Leviticus 7:17

But any meat of the sacrifice remaining until the third day must be burned up.

Study Bible

But any meat of the sacrifice
In the context of Leviticus, the sacrificial system was central to the Israelites' worship and relationship with God. The meat referred to here is from the peace offerings, which were voluntary sacrifices expressing thanksgiving or fulfilling a vow. These offerings were unique because the offerer, the priest, and God all shared in the meal, symbolizing fellowship. The meat's consumption was a sacred act, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God.

remaining until the third day
The specification of the third day highlights the importance of promptness and purity in the sacrificial system. In ancient Near Eastern culture, food preservation was limited, and meat could spoil quickly. This rule ensured that the offerings remained fresh and untainted, reflecting the purity and holiness required in worship. The third day also has symbolic significance in Scripture, often associated with divine intervention and completion, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day.

must be burned up
Burning the leftover meat was a way to prevent defilement and maintain the sanctity of the offering. This act of burning symbolizes purification and the complete dedication of the offering to God. It also served as a practical measure to prevent decay and corruption, which could lead to ritual impurity. The burning of the remains can be seen as a type of Christ's complete and final sacrifice, which leaves nothing to be added or wasted, fulfilling the law and the prophets.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
- The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, as they journeyed through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.

3. Tabernacle
- The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God and where sacrifices were offered.

4. Priests
- The descendants of Aaron who were responsible for performing the sacrifices and maintaining the rituals as prescribed in the law.

5. Sacrificial System
- The system of offerings and sacrifices instituted by God for the Israelites, which included various types of offerings such as burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The instruction to burn leftover meat emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands fully and not taking His instructions lightly.

Holiness and Purity
The requirement to burn leftover meat reflects God's call for holiness and purity among His people, as anything left over could become unclean.

Temporal Nature of Sacrifices
The limitation on the consumption of sacrificial meat highlights the temporary nature of the Old Testament sacrifices, pointing to the need for a perfect and eternal sacrifice.

God's Provision and Sufficiency
The command teaches reliance on God's provision, trusting that He provides what is needed for each day without the need to hoard or save beyond what He has instructed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to burn leftover sacrificial meat reflect God's desire for obedience and reverence among His people?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of holiness and purity from Leviticus 7:17 to our daily lives as Christians today?

4. What does the requirement to burn leftover meat teach us about trusting in God's provision and sufficiency?

5. How do the instructions in Leviticus 7:17 connect with the broader theme of God's covenant relationship with His people throughout the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12:10
- This verse discusses the Passover lamb and the requirement that none of it should remain until morning, similar to the instruction in Leviticus 7:17 about not letting sacrificial meat remain beyond a certain time.

Leviticus 19:6-7
- These verses reiterate the command regarding the consumption of sacrificial meat, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions precisely.

Matthew 5:17-18
- Jesus speaks about fulfilling the law, which includes the sacrificial laws, pointing to their ultimate fulfillment in Him.

Hebrews 10:1-10
- This passage discusses the limitations of the sacrificial system and how it points to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.