Topical Bible: Heave-Offering: To be Heaved up by the Priest

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Topical Encyclopedia

The heave-offering, a significant component of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel, is a type of offering that was specifically designated to be "heaved" or lifted up by the priest as an act of dedication to the Lord. This offering is distinct from other types of offerings, such as the wave offering, and holds a unique place in the liturgical practices outlined in the Old Testament.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the heave-offering is primarily found in the Pentateuch, where it is described as a portion of the sacrifices that is set apart for the priests. The term "heave" refers to the action of lifting or raising the offering, symbolizing its presentation to God. In Exodus 29:27-28 , the heave-offering is mentioned 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."

Purpose and Significance

The heave-offering served multiple purposes within the Israelite sacrificial system. Primarily, it was an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. By lifting the offering, the priest symbolically presented it to God, recognizing His sovereignty and the divine source of all blessings. The heave-offering also functioned as a means of providing for the Levitical priesthood, as portions of these offerings were allocated to the priests as their rightful share. Numbers 18:8-11 states, "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. 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.'"

Types of Heave-Offerings

Heave-offerings could be derived from various types of sacrifices, including peace offerings, grain offerings, and firstfruits. Each type of heave-offering had specific regulations regarding its preparation and presentation. For instance, in Leviticus 7:14 , it is noted that "From the cakes he is to present one as an offering to the LORD; it will belong to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings."

Ritual Practice

The ritual of the heave-offering involved the priest physically lifting the designated portion of the sacrifice. This act was not merely ceremonial but was imbued with theological significance, representing the elevation of the offering to God. The heave-offering was often accompanied by other sacrificial rites, and its performance was integral to the proper observance of the sacrificial system.

Theological Implications

The heave-offering underscores the principle of giving back to God a portion of what He has provided. It reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship and the acknowledgment of God's ultimate ownership over all creation. The heave-offering also highlights the role of the priest as a mediator between God and the people, entrusted with the sacred duty of presenting the people's offerings to the Lord.

In summary, the heave-offering is a profound expression of worship and dedication within the Old Testament sacrificial system, symbolizing the elevation of gifts to God and the provision for His servants, the priests. Through this offering, the Israelites demonstrated their reverence for God and their commitment to His covenant.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 29:27
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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook