Topical Bible: Offerings: Heave: Consisted of the Right Thigh or Hind Quarter (R. V.)

◄ Offerings: Heave: Consisted of the Right Thigh or Hind Quarter (R. V.) ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of ancient Israelite worship, the heave offering holds a significant place among the various types of offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The heave offering, as described in the Old Testament, was a portion of a sacrifice that was lifted or "heaved" before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of presenting it to God. This act of elevation signified the offering's dedication to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision.

Biblical Foundation

The heave offering is primarily mentioned in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It was a specific portion 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 offerings were unique in that they were shared among the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship with God.

In Leviticus 7:32-34 , the instructions regarding the heave offering are detailed: "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 Israelites."

The Right Thigh or Hind Quarter

The heave offering specifically consisted of the right thigh or hind quarter of the sacrificial animal. This portion was set apart for the officiating priest, symbolizing the priest's share in the sacrificial meal and his role as a mediator between God and the people. The right thigh was considered a choice portion, reflecting the honor and provision given to the priestly class.

Symbolism and Significance

The act of heaving the offering before the Lord was rich in symbolism. It represented the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's ultimate ownership of all things and their dependence on His grace and provision. By giving the right thigh to the priest, the Israelites demonstrated their support for the priesthood, which was essential for maintaining the sacrificial system and the spiritual well-being of the nation.

Furthermore, the heave offering underscored the communal aspect of worship in ancient Israel. It was a tangible expression of gratitude and fellowship, as the offerer, the priest, and God Himself were all participants in the sacrificial meal. This communal sharing prefigured the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where believers are united in fellowship through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Conclusion

The heave offering, with its specific focus on the right thigh or hind quarter, was an integral part of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel. It served as a reminder of God's provision, the importance of the priesthood, and the communal nature of worship. Through these offerings, the Israelites were continually drawn into a deeper relationship with God, recognizing His sovereignty and expressing their gratitude and devotion.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 29:27,28
And you shall sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons:
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Leviticus 7:12-14,32,34
If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
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Leviticus 10:15
The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be yours, and your sons' with you, by a statute for ever; as the LORD has commanded.
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