Leviticus 7:30

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.

Study Bible

With his own hands he is to bring the food offerings to the LORD;
This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and involvement in worship. In the ancient Israelite context, offerings were a tangible expression of devotion and obedience to God. The act of bringing offerings with one's own hands signifies a direct and personal relationship with God, highlighting the importance of individual participation in religious practices. This personal involvement is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to present their bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

he shall bring the fat,
The fat of the animal was considered the best part and was reserved for God, symbolizing the offering of the best to the Lord. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fat was associated with abundance and prosperity. The requirement to offer the fat underscores the principle of giving God the first and best of what one has, a theme that runs throughout Scripture (Proverbs 3:9).

together with the breast,
The breast of the sacrificial animal was given to the priests as their portion (Leviticus 7:31). This provision for the priests reflects the broader biblical principle of supporting those who minister in spiritual matters (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). The sharing of the breast also symbolizes fellowship and the communal aspect of worship, as the priests and the offerer partake in the sacrificial meal.

and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD.
The wave offering involved a specific ritual where the breast was moved back and forth before the altar. This act symbolized presenting the offering to God and then receiving it back as a gift. The wave offering signifies the acknowledgment of God's provision and the sanctification of the offering. It also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself to God and was raised for our justification (Romans 4:25). The wave offering, therefore, points to the resurrection and the new life believers have in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sacrifice, who is required to present the offering with his own hands, signifying personal involvement and dedication.

2. The LORD
The recipient of the offerings, representing the divine presence and authority in the sacrificial system.

3. The Priest
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, priests play a crucial role in the sacrificial process, facilitating the offering and performing the wave offering.

4. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship where offerings are brought and presented before the LORD.

5. Wave Offering
A specific type of offering where the breast of the sacrifice is waved before the LORD, symbolizing the presentation and dedication of the offering to God.

Teaching Points

Personal Involvement in Worship
The requirement for the offerer to bring the offering with his own hands underscores the importance of personal involvement in worship. Worship is not a passive activity but requires active participation and dedication.

Symbolism of the Wave Offering
The wave offering symbolizes the act of presenting and dedicating something to God. In our lives, this can translate to dedicating our time, talents, and resources to God's service.

Holistic Worship
The inclusion of both the fat and the breast in the offering signifies a holistic approach to worship, where we offer the best of what we have to God, not just in material terms but also in our spiritual devotion.

The Role of the Community
While the individual brings the offering, the priest and the community are involved in the process, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and the importance of supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for the offerer to bring the offering with his own hands apply to our modern-day worship practices?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the symbolism of the wave offering into our daily lives as a form of dedication to God?

3. How does the concept of holistic worship challenge us to evaluate what we are offering to God in terms of our time, talents, and resources?

4. What role does the community play in our worship today, and how can we support each other in our spiritual growth?

5. How can the transition from physical offerings in the Old Testament to spiritual sacrifices in the New Testament (as seen in Hebrews 13:15) influence our understanding of worship and dedication to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:24
This verse describes the wave offering during the consecration of Aaron and his sons, highlighting the importance of the wave offering in dedicating something to God.

Leviticus 3:1-5
Provides details on peace offerings, which include the wave offering, emphasizing the communal and reconciliatory aspects of these sacrifices.

Hebrews 13:15
Connects the concept of offerings to the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to offer a sacrifice of praise, indicating a shift from physical offerings to spiritual ones.