Leviticus 3:16

Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD's.

Study Bible

Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar
In the Levitical sacrificial system, the priest played a crucial role as a mediator between God and the people. The act of burning the food on the altar signifies the offering being wholly dedicated to God. The altar, located in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, was the central place for sacrifices, symbolizing God's presence among His people. This act of burning represents the complete surrender and consecration of the offering to God, reflecting the need for purity and holiness in worship.

as a food offering, a pleasing aroma
The term "food offering" indicates that the sacrifice is meant to sustain a relationship with God, much like food sustains the body. The phrase "a pleasing aroma" is a metaphorical expression used throughout the Old Testament to describe God's acceptance of a sacrifice. It signifies that the offering is made in accordance with God's instructions and is pleasing to Him. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a "fragrant offering" to God (Ephesians 5:2), highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Jesus.

All the fat is the LORD’s
In ancient Israelite culture, fat was considered the best part of the animal, symbolizing richness and abundance. By designating all the fat as belonging to the LORD, the text emphasizes that the best portions are to be given to God, reflecting His supreme worthiness and the worshiper's devotion. This principle of offering the best to God is seen throughout Scripture, such as in the story of Abel's offering (Genesis 4:4) and the call to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). The dedication of the fat to the LORD also underscores the idea that God deserves the first and finest of what we have, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His all for humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is the mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals as prescribed in the Law of Moses.

2. Altar
A sacred place where offerings and sacrifices are made to God. It symbolizes the meeting point between the divine and the human.

3. Offering
In this context, it refers to the peace offering, which is a voluntary act of worship, expressing thanksgiving and fellowship with God.

4. LORD (YHWH)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature, and His relationship with Israel.

5. Fat
Considered the best part of the animal, it is reserved for God as a sign of giving Him the best portion.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament were a way to maintain a relationship with God. Today, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices through our lives and actions.

Giving God Our Best
Just as the fat was considered the best part and given to God, we should strive to give God the best of our time, resources, and talents.

A Pleasing Aroma
Our lives should be a pleasing aroma to God, characterized by obedience, worship, and thanksgiving.

Understanding God's Holiness
The requirement that all fat belongs to the LORD underscores His holiness and the need for reverence in our approach to Him.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents a place of surrender and dedication. We are called to lay down our lives in service to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 3:16 relate to the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we offer our "best" to God in our daily lives, similar to the offering of fat in Leviticus 3:16?

3. How does the concept of a "pleasing aroma" in Leviticus 3:16 connect to the New Testament teachings on living a life that pleases God?

4. What are some modern-day "altars" where we can offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to God?

5. How can understanding the holiness of God, as emphasized in Leviticus 3:16, impact our worship and relationship with Him today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 4
The account of Cain and Abel highlights the importance of offering the best to God, as Abel's offering was accepted because it was from the firstborn of his flock.

1 Samuel 15
Saul's disobedience in not fully destroying the Amalekites and their livestock shows the importance of complete obedience to God's commands regarding offerings.

Romans 12
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is a spiritual act of worship.