Topical Encyclopedia The Heave Offering is a specific type of offering mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily within the context of the Levitical sacrificial system. It is distinct from other offerings such as the burnt offering, sin offering, and peace offering, and holds a unique place in the worship and religious practices of ancient Israel.Biblical References and Description The term "heave offering" is derived from the Hebrew word "terumah," which means "a gift" or "a contribution." It is often associated with the act of lifting or raising, symbolizing the offering being elevated to God. The Heave Offering is mentioned in several books of the Bible, including Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. In Exodus 29:27-28 , the Heave Offering is described in the context of the consecration of Aaron and his sons: "And you are to consecrate the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering that is waved and lifted up from the ram of ordination, since it is for Aaron and his sons. It will belong to Aaron and his sons as a perpetual portion from the Israelites, for it is a contribution. And it will be a contribution from the Israelites from their peace offerings, their contribution to the LORD." The Heave Offering was typically a portion of the sacrifices brought by the Israelites, often consisting of the right thigh of a sacrificial animal. This portion was set aside for the priests as part of their sustenance, acknowledging their service in the tabernacle and later in the temple. Purpose and Significance The Heave Offering served multiple purposes within the religious life of Israel. Primarily, it was an expression of gratitude and devotion to God, recognizing His provision and sovereignty. By offering a portion of their sacrifices, the Israelites demonstrated their acknowledgment that all they possessed came from the Lord. Additionally, the Heave Offering provided for the needs of the Levitical priesthood. Since the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel, they relied on the offerings and tithes of the people for their livelihood. Numbers 18:24 states, "For the tithe of the Israelites, which they present as a contribution to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites." Ritual and Practice The ritual of the Heave Offering involved the physical act of lifting or raising the offering before the Lord. This act symbolized the dedication of the offering to God and was a visual representation of the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's supremacy. The Heave Offering was often performed in conjunction with other offerings, such as the peace offering. Leviticus 7:32-34 provides further instructions: "And 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. From the peace offerings of the Israelites, I have taken the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering and given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a perpetual portion from the Israelites." Theological Implications The Heave Offering underscores the principle of giving back to God from what He has provided. It reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where believers are called to manage their resources in a way that honors God. The offering also highlights the communal aspect of worship, as it supported the priesthood and facilitated the ongoing ministry within the tabernacle and temple. In the New Testament, while the specific practice of the Heave Offering is not continued, the underlying principles of generosity, provision for ministry, and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty remain relevant for Christian practice and theology. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Heave OfferingHEAVE OFFERING hev of'-er-ing. Strong's Hebrew 8641. terumah -- contribution, offering (for sacred uses)... Usage allotment (15), contribution (20), contributions (10), heave offering (4), offered by lifting (2), offering (20), offerings (4), who takes bribes (1). ... /hebrew/8641.htm - 6k Library A Ribband of Blue. The Hands of the Father. part 1 The Second Oration on Easter. Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud Index of First Lines. The Lamb of God in Scripture Faith and Regeneration Index of Subjects. Christ Teaching Humility Resources Judaism and the Mosaic Law ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a grain offering? | GotQuestions.org What is a wave offering? | GotQuestions.org Heave: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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