shoulder, along with the wave breast, was part of the priestly dues, ensuring that those who served in the tabernacle were provided for.

Theological Implications:

The heave-shoulder represents the principle of giving back to God a portion of what He has provided. It underscores the importance of supporting those who minister in spiritual matters, as seen in the New Testament parallel where Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 , "Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat of the temple’s food, and those who serve at the altar partake of the altar’s offerings? In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, sacrificial systems were common, but the Israelite system was unique in its covenantal relationship with Yahweh. The heave-shoulder was part of a broader system of offerings that included burnt offerings, sin offerings, and grain offerings, each with specific regulations and purposes. The peace offering, from which the heave-shoulder was taken, was a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and communal fellowship.

Priestly Role:

The priests, descendants of Aaron, were responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals and maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle. The heave-shoulder was a tangible reminder of their role as mediators between God and the people, and it provided for their physical needs as they fulfilled their spiritual duties.

Conclusion:

The heave-shoulder, as part of the peace offerings, highlights the intricate relationship between worship, provision, and community in the life of ancient Israel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicating a portion of one's resources to God and supporting those who are called to serve in His name.

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Heave-shoulder (2 Occurrences)
Heave-shoulder. Heave-offerings, Heave-shoulder. Heave-thigh .
Multi-Version Concordance Heave-shoulder (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/heave-shoulder.htm - 7k

Statute (63 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave breast and the heaveshoulder have I taken of the children
of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have ...
/s/statute.htm - 27k

Shoulder (72 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave breast and the heaveshoulder have I taken of the children
of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have ...
/s/shoulder.htm - 37k

Heave-offerings (13 Occurrences)
Heave-offerings. Heave-offering, Heave-offerings. Heave-shoulder . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (DBY JPS). Heave-offering, Heave-offerings. Heave-shoulder > ...
/h/heave-offerings.htm - 11k

Heave-thigh (2 Occurrences)
Heave-thigh. Heave-shoulder, Heave-thigh. Heavier . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(ASV). Heave-shoulder, Heave-thigh. Heavier . Reference Bible.
/h/heave-thigh.htm - 7k

Heave (25 Occurrences)
... to the Lord as ruler of heaven." The right shoulder, which fell to the priests in
presenting thank offerings, was called the heaveshoulder (Leviticus 7:34 ...
/h/heave.htm - 17k

What is a heave offering? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus