The term "hindquarters" refers to the rear part of an animal's body, particularly the back legs and the surrounding area. In biblical times, the anatomy of animals was significant for various reasons, including sacrificial practices, dietary laws, and symbolic meanings.

Biblical Context and Sacrificial Practices

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given specific instructions regarding animal sacrifices. The hindquarters of sacrificial animals were often involved in these rituals. For instance, in the peace offerings described in Leviticus, the fat covering the entrails and the kidneys, which are located near the hindquarters, were to be offered to the Lord. Leviticus 3:9-10 states, "From the peace offering, he is to bring an offering made by fire to the LORD: its fat, the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys."

The specific mention of the fat and kidneys highlights the importance of the hindquarters in sacrificial rites. The fat was considered the best part of the animal and was reserved for God, symbolizing the offering of the best to the Lord.

Dietary Laws and Clean Animals

The hindquarters also play a role in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Certain animals were deemed clean or unclean based on their characteristics, and the consumption of their hindquarters would be subject to these laws. For example, animals that chew the cud and have split hooves were considered clean (Leviticus 11:3). The hindquarters of such animals would be permissible for consumption, provided the blood was properly drained, as blood consumption was strictly prohibited (Leviticus 17:10-14).

Symbolic Meanings

In a broader symbolic sense, the hindquarters of an animal can represent strength and power. In the blessings given by Jacob to his sons, the imagery of animals is used to convey characteristics and future destinies. For instance, in Genesis 49:27 , Benjamin is described as a "ravenous wolf," an animal known for its strength and agility, attributes associated with the hindquarters.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Understanding the role of the hindquarters in biblical times provides insight into the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites. The detailed instructions regarding sacrifices and dietary laws underscore the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. The emphasis on offering the best parts of an animal to God reflects a broader principle of giving one's best in service and devotion.

In summary, the hindquarters of animals in the Bible are significant in the context of sacrificial offerings, dietary regulations, and symbolic representations. These elements highlight the intricate relationship between the physical and spiritual aspects of worship in ancient Israel.268. achor -- the hind side, back part
... the hind side, back part NASB Word Usage afterward (1), away (1), back (22), backs
(1), backward (7), behind (1), hereafter (1), hindquarters (1), rear (3 ...
/hebrew/268.htm - 6k

The Cocal
... staring at Noranteas in tree-tops, instead of at the ground beneath my horse's feet,
had the pleasure of being swallowed up"my horse's hindquarters at least ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xiii the cocal.htm

Hindquarters (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hindquarters (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 7:25 It
stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and ...
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Hindmost (6 Occurrences)

/h/hindmost.htm - 8k

Hindrance (5 Occurrences)

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Hindquarters: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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