Heaving, in the context of the Bible, refers to the act of lifting or raising something, often as an offering to God. This term is most commonly associated with the "heave offering," a specific type of offering described in the Old Testament. The heave offering was a portion of a sacrifice that was lifted up before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of presenting it to Him. This act was part of the broader system of sacrifices and offerings that were central to the worship practices of the Israelites.

Biblical References

The concept of heaving is primarily found in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. The heave offering is mentioned in various contexts, often in conjunction with other types of offerings such as the wave offering.

· Exodus 29:27-28 : "Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that was waved and the thigh of the heave offering that was raised from the ram of ordination. This will belong to Aaron and his sons as a perpetual portion from the Israelites, for it is a contribution. It will be a contribution from the Israelites from their peace offerings, their contribution to the LORD."

· Leviticus 7:14 : "From the cakes he is to present one as an offering to the LORD; it will belong to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings."

· Numbers 18:24 : "For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would have no inheritance among the Israelites."

Purpose and Significance

The heave offering served several purposes within the Israelite sacrificial system. It was a way to acknowledge God's provision and sovereignty, symbolizing the lifting of one's heart and resources to the Lord. The act of heaving the offering was a physical demonstration of dedication and submission to God.

The heave offering also had practical implications. Portions of the heave offerings were given to the priests and Levites as part of their sustenance, as they had no inheritance of land among the Israelites. This provision underscored the communal responsibility of supporting those who served in the tabernacle and later in the temple.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the heave offering reflects the broader biblical theme of giving back to God from what He has provided. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's ownership over all creation and the believer's role as a steward of His gifts. The heave offering, like other offerings, pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death and resurrection.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, offerings and sacrifices were common in religious practices. The Israelites' system of offerings, including the heave offering, was distinct in its focus on covenant relationship with Yahweh. The detailed instructions for offerings found in the Law highlight the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

The heave offering, while specific to the Old Testament sacrificial system, provides insight into the nature of worship and the relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the call to offer one's life and resources to God in gratitude and faithfulness.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Heave.

2. (n.) A lifting or rising; a swell; a panting or deep sighing.

part i.
... Now, shall there be order all around me, and in my physical frame, in the flowing
blood, in the heaving lungs, and chiseled limbs, while the accountable ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part i.htm

Beasts Similarly Subject to the Law of Mutation.
... amazedly, and moves forward,"he rather demonstrates, than takes, a step: ever fasting,
to boot, yet never fainting; agape he feeds; heaving, bellowslike, he ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter iii beasts similarly subject to.htm

The Maritime Itinerant.
... the same day and the one following, he was at Hillsborough, when "it was a moving
time, many were in great distress, as appeared from their heaving breasts and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/iii the maritime itinerant.htm

Of the Love of Offspring as a Plea for Marriage.
... angel will spring forth disencumbered"will freely bear to the end whatsoever pressure
and persecution, with no burdensome fruit of marriage heaving in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/to his wife/chapter v of the love of.htm

Weakness of the Pleas Urged in Defence of Second Marriage.
... Let them accumulate by their iterated marriages fruits right seasonable for the
last times"breasts heaving, and wombs qualmish, and infants whimpering. ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter xvi weakness of the pleas.htm

The Transfiguration.
... Let us observe then how, in heaving off the weight of this awful shadow by prayer,
he did not grow calm and resigned alone, if he were ever other than such ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/xii the transfiguration.htm

Vanished Hopes
... Clouded by the vapor, targets for the immense missiles, the Jews heaving and
writhing in personal encounters appeared black and inhuman. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxii vanished hopes.htm

We Ought to Detest These Heathen Meetings and Assemblies...
... and temptations are sent forth. What will you do if you are caught in that
heaving tide of impious judgments? Not that there any ...
/.../tertullian/the shows or de spectaculis/chapter xxvii we ought to.htm

Diamond Woke Very Early in the Morning, and Thought what a Curious ...
... more of a surprise than he had expected; for as with an earthquake, with a rumbling
and a rocking hither and thither, a sprawling of legs and heaving as of ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 3 diamond woke very.htm

When travelling lately through the Simplon
... hath will he give for his life."[1] Off he speeds in breathless haste"now along
the level road"now up the steep ascent"with his breast heaving, and drops ...
/.../the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/i when travelling lately through.htm

Heaving (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Heaving (3 Occurrences). Mark 8:12 Heaving a deep and
troubled sigh, He said, "Why do the men of to-day ask for a sign? ...
/h/heaving.htm - 7k

Heaviness (14 Occurrences)

/h/heaviness.htm - 16k

To-day (208 Occurrences)
... of him. (DBY YLT). Mark 8:12 Heaving a deep and troubled sigh, He said,
"Why do the men of to-day ask for a sign? In solemn truth ...
/t/to-day.htm - 37k

Troubled (244 Occurrences)
... It is I! Don't be afraid." (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT). Mark 8:12 Heaving a deep
and troubled sigh, He said, "Why do the men of to-day ask for a sign? ...
/t/troubled.htm - 36k

Ramathlehi (1 Occurrence)
... 15:17). The Septuagint seems to have supposed that the name referred to
the "heaving" or throwing up of the jaw-bone. The Hebrew ...
/r/ramathlehi.htm - 8k

Ramath-lehi (1 Occurrence)
... 15:17). The Septuagint seems to have supposed that the name referred to
the "heaving" or throwing up of the jaw-bone. The Hebrew ...
/r/ramath-lehi.htm - 8k

Eyed (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Eye. 2. (a.) Heaving (such or so many) eyes; -- used in composition;
as sharp-eyed; dull-eyed; sad-eyed; ox-eyed Juno; myriad-eyed. ...
/e/eyed.htm - 7k

Messenger (235 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A hawser passed round the capstan, and having its two ends lashed together
to form an endless rope or chain; -- formerly used for heaving in the cable. ...
/m/messenger.htm - 101k

Pant (8 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To breathe quickly or in a labored manner, as after exertion or from eagerness
or excitement; to respire with heaving of the breast; to gasp. ...
/p/pant.htm - 9k

Boiling (17 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Heated to the point of bubbling; heaving with bubbles; in tumultuous agitation,
as boiling liquid; surging; seething; swelling with heat, ardor, or ...
/b/boiling.htm - 11k

What is a heave offering? | GotQuestions.org

Heaving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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