In the context of biblical sacrificial practices, the term "caul" is often understood to refer to a specific part of the animal's anatomy, likely the upper lobe of the liver. This component held particular significance in the sacrificial rites prescribed in the Old Testament, especially within the Levitical system.

Biblical References and Description

The term "caul" appears in several passages within the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, which detail the laws and procedures for offerings and sacrifices. In these texts, the caul is mentioned as part of the internal organs that were to be offered to God during certain sacrifices.

For instance, in Leviticus 3:4 , the text specifies: "And the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he shall remove with the kidneys." This passage indicates that the caul, or the lobe of the liver, was to be removed and offered along with other specified parts of the animal.

Significance in Sacrificial Rites

The inclusion of the caul in sacrificial offerings underscores its importance in the ritualistic practices of ancient Israel. The burning of the caul, along with other fat portions, was a key element in the peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. These sacrifices were integral to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people, serving as a means of atonement and worship.

The burning of the caul and other fat portions was considered a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, as described in Leviticus 3:16 : "The priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma. All the fat belongs to the LORD." This act symbolized the complete dedication and surrender of the offering to God, as the fat was regarded as the richest and most desirable part of the animal.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the offering of the caul and other fat portions can be seen as a representation of giving the best to God. The meticulous instructions for these offerings reflect the holiness and purity required in approaching God, emphasizing the need for reverence and obedience in worship.

The sacrificial system, including the offering of the caul, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets. As the perfect Lamb of God, Christ's sacrifice on the cross rendered the Old Testament sacrificial system obsolete, providing a once-for-all atonement for sin.

In summary, the caul, likely the upper lobe of the liver, played a significant role in the sacrificial practices of ancient Israel, symbolizing the offering of the best to God and pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.Exodus 29:13,22
And you shall take all the fat that covers the inwards, and the lobe that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 3:4,10,15
And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the lobe above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 4:9
And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the lobe above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away,
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 7:4
And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the flanks, and the lobe that is above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away:
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 8:16,25
And he took all the fat that was on the inwards, and the lobe above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it on the altar.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 9:10,19
But the fat, and the kidneys, and the lobe above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt on the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Nave's Topical Index

Caul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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