The term "fattest" in the Bible often refers to the choicest or best portions, particularly in the context of sacrifices and offerings. It is used to describe the most desirable parts of an animal that were to be offered to God, symbolizing the giving of one's best to the Lord. This concept is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where the "fat" of the animal was considered the richest and most valuable part.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 3:16 : "The priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma. All the fat belongs to the LORD." This verse highlights the significance of the fat in offerings, indicating that it was reserved for God as a symbol of honor and reverence.

2. 1 Samuel 2:15-16 : "But even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, 'Give the priest some meat to roast, as he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.' And if the man said to him, 'Let the fat be burned first, and then take whatever you want,' the servant would reply, 'No, you must give it to me now. If not, I will take it by force.'" This passage illustrates the corruption of Eli's sons, who disregarded the proper sacrificial procedures by taking the fat portions for themselves, thus dishonoring God.

3. Nehemiah 8:10 : "Then Nehemiah said to them, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'" Here, the "choice food" can be understood as the best or fattest portions, symbolizing abundance and blessing during a time of celebration and dedication to God.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

In the biblical context, the "fattest" portions symbolize the best and most valuable offerings that one can present to God. This reflects a heart of worship and devotion, where the giver prioritizes God above all else. The act of offering the fattest parts signifies a recognition of God's sovereignty and a willingness to sacrifice personal gain for His glory.

Theologically, the emphasis on offering the fattest portions underscores the principle of giving God the first and best of what we have. It serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing spiritual commitments over material possessions and personal desires.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was central to religious life. The offering of the fattest portions was not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of faith and obedience. It was a tangible way for the Israelites to demonstrate their trust in God's provision and their commitment to His commandments.

The concept of the "fattest" also extends beyond the sacrificial system to encompass the broader idea of abundance and blessing. In agrarian societies, fatness was often associated with prosperity and well-being, reflecting God's favor and provision.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the principle of offering the "fattest" portions can be applied to various aspects of life, including time, resources, and talents. It challenges individuals to consider how they can honor God with their best, whether through acts of service, financial giving, or personal devotion. This mindset encourages a lifestyle of generosity and gratitude, rooted in the understanding that all blessings ultimately come from God.

Concerning Theodore, the Keeper of the Sacred Vessels of Antioch. ...
... However, from reverence and fear for the emperor, they resorted to experiments with
all manner of drugs, and the most costly and the fattest birds were slain ...
/.../chapter viii concerning theodore the keeper.htm

Psalm 78
... which they did so require,. ^31God's wrath upon them came, and slew. the fattest
of them all; So that the choice of Israel,. o'erthrown by death, did fall. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 78.htm

That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear.
... yet in the soul and spirit of lowliness let us be accepted as the burnt-offerings
of rams and bulls, and as it were many thousands of lambs which are fattest. ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the foundation and.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... down his couch in a breezy spot, and ever and anon sings a love ditty, with his
cup by his side, and talks to his bullocks or his flock, the fattest of which ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Life of Adam
... Cain offered fruits, for he was a ploughman and tiller of earth, and Abel offered
milk and the first of the lambs, Moses saith, of the fattest of the flock. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of adam.htm

The History of Saul
... and the residue were slain. They have spared the best and fattest for to
do sacrifice with unto thy Lord God. Then said Samuel to ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

Colossians iii. 16, 17
... [865] piosin, Savile, marg. and 1 ms. and so Sept. and EV "fattest," Edd. pleiosin.
[So Chrys. on that Psalm.--Field.--JAB]. [866] The mss. ...
/.../homily ix colossians iii 16.htm

The Heroic Women of Early Indiana Methodism.
... The best bed in the best cabin of the settler was at his command, and the best food
of the fattest larder of the neighborhood was set before him, and this was ...
/.../the heroic women of early indiana methodism/the heroic women of early.htm

The Two Awakings
... The loveliest blossoms do not grow on plants that plunge their greedy roots into
the fattest soil. A little light earth in the crack of a hard rock will do. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the two awakings.htm

The Seventh Commandment
... of Sodom's uncleanness. Ezekiel 16:49. The rankest weeds grow out of the
fattest soil. Uncleanness proceeds from excess. When I ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 7 the seventh commandment.htm

Fattest (2 Occurrences)
...Fattest (2 Occurrences). Psalms 78:31 when the anger of God went up against them,
killed some of the fattest of them, and struck down the young men of Israel. ...
/f/fattest.htm - 7k

Loot (15 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:24 In time of security shall he come even on the fattest places of the
province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers ...
/l/loot.htm - 11k

Lustieth (1 Occurrence)
... Lustieth (1 Occurrence). Psalms 78:31 When the anger of God went up against them,
And slew of the fattest of them, And smote down the young men of Israel. ...
/l/lustieth.htm - 6k

Invade (15 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:24 In time of security shall he come even on the fattest places of the
province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers ...
/i/invade.htm - 11k

Fatter (1 Occurrence)

/f/fatter.htm - 6k

Forecast (2 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:24 He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province;
and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers ...
/f/forecast.htm - 8k

Fauchion
Fauchion. Fattest, Fauchion. Fault . Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) See Falchion.
Int. ... fo'-shun. See SCIMITAR. Fattest, Fauchion. Fault . Reference Bible
/f/fauchion.htm - 6k

Fat (150 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews heleb) denotes the richest part of the animal,
or the fattest of the flock, in the account of Abel's sacrifice (Genesis 4:4 ...
/f/fat.htm - 44k

Tranquility (3 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:24 In time of security shall he come even on the fattest places of the
province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers ...
/t/tranquility.htm - 7k

Richest (4 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:24 In time of security shall he come even on the fattest places of the
province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers ...
/r/richest.htm - 7k

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