The term "heave-thigh" refers to a specific portion of the sacrificial offerings described in the Old Testament, particularly within the context of the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system instituted by God for the Israelites. The heave-thigh, also known as the "wave thigh" or "heave offering," is a portion of the peace offerings that was set aside for the priests as part of their due from the sacrifices made by the people.

Biblical References:

The primary references to the heave-thigh are found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. In Leviticus 7:32-34 , the instructions regarding the heave-thigh are clearly outlined:

"You are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering. 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 Israelites, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a perpetual portion from the Israelites."

This passage indicates that the heave-thigh, along with the breast of the wave offering, was designated as a perpetual portion for the priests, signifying their share of the offerings brought by the people.

Significance in the Sacrificial System:

The heave-thigh was part of the peace offerings, which were voluntary sacrifices made by the Israelites to express thanksgiving, fulfill a vow, or as a freewill offering. The peace offering was unique in that it was shared among the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship and communion with God. The heave-thigh, specifically, was lifted or "heaved" as a symbolic gesture of presenting it to the Lord, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.

The allocation of the heave-thigh to the priests served several purposes. It provided for the material needs of the priestly family, who did not have a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord and the offerings made by the people (Numbers 18:20-21). This system underscored the principle that those who serve at the altar should share in the offerings of the altar (1 Corinthians 9:13).

Theological Implications:

The heave-thigh, as part of the sacrificial system, points to the broader theological themes of atonement, fellowship, and provision. The sacrificial system foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). In Christ, the need for continual sacrifices was abolished, as He offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10).

Moreover, the heave-thigh illustrates the principle of giving back to God a portion of what He has provided, a practice that continues in the form of tithes and offerings in the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the call to support those who minister in spiritual matters.

In summary, the heave-thigh is a significant element of the Old Testament sacrificial system, reflecting God's provision for the priesthood and symbolizing the fellowship between God and His people. It is a testament to the intricate design of the Levitical laws, which pointed forward to the redemptive work of Christ.Heave-thigh (2 Occurrences)

Leviticus 7:34
For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons as 'their' portion for ever from the children of Israel.
(ASV)

Leviticus 10:15
The heave-thigh and the wave-breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave-offering before Jehovah: and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, as a portion for ever; as Jehovah hath commanded.
(ASV)

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

Waving (23 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/w/waving.htm - 13k

Wave-breast (3 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/w/wave-breast.htm - 7k

Heaving (3 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/h/heaving.htm - 7k

Due (93 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/d/due.htm - 35k

Heavier (13 Occurrences)

/h/heavier.htm - 10k

Thigh (38 Occurrences)
... by its excellence as food (1 Samuel 9:24 Ezekiel 24:4)) determined its choice as
a sacrificial potion (Exodus 29:22, etc.; on the "heavethigh" see SACRIFICE). ...
/t/thigh.htm - 22k

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

Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/p/peace-offerings.htm - 33k

What is a heave offering? | GotQuestions.org

Why did oaths involve putting a hand under someone's thigh (Genesis 24:9)? | GotQuestions.org

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