Leviticus 7:3

And all the fat from it shall be offered: the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,

Study Bible

And all the fat from it shall be offered:
In the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, the fat of the animal was considered the best part and was reserved for God. Offering the fat symbolized giving the best to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. This practice is rooted in the belief that the fat, being the richest part, was a fitting tribute to the Lord. The emphasis on offering the fat can be seen as a call to prioritize God in one's life, giving Him the first and best of what one has. This principle is echoed in Proverbs 3:9, which instructs believers to honor the Lord with their wealth and the firstfruits of all their produce.

the fat tail,
The fat tail refers to the fatty appendage of certain breeds of sheep, particularly those found in the Middle East. These tails could weigh several pounds and were considered a delicacy. In the context of Leviticus, the fat tail was specifically mentioned as part of the offering, highlighting its value. This detail underscores the importance of offering valuable and significant portions to God, reinforcing the idea of sacrifice as an act of worship and devotion. The specificity of the fat tail also reflects the detailed nature of the Levitical laws, which aimed to guide the Israelites in their worship practices.

the fat that covers the entrails,
The fat covering the entrails refers to the internal fat surrounding the organs of the sacrificial animal. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the entrails and the fat surrounding them were often associated with life and vitality. By offering this fat, the Israelites were symbolically dedicating the life force of the animal to God. This act of offering the internal fat can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament teaching of offering one's whole self to God, as seen in Romans 12:1, where believers are urged to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests
The priests are responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals as outlined in Leviticus. They act as mediators between God and the people of Israel.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel are the recipients of the laws and instructions given by God through Moses. They are to follow these laws to maintain their covenant relationship with God.

3. Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It is where sacrifices and offerings are made.

4. Sacrificial System
A divinely instituted system of offerings and sacrifices that serve to atone for sin and express devotion to God.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites and the mediator of God's laws, including the instructions for sacrifices.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for sacrifices in Leviticus highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to follow God's Word with precision and reverence.

Symbolism of the Fat
In the sacrificial system, the fat represents the best and richest part of the offering. This symbolizes giving our best to God in all aspects of our lives, not just in material offerings but in our time, talents, and devotion.

Holiness and Purity
The sacrificial system underscores the need for holiness and purity in approaching God. As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Role of Sacrifice in Worship
Sacrifices were central to the worship of God in the Old Testament. Today, our worship involves offering our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as an act of spiritual worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the specific instruction to offer the fat in Leviticus 7:3 reflect the broader theme of obedience in the book of Leviticus?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of giving our "best" to God in our daily lives, as symbolized by the offering of the fat?

3. How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for our understanding of atonement?

4. What can we learn from the role of the priests in the sacrificial system about our own roles as a "royal priesthood" in the New Testament context?

5. How does the concept of holiness in the sacrificial system challenge us to pursue holiness in our personal and communal lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 3:9-11
This passage provides further details on the peace offerings and the specific parts of the animal that are to be offered, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions precisely.

Exodus 29:13
This verse describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, highlighting the role of the fat in sacrificial offerings as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

Hebrews 10:1-10
This New Testament passage discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrificial system and points to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the law.