Leviticus 7:6

Every male among the priests may eat of it. It must be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy.

Study Bible

Every male among the priests may eat of it.
This phrase indicates the specific group permitted to partake in the consumption of the offering, highlighting the exclusivity of the priestly role. In the Levitical system, priests were set apart for sacred duties, and their consumption of the offering symbolized their participation in the holiness of the sacrificial system. The restriction to males reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where priestly duties were inherited through the male lineage of Aaron. This exclusivity underscores the sanctity and order within the priesthood, as seen in other passages like Exodus 28:1, where Aaron and his sons are appointed to serve as priests.

It must be eaten in a holy place;
The requirement for the offering to be consumed in a holy place emphasizes the sanctity of the sacrificial system. The holy place refers to the tabernacle or later the temple, where God's presence dwelt among His people. This stipulation ensures that the act of eating the offering remains within the context of worship and reverence. The holy place serves as a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him, as seen in Leviticus 10:10, which calls for distinguishing between the holy and the common.

it is most holy.
The designation of the offering as "most holy" signifies its elevated status among the sacrifices. This term is used for offerings that are entirely dedicated to God, such as the sin offering and the guilt offering. The phrase underscores the seriousness and reverence required in handling such offerings, as they are set apart for God alone. This concept of holiness is central to the book of Leviticus, which repeatedly calls for the Israelites to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). The "most holy" status of the offering also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the sinless Lamb of God, fulfilled the requirements of the law and provided a way for believers to be reconciled to God (Hebrews 10:10).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests
The descendants of Aaron, chosen by God to perform the sacred duties in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. They were responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the worship practices.

2. Holy Place
This refers to the designated area within the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) where sacred activities were conducted. It was a space set apart for worship and the presence of God.

3. Sacrificial Offerings
The context of this verse is the consumption of certain portions of the sacrificial offerings, specifically those deemed "most holy," which were reserved for the priests.

Teaching Points

Holiness in Service
The requirement for the priests to eat in a holy place underscores the importance of maintaining holiness in our service to God. As believers, we are called to live lives set apart for His purposes.

Priestly Privileges and Responsibilities
Just as the priests had the privilege of partaking in the offerings, they also bore the responsibility of maintaining the sanctity of their service. Believers today share in the blessings of Christ but are also called to uphold His standards.

Sacred Consumption
The act of eating the offering in a holy place symbolizes the internalization of God's provision and grace. We are reminded to spiritually "consume" and internalize God's Word and His promises.

Community and Worship
The communal aspect of the priestly duties highlights the importance of community in worship. As a body of believers, we are to support and uphold one another in our spiritual walk.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the Old Testament priesthood inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our "holy places"—whether physical or spiritual—are maintained in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of holiness in Leviticus 7:6 apply to our personal and communal worship practices?

4. What parallels can we draw between the privileges of the priests in Leviticus and the spiritual blessings we receive as believers in Christ?

5. How can we, as a "royal priesthood," practically live out our calling in our communities and workplaces?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter outlines the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing the precedent for their role and privileges, including the consumption of certain offerings.

1 Peter 2:9
This New Testament passage speaks of believers as a "royal priesthood," drawing a parallel between the Old Testament priesthood and the spiritual role of Christians today.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate High Priest, fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament sacrificial system.