The heave-offering, a significant component of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel, is a term derived from the Hebrew word "terumah," which means "to lift up" or "to raise." This offering was a portion of the sacrifices that was lifted up before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of dedication and sanctification. The heave-offering was distinct from other offerings in its purpose and ritual, serving as a means to consecrate the entire offering to God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the heave-offering is rooted in the Mosaic Law, where it is frequently mentioned in the context of the offerings and sacrifices presented by the Israelites. In Exodus 29:27-28 , the heave-offering is described as a portion of the peace offerings: "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 be a perpetual portion for 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 was not limited to animal sacrifices but also included portions of grain, oil, and wine, as seen in Numbers 18:12 : "I give you all the finest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain they give to the LORD as the firstfruits of their harvest."

Purpose and Significance

The heave-offering served multiple purposes within the religious life of Israel. Primarily, it was an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty. By lifting a portion of the offering, the Israelites symbolically dedicated the entire sacrifice to God, recognizing Him as the source of all blessings.

Moreover, the heave-offering was a means of providing for the Levitical priesthood. As the tribe set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple, the Levites did not have a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were sustained by the offerings of the people. 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 their inheritance. That is why I told them that they would have no inheritance among the Israelites."

Ritual and Practice

The ritual of the heave-offering involved the physical act of lifting or raising a portion of the sacrifice before the Lord. This act was both a literal and symbolic gesture, signifying the offering's dedication to God. The heave-offering was often accompanied by the wave offering, where the portion was waved back and forth before the Lord, as seen in Leviticus 7:30-32 : "With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD. He shall bring the fat with the breast, so that the breast may be waved as a wave offering before the LORD. The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. You are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offerings."

Theological Implications

The heave-offering underscores the principle of sanctification in the sacrificial system. By setting apart a portion of the offering, the entire sacrifice was considered holy and acceptable to God. This act of consecration reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where God calls His people to be set apart for His purposes.

Furthermore, the heave-offering highlights the communal aspect of worship in Israel. It was not merely an individual act but a collective expression of devotion and reliance on God. The provision for the Levites through the heave-offering also emphasizes the interconnectedness of the community, where each member played a role in supporting the spiritual leadership and maintaining the worship of Yahweh.

In summary, the heave-offering was a vital element of the sacrificial system, serving as a means of sanctifying the whole offering and providing for the priestly class. Through this practice, the Israelites expressed their devotion to God and their commitment to living as a holy nation set apart for His glory.Numbers 18:27,30
And this your heave offering shall be reckoned to you, as though it were the corn of the threshing floor, and as the fullness of the wine press.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Second Oration on Easter.
... the Incarnation, and because Humanity must be sanctified by the ... few drops of Blood
recreate the whole world, and ... by the Lexicons as the Heave-Offering, and it ...
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What is a heave offering? | GotQuestions.org

What is a grain offering? | GotQuestions.org

What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

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