Topical Encyclopedia The term "maw" is an archaic word that refers to the stomach or the innermost part of a creature, often used in a metaphorical sense to describe insatiable hunger or greed. In the context of the Bible, "maw" is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the dietary laws given to the Israelites.Biblical Reference: The word "maw" appears in the book of Deuteronomy, where it is used in the context of the priestly portions of sacrificial offerings. Deuteronomy 18:3 states: "This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: They are to give the priest the shoulder, the jowls, and the maw." In this passage, the "maw" refers to the stomach of the sacrificial animal, which was designated as part of the priestly portion. This allocation was part of the broader Levitical system, where certain parts of the sacrifices were reserved for the priests as their due, supporting them in their service to God and the community. Theological Significance: The mention of the "maw" in the sacrificial system underscores the comprehensive nature of the laws given to Israel. Every aspect of life, including dietary practices and sacrificial rituals, was governed by divine instruction. The allocation of specific parts of the sacrifice to the priests highlights the provision for those who served in the tabernacle and later the temple, ensuring that they were sustained by the community they ministered to. From a theological perspective, the sacrificial system, including the distribution of parts like the maw, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The meticulous details of the Old Testament sacrifices point to the perfect and complete sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided eternal sustenance for believers. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, the sacrificial system was central to religious life. The priests, who were from the tribe of Levi, did not have a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were supported through the offerings and sacrifices of the people. The inclusion of the maw as part of the priestly portion reflects the practical and symbolic aspects of the sacrificial system, ensuring that the priests were provided for while also maintaining the sanctity and order of worship. The use of the term "maw" in this context also reflects the agrarian and pastoral lifestyle of ancient Israel, where livestock played a crucial role in both daily life and religious practice. The detailed instructions regarding sacrifices and offerings demonstrate the importance of obedience and reverence in the worship of God. Application for Believers: For contemporary believers, the mention of the maw in the sacrificial system serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry. Just as the priests were sustained by the offerings of the people, modern-day ministers and church leaders rely on the support of their congregations to continue their work. Furthermore, the sacrificial system, with its detailed regulations, points to the holiness and orderliness of God. Believers are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, offering themselves as living sacrifices in service to Him and others, as articulated in Romans 12:1 : "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A gull.2. (n.) A stomach; the receptacle into which food is taken by swallowing; in birds, the craw; -- now used only of the lower animals, except humorously or in contempt. 3. (n.) Appetite; inclination. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAWmo (qebhah (compare qobhah, Numbers 25:8), keres; Septuagint enustron): The first word means the maw or stomach of ruminants. It is derived from a root designating "hollowed out." It is mentioned alongside of the shoulder and the two cheeks of ox and sheep, which are the priest's share of any sacrifice brought by Israelites (Deuteronomy 18:3). Septuagint, where enustron corresponds to Attic enustron, denotes the fourth stomach or abomasum, which was considered as a delicacy, and was almost a national dish of the Athenians, just as tripe is of the Londoners. The parallel form qobhah is used for the body of a woman, which is being transfixed by a spear thrust in Numbers 25:8. The last word keres is found in a metaphorical sense: "(Nebuchadrezzar) hath, like a monster, swallowed me up, he hath filled his maw with my delicacies" (Jeremiah 51:34). Strong's Hebrew 4581. maoz -- a place or means of safety, protection... a place or means of safety, protection. Transliteration: maoz or mauz or maoz or mauz Phonetic Spelling: (maw-oze') Short Definition: stronghold. ... /hebrew/4581.htm - 6k 8641. terumah -- contribution, offering (for sacred uses) 4205. mazor -- a wound 2534. chemah -- heat, rage 4390. male -- to be full, to fill 3974. maor -- a luminary 4100. mah -- what? how? anything 4692. matsor -- siege enclosure, siege, entrenchment 4583. maon -- dwelling, habitation 4033. magor -- a sojourning place, dwelling place, a sojourning Library The Adventures of Saint George of England. Talmage -- a Bloody Monster The Role of the Holy Spirit Ode vi. How those who Use Food Intemperately and those who Use it ... Was it for this He Sent Souls, that they which Shortly Before had ... The Lord Will Provide. PM Draw Me to Thee. To Eulalius, Bishop of Persian Armenia. Thou Shalt not Steal. Thesaurus Maw (2 Occurrences)...MAW. mo (qebhah (compare qobhah, Numbers 25:8), keres; Septuagint enustron): The first word means the maw or stomach of ruminants. ...Maw (2 Occurrences). ... /m/maw.htm - 8k Mauzzim Jowls (1 Occurrence) Jawbones (1 Occurrence) Rinsed (6 Occurrences) Delicacies (7 Occurrences) Delicate (32 Occurrences) Delicately (11 Occurrences) Monster (10 Occurrences) Maxims (2 Occurrences) Resources Maw: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Maw (2 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 18:3 Jeremiah 51:34 Subtopics Related Terms |
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