Topical Bible: Offerings: Heave: Given to the Priests' Families As Part of Their Benefits

◄ Offerings: Heave: Given to the Priests' Families As Part of Their Benefits ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of ancient Israelite worship, offerings played a crucial role in the religious and communal life of the people. Among these offerings, the "heave offering" holds particular significance as it was designated for the sustenance and benefit of the priestly families. The heave offering, along with other offerings, was part of the divinely instituted system that provided for the Levitical priesthood, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple.

Definition and Purpose

The term "heave offering" is derived from the Hebrew word "terumah," which means "a contribution" or "a lifted offering." It was called a "heave offering" because it was typically lifted or waved before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of presenting it to God. The heave offering was a portion of the sacrifices and other offerings that were specifically allocated to the priests and their families. This provision was part of God's ordained system to ensure that those who ministered at the altar were supported by the community they served.

Biblical References

The heave offering is mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the books of 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: "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. This will belong to Aaron and his sons as a perpetual portion from the Israelites, for it is a contribution. It will be a contribution from the Israelites from their peace offerings, their contribution to the LORD."

Numbers 18:8-11 further elaborates on the heave offering as part of the priests' inheritance: "Then the LORD said to Aaron, 'Behold, I have given you charge of the contributions made to Me. All the holy offerings of the Israelites I have given to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. A portion of the most holy offerings, kept from the fire, will be yours. Every offering of theirs that they render to Me as most holy, whether grain or sin or guilt offering, will be most holy for you and your sons. You are to eat it as a most holy offering. Every male may eat it; it shall be holy to you.'"

Role in Priestly Support

The heave offering was a critical component of the support system for the Levitical priesthood. Since the tribe of Levi was not allocated a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel, the priests and Levites relied on the offerings and tithes from the people for their sustenance. The heave offering, along with other portions of sacrifices, ensured that the priests could focus on their sacred duties without the burden of providing for their own material needs.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The heave offering, like other offerings, carried deep spiritual significance. It was an acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty, as well as a tangible expression of gratitude and worship. By offering a portion of their resources to the priests, the Israelites were reminded of their dependence on God and their responsibility to support those who served in His name.

In summary, the heave offering was an integral part of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel, serving both practical and spiritual purposes. It provided for the needs of the priestly families and reinforced the communal and covenantal relationship between God and His people.

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Leviticus 10:14
And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall you eat in a clean place; you, and your sons, and your daughters with you: for they be your due, and your sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.
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