Leviticus 10:14
And you and your sons and daughters may eat the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution in a ceremonially clean place, because these portions have been assigned to you and your children from the peace offerings of the sons of Israel.
And you shall eat it
The directive to "eat it" refers to the consumption of the sacrificial offerings, specifically the portions designated for the priests. In the Hebrew context, the act of eating is not merely a physical necessity but a sacred act of participation in the divine provision. The Hebrew word for "eat" (אָכַל, 'akal) implies a communal sharing in the blessings and sustenance provided by God. This act signifies the priests' role in mediating between God and the people, partaking in the holiness of the offerings.

in a holy place
The phrase "in a holy place" underscores the sanctity required in the consumption of the offerings. The Hebrew term for "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) denotes something set apart for divine purposes. The holy place, likely the Tabernacle or its courtyard, is where God's presence dwells, emphasizing the need for reverence and purity. This requirement reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where God calls His people to be set apart and pure in their worship and daily lives.

because it is your portion
The "portion" refers to the part of the sacrificial offerings allocated to the priests. The Hebrew word for "portion" (חֵלֶק, cheleq) signifies an inheritance or share. This allocation is a divine provision for the priests, who do not have a land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. It highlights God's care and provision for those who serve Him, ensuring their needs are met through the offerings of the people.

and your sons’ portion
The inclusion of "your sons’ portion" indicates the hereditary nature of the priestly office. The sons of Aaron, as future priests, are also beneficiaries of the sacrificial system. This provision ensures the continuity of the priestly line and the sustenance of those dedicated to serving God. It reflects the biblical principle of generational blessing and responsibility within the covenant community.

from the fire offerings to the LORD
The "fire offerings" are sacrifices made by fire, symbolizing the complete dedication and consecration to God. The Hebrew term (אִשֶּׁה, ishsheh) refers to offerings that are burnt, signifying the transformation and ascent of the offering to God. These offerings are a fragrant aroma to the LORD, representing the people's devotion and the priests' role in facilitating this worship.

for this is what I have been commanded
The phrase "I have been commanded" reflects the divine authority behind the instructions given to the priests. The Hebrew verb (צָוָה, tsavah) indicates a command or charge, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's directives. This command underscores the seriousness of the priestly duties and the need for adherence to God's established order, reflecting the broader biblical theme of obedience as a response to God's covenantal relationship with His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The high priest and brother of Moses, who is responsible for the priestly duties and rituals.

2. Sons of Aaron
The priests who assist Aaron in the tabernacle duties and partake in the offerings.

3. Holy Place
The designated area within the tabernacle where the priests are to consume the offerings.

4. Offerings Made by Fire
Sacrifices presented to the LORD, which include burnt offerings and peace offerings.

5. Command of the LORD
The divine instructions given to Moses and Aaron regarding the conduct and rituals of the priesthood.
Teaching Points
Holiness in Service
The consumption of offerings in a holy place underscores the importance of maintaining holiness in our service to God. Just as the priests were to eat in a designated holy area, we are called to conduct our lives in a manner that reflects God's holiness.

Divine Provision
The portion given to Aaron and his sons from the offerings illustrates God's provision for those who serve Him. This principle encourages us to trust in God's provision as we dedicate our lives to His service.

Obedience to God's Commands
The phrase "for this is what I have been commanded" highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions. In our lives, we are called to follow God's commands faithfully, trusting in His wisdom and authority.

Community and Fellowship
The act of eating together in a holy place signifies the importance of community and fellowship among believers. It reminds us to cultivate relationships within the body of Christ, sharing in both spiritual and physical nourishment.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The offerings made by fire symbolize the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. As we reflect on these Old Testament practices, we are reminded of the fulfillment of these symbols in Jesus' sacrifice, which provides eternal sustenance for our souls.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of holiness in the consumption of offerings apply to our daily lives and spiritual practices today?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our lives, similar to how He provided for the priests through the offerings?

3. How can we ensure that our obedience to God's commands is reflected in our actions and decisions?

4. What steps can we take to foster a sense of community and fellowship within our church or small group, similar to the communal aspect of the priestly meals?

5. How does understanding the symbolism of Old Testament sacrifices enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice for us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 6:16-18
This passage provides further instructions on the consumption of offerings by the priests, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity of the act.

Numbers 18:8-10
These verses outline the portions of offerings designated for the priests, reinforcing the idea of divine provision for those serving in the tabernacle.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Paul draws a parallel between the Old Testament priestly provisions and the support of those who preach the gospel, highlighting the continuity of God's provision for His servants.
Submission in BereavementR.M. Edgar Leviticus 10:3-7, 12-20
Ministers to be Examples of PurityR.A. Redford Leviticus 10:8-20
The Eating of the Holy ThingsJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 10:12-15
The Spirit of ObedienceW. Clarkson Leviticus 10:12-20
People
Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Elzaphan, Israelites, Ithamar, Mishael, Moses, Nadab, Uzziel
Places
Teman
Topics
Breast, Ceremonially, Clean, Daughters, Eat, Fellowship, Heaved, Israelites, Offerings, Portion, Presented, Share, Sons, Thigh, Waved
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 10:14

     5674   daughters
     7340   clean and unclean
     7364   fellowship offering

Leviticus 10:12-15

     4476   meals

Leviticus 10:14-15

     5140   breasts
     5190   thigh

Library
Strange Fire
'And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not. 2. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. 4. And Moses called Mishael
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

December the Thirteenth the Holy and the Profane
"Put difference between the holy and the unholy." --LEVITICUS x. 1-10. The peril of our day is that so many of these differences are growing faint. The holy merges into the unholy, and we can scarcely see the dividing line. Black merges into white through manifold shades of grey. Falsehood slopes into truth through cunning expediences and white lies. Lust merges into purity through conviviality and geniality and good-fellowship. So is one thing losing itself in another, and vivid moral distinctions
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Value of this Doctrine
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "Doctrine" means "teaching,"
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial;
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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