The term "wave-breast" refers to a specific portion of the sacrificial offerings in the Old Testament, particularly within the Levitical laws concerning peace offerings. The wave-breast was a part of the ceremonial practices instituted by God for the Israelites and is mentioned in several passages, primarily in the book of Leviticus.

Biblical References:

The wave-breast is first introduced in Leviticus 7:29-34, where the Lord instructs Moses regarding the peace offerings: "Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Anyone who brings a peace offering to the LORD must bring it from his sacrifice, along with the offering made by fire to the LORD. He is to present the breast of the peace offering as a wave offering before the LORD. The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons.'" (Leviticus 7:29-31).

The wave-breast, along with the right thigh, was designated as a portion for the priests. This allocation was part of God's provision for the Levitical priesthood, who had no inheritance of land among the tribes of Israel. The priests were to receive their sustenance from the offerings brought by the people, as stated in Leviticus 10:14-15: "But you and your sons and your daughters may eat the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution in a ceremonially clean place, for these have been given to you and your children as your portion of the Israelites’ peace offerings."

Ceremonial Significance:

The act of waving the breast before the Lord was a symbolic gesture of presenting the offering to God. The wave offering was a ritual act that signified the offering being given to God and then returned to the priest for his consumption. This act of waving was a demonstration of the offering's dedication to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.

The wave-breast, therefore, held both practical and spiritual significance. Practically, it provided for the needs of the priestly class, ensuring that those who served in the tabernacle were supported by the community. Spiritually, it represented the communal relationship between God, the priests, and the people, highlighting the interconnectedness of worship, service, and provision.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the wave-breast underscores the principle of giving back to God what He has provided. It reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where the Israelites were reminded that all they possessed was ultimately from God and for His purposes. The wave-breast also prefigures the New Testament understanding of Christ as our peace offering, who fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system.

In the New Testament, while the specific practice of the wave-breast is not continued, the principles of offering and provision remain. Believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and to support those who minister in spiritual matters (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, sacrificial practices were common among various cultures. However, the Israelite sacrificial system, as outlined in the Torah, was distinct in its monotheistic focus and its detailed regulations, which were intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation. The wave-breast, as part of this system, was a unique element that emphasized the role of the priesthood and the communal nature of worship.

The wave-breast, therefore, is an integral part of understanding the Levitical sacrificial system and its role in the life of ancient Israel. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, the provision for those who serve Him, and the communal aspect of worship that is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
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Wave-breast (3 Occurrences)
Wave-breast. Wave, Wave-breast. Waved . Multi-Version Concordance
Wave-breast (3 Occurrences). Leviticus 7:34 For the ...
/w/wave-breast.htm - 7k

Waved (29 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Numbers 18:18 And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave-breast
and as the right thigh, it shall be thine. (See RSV). ...
/w/waved.htm - 16k

Waving (23 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/w/waving.htm - 13k

Statute (63 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wavebreast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children
of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have ...
/s/statute.htm - 27k

Heaving (3 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/h/heaving.htm - 7k

Heave-thigh (2 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/h/heave-thigh.htm - 7k

Shoulder (72 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wavebreast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children
of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have ...
/s/shoulder.htm - 37k

Heave-shoulder (2 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-shoulder have I taken of the children
of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have ...
/h/heave-shoulder.htm - 7k

Due (93 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/d/due.htm - 35k

Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 7:34 For the wave-breast and the heave-thigh have I taken of the children
of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have given ...
/p/peace-offerings.htm - 33k

What is a wave offering? | GotQuestions.org

What is a heave offering? | GotQuestions.org

What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

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