The wave-offering is a significant ritual in the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly within the context of the consecration of priests and certain peace offerings. This offering is characterized by the act of waving specific portions of the sacrifice before the Lord, symbolizing the presentation and dedication of the offering to God.

Biblical Foundation

The wave-offering is first introduced in the context of the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. In Exodus 29:22-24, the Lord instructs Moses regarding the ordination ceremony: "Take from the ram the fat, the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails, the lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh. From the basket of bread made without yeast, which is before the LORD, take one loaf, one cake made with oil, and one wafer. Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering" .

The wave-offering is also mentioned in Leviticus 7:30-34, where it is associated with the peace offerings: "With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD. He shall bring the fat together with the breast, and wave the breast 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. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and the fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion" .

Components of the Wave-Offering

1. The Fat: The fat portions of the sacrifice, including the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and the kidneys with their fat, were considered the best parts and were to be offered to the Lord. The burning of the fat on the altar symbolized the offering of the best to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.

2. The Right Shoulder: The right shoulder, or thigh, of the sacrifice was specifically designated for the priest who performed the offering. This portion was waved before the Lord as a sign of dedication and then given to the priest as his due. This act underscored the provision for the priesthood, ensuring that those who served at the altar were sustained by the offerings of the people.

Symbolism and Significance

The wave-offering holds deep symbolic meaning within the sacrificial system. The act of waving the offering before the Lord signifies the acknowledgment of God's ownership and the worshiper's submission to His will. It represents the transfer of the offering from the worshiper to God, while also highlighting the communal aspect of the sacrifice, as portions are shared between the altar, the priest, and the offerer.

In the context of priestly consecration, the wave-offering underscores the sanctification and setting apart of the priests for their sacred duties. It serves as a tangible expression of their dedication to the service of the Lord and the community of Israel.

Theological Implications

The wave-offering, like other offerings in the Old Testament, points to the holiness and majesty of God, who is worthy of the best portions of His people's sacrifices. It also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself wholly to God on behalf of humanity. In Christ, the perfect High Priest, the symbolism of the wave-offering finds its fulfillment, as He consecrates His people to God and provides for their spiritual sustenance.Exodus 29:22,23
Also you shall take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covers the inwards, and the lobe above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 8:25,26
And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was on the inwards, and the lobe above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What was the firstfruits offering? Should Christians give a firstfruits offering today? | GotQuestions.org

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

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

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