Topical Bible: Offerings: Different Kinds of Heave

◄ Offerings: Different Kinds of Heave ►

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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. The term "heave" refers to the act of lifting or raising something up, symbolizing the offering being presented to God. Heave offerings were a subset of the broader category of offerings and were often associated with the peace offerings, tithes, and other sacrifices.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the heave offering is primarily found in the Pentateuch, where it is detailed as part of the sacrificial system instituted by God through Moses. 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 contribution. And it will be a contribution from the Israelites from their peace offerings, their contribution to the LORD."

Types of Heave Offerings

1. Priestly Portions: The heave offering often consisted of portions of sacrifices that were designated for the priests. As seen in Numbers 18:8-11 , the LORD declares to Aaron, "Behold, I have given you charge of the contributions made to Me, all the holy offerings of the Israelites. I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. This is yours from the most holy offerings, reserved from the fire: every offering of theirs—every grain offering, every sin offering, and every guilt offering that they bring to Me—will be most holy for you and your sons."

2. Firstfruits and Tithes: The heave offering also included the firstfruits and tithes brought by the Israelites. In Numbers 18:24 , it is stated, "For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would have no inheritance among the Israelites."

3. Peace Offerings: As part of the peace offerings, certain portions were designated as heave offerings. Leviticus 7:32-34 specifies, "You are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion. I have taken from the Israelites the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a perpetual portion from the Israelites."

Symbolism and Purpose

The heave offering symbolized the dedication of a portion of the Israelites' blessings back to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. It served as a tangible expression of gratitude and obedience, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people. The act of lifting the offering signified its presentation to the LORD, while the distribution to the priests underscored the support and sustenance of those who ministered before God.

Heave Offerings in Worship

The heave offering was integral to the worship practices of ancient Israel, reflecting the community's commitment to honoring God with their substance. It was a reminder of the divine provision and the responsibility of the Israelites to support the priesthood and the sanctuary. Through these offerings, the people participated in a sacred economy that sustained the spiritual and communal life of the nation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 29:27,28
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

Exodus 7:14
And the LORD said to Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuses to let the people go.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 15:19
Then it shall be, that, when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall offer up an heave offering to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Index of Subjects.
... Heave-offerings, 601. ... offerings, 598; burnt-offerings, 598; peace-offerings, 599;
sacrificial ... 579; their essential character, 580; different kinds of types ...
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