Topical Bible: Offerings: Declared to be Most Holy

◄ Offerings: Declared to be Most Holy ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, offerings that are declared to be "most holy" hold a significant place in the worship and sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. These offerings are distinguished by their sanctity and the specific instructions given for their handling and consumption. The term "most holy" underscores the sacredness and the set-apart nature of these offerings, which were to be treated with the utmost reverence and care.

Types of Most Holy Offerings

1. Sin Offering: The sin offering is one of the primary offerings designated as most holy. It was instituted to atone for unintentional sins and to purify the sanctuary from the defilement caused by sin. Leviticus 6:25-26 states, "Tell Aaron and his sons: This is the law of the sin offering. The sin offering is most holy and must be slaughtered before the LORD in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered. The priest who offers it shall eat it; it must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting."

2. Guilt Offering: Similar to the sin offering, the guilt offering is also considered most holy. It was offered for specific transgressions that required restitution. Leviticus 7:1 declares, "Now this is the law of the guilt offering, which is most holy."

3. Grain Offering: Certain portions of the grain offering, particularly those that were not burned on the altar, were considered most holy. Leviticus 2:3 notes, "The remainder of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is most holy, a portion of the offerings made by fire to the LORD."

Handling and Consumption

The handling and consumption of most holy offerings were subject to strict regulations. Only the priests and their male descendants were permitted to eat these offerings, and they had to do so in a holy place, typically within the confines of the Tabernacle or Temple precincts. This restriction emphasized the sanctity of the offerings and the holiness required of those who partook in them.

Leviticus 6:29 specifies, "Any male among the priests may eat it; it is most holy." This directive ensured that the offerings were consumed in a manner that honored their sacred status and the God to whom they were dedicated.

Symbolism and Significance

The designation of certain offerings as most holy highlights the seriousness with which God views sin and the necessity of atonement. These offerings served as a constant reminder of the holiness of God and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and purity. The meticulous instructions for the handling of most holy offerings underscore the importance of obedience and the proper worship of God.

In the broader theological context, these offerings foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the sinless Lamb of God, fulfilled the requirements of the law and provided the perfect atonement for sin. The concept of holiness, central to the most holy offerings, finds its ultimate expression in the person and work of Christ, who sanctifies believers and calls them to live holy lives in response to His grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 18:9
This shall be your of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs which they shall render to me, shall be most holy for you and for your sons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In the Holy of Holies.
... in total darkness, to continue their useless sacrifices and offerings. ... the sanctuary,
and in the most solemn manner ... The Son of God declared to the unbelieving ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /24 in the holy of.htm

In the Holy of Holies
... total darkness to continue their useless sacrifices and offerings. ... about the sanctuary
and in the most solemn manner ... The Son of God declared to the unbelieving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 24 in the holy.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to stay ... of the house, into the most holy
place." Verse 7 ... the significance of this cloud, Solomon declared: "The Lord ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

The Coming of a Deliverer
... The sacrifices and offerings of the Mosaic ritual were ... From the day the Lord declared
to the serpent ... Not without the most determined opposition was the divine ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 58 the coming of.htm

Introduction
... are really perceived, even though most inadequately, indifference ... I come before Him
with burnt offerings, with calves ... 7:24), in the next he declared, "There is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/1 introduction.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome.
... out of the church." And he finally declared, in a ... had been deprived of worshipers
and offerings, but their ... whence it spread even to the most distant countries ...
/.../7 luthers separation from rome.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome
... of the church." And he finally declared, in a ... Scriptures, and pledged himself in
the most solemn manner to ... been deprived of worshipers and offerings, but their ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 7 luthers separation from.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... He also declared to them that the work would be ... other talents of pure gold, for the
most holy place, and ... as many lambs, which they offered for burnt-offerings. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... Joshua (Joshua 22:24, 25), since it declared the land ... Assuredly, the most unlike
thing to Christ were His ... case it would refer to the offerings themselves, in ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

The Prophecies
... thy brow brass; I have even declared it to ... the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings
or sacrifices. ... vision and the prophecies, and to anoint the Most Holy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xi the prophecies.htm