‏ Leviticus 7

Leviticus 7:1: Law of the Trespass-Offering

This passage gives more details about the trespass-offering, focusing on the duties and rights of the priests. The trespass-offering was very similar to the sin-offering, and the priests had special rules to follow. These instructions also mention what the priests received from the burnt-offering and the meat-offering. The rules show how God provided for His servants and kept His worship organized and respectful.

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v. 6-7: The trespass-offering was to be handled like the sin-offering. After the blood and fat were offered to God, the priests would eat the rest of the meat in the holy place (v. 6 ^a). The priest who actually performed the sacrifice received the right to the meat (v. 7 ^b). He could also invite other male priests to share it with him. This encouraged the priests to serve faithfully, since their reward depended on their work. The person who brought the offering did not eat any of it, because the trespass-offering was given because of sin and called for seriousness and repentance, not celebration.

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v. 8: The priest who offered a burnt-offering for someone was given the skin of the animal (v. 8 ^c). He could sell it or use it. The skins from burnt-offerings for the whole congregation were used to repair the sanctuary. This rule may remind us of how God made clothes of skins for Adam and Eve after the first sin (Genesis 3:21; Genesis 27:16 ^d).

v. 9-10: For the meat-offering, if it was cooked, the priest who offered it could eat it right away (v. 9 ^e). If it was dry and not cooked, it was divided among all the priests who were serving at that time (v. 10 ^f). This made sure that the priests shared fairly and were provided for as they served God.

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Leviticus 7:11: Law of the Peace-Offering

This passage explains the rules for the peace-offering, repeating and adding to the instructions given earlier. The peace-offering was a special sacrifice that people brought for different reasons, such as giving thanks, fulfilling a vow, or asking for God’s help. The laws about these offerings show how God wanted His people to celebrate His goodness and keep their worship pure and joyful.

v. 12-16: Peace-offerings were brought for different reasons. People could offer them to thank God for some special blessing, to keep a vow made during trouble, or as a voluntary act while seeking God’s favor. If the offering was for thanksgiving, it had to come with various types of bread, including unleavened cakes and also leavened bread (v. 12 ^g). The bread was not burned on the altar but eaten with the meat, making it a true feast. God allowed freedom in these sacrifices so people could show their thankfulness and generosity from the heart. But if someone made a vow, it was very important to keep it and bring the sacrifice as promised (v. 16 ^h).

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v. 15-18: The meat of the peace-offering had special rules. It had to be eaten quickly. If it was a thanksgiving offering, it had to be eaten the same day. For a vow or voluntary offering, it could be eaten for two days, but anything left over after that was to be burned (v. 16-17 ⁱ). Eating it after the allowed time made the offering unacceptable, and the person would be guilty (v. 18 ^j). This rule helped keep the sacrifice pure and taught people to joyfully use what God provided, not hold back or be selfish. It also points forward to Christ, whose body did not see decay (Psalm 16:10 ^k), and reminds us to trust God’s grace each day (Hebrews 3:13-14 ^l).

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v. 19-21: The meat of the peace-offering had to stay pure. If it touched anything unclean, it could not be eaten but had to be burned (v. 19 ^m). Only people who were ceremonially clean could eat the offering (v. 20-21 ⁿ). This teaches that holy things are for holy people. We must keep ourselves pure if we want to enjoy the blessings of Christ’s sacrifice (1 Peter 2:1-2; Hebrews 9:14 ^o).

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v. 22-27: God again forbids the eating of fat and blood from sacrificial animals (ch. iii. 17; v. 23-25 ^p). The fat was reserved for God’s altar, and the blood made atonement for sin, so both had to be treated with respect. Eating blood was strictly forbidden because it represented life and pointed to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (v. 26-27 ^q).

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v. 30-34: The priest’s share of the peace-offering was the breast and the right shoulder (v. 30-34 ^r). The person who brought the offering lifted these parts as a special gesture to God, showing a willing heart. After the fat was burned, the priest and his family could eat their part, sharing in the joy and thanksgiving. These parts symbolized love and strength, reminding us that God’s people should devote their hearts and actions to Him. Jesus Christ, our true peace-offering, gives us the greatest love and strength, and through Him we have a spiritual feast.

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Leviticus 7:35: Conclusion of the Laws Concerning Sacrifices

This section concludes the laws about sacrifices, though some parts will be repeated and explained later. These laws serve two main purposes. First, they are a promise to the priests to provide for their needs. When God set them apart for their work, He also made sure they would be cared for. Serving God brings its own rewards, both now and in the future. Second, these laws are permanent commands for the people of Israel. They must bring their offerings as God instructed and gladly give the priests their rightful share. Worship is not optional; it is a serious duty with consequences if neglected. Following Christ’s commands is just as necessary as obeying God’s laws under Moses.

v. 35-36: When the priests were appointed to their work, God made sure they would be comfortably supported by the offerings brought by the people (v. 35, 36 ^s). This shows that God cares for those who serve Him faithfully. The anointing of the Spirit gives ministers both the responsibility and the reward of their service.

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v. 38: God commanded the Israelites to bring their offerings as part of their worship (v. 38 ^t). These acts of worship are not optional or left to personal choice. They are required duties, and failing to observe them brings serious consequences. The same seriousness applies to obeying the teachings of Christ today.