The heave-offering, a term derived from the Hebrew word "terumah," refers to a specific type of offering presented to God and subsequently given to the priests for their sustenance. This offering is characterized by the act of lifting or "heaving" it up, symbolizing its dedication to the Lord. The heave-offering is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament, particularly within the context of the Levitical laws.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the heave-offering is primarily rooted in the Pentateuch, where it is detailed as part of the broader system of offerings and sacrifices. 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 heave offering. It will be a heave offering from the Israelites from their peace offerings, their heave offering to the LORD."

The heave-offering is also mentioned in Numbers 18:8-11 , where God designates it as a provision for the priests: "Then the LORD said to Aaron, 'I have given you charge of the contributions made to Me. As an allotment for you and your sons, I have given you the portion of the offerings presented by fire. This is a permanent statute. This portion of the most holy offerings, reserved from the fire, will be yours. Every offering of theirs that they bring 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, and every male may eat it; it shall be holy to you.'"

Purpose and Significance

The heave-offering served multiple purposes within the Israelite community. Primarily, it was an expression of gratitude and devotion to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. By offering a portion of their produce or livestock, the Israelites demonstrated their reliance on God and their commitment to His covenant.

Additionally, the heave-offering functioned as a practical means of supporting the Levitical priesthood. Since the tribe of Levi did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, the heave-offering, along with other offerings, provided for their material needs. This system allowed the priests to focus on their spiritual duties without the burden of securing their own sustenance.

Types of Heave-Offerings

The heave-offering could take various forms, including portions of sacrificial animals, grain, and other produce. Leviticus 7:14 specifies that part of the peace offering was to be given as a heave-offering: "From the cakes you are to present one portion to the LORD as a contribution; it will belong to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering."

In addition to animal sacrifices, the heave-offering included the firstfruits of the harvest, as seen in Numbers 15:19-21 : "And you are to offer a cake from the first of your ground meal as an offering; as you would an offering from the threshing floor, so you are to offer it. Throughout your generations, you are to give the LORD an offering from the first of your ground meal."

Theological Implications

The heave-offering underscores the principle of giving back to God from the blessings He bestows upon His people. It reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where believers are called to manage their resources in a way that honors God and supports His work. The heave-offering also highlights the communal aspect of worship, as the contributions of individuals collectively sustained the spiritual leadership of the nation.

In the New Testament, while the specific practice of the heave-offering is not continued, the underlying principles of generosity, support for ministry, and dedication to God remain relevant. The Apostle Paul echoes these themes in passages such as 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 , where he affirms the right of those who preach the gospel to receive their living from it, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament provision for the priests.Exodus 29:28
And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it is an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, even their heave offering to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 7:34
For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
... [77] The heave-offering given to the priests, which they ate within the
Temple. [78] The Jews divided the night into three watches. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 2 extracts from the.htm

part 1
... of Israel the tithes which I have given you from ... then ye shall offer up an heave
offering of it for ... from their annual increase, and the priests themselves were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 1.htm

The Second Oration on Easter.
... itself, and its measures and materials, and the Levites and Priests who carried
them ... [4600] aphairema is given by the Lexicons as the Heave-Offering, and it ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlv the second oration.htm

Judaism and the Mosaic Law ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

What is a peace offering / fellowship offering? | GotQuestions.org

What is a trespass offering / guilt offering? | GotQuestions.org

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