Leviticus 7:34

I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.'"

Study Bible

For I have taken
The phrase signifies God's sovereign authority and divine prerogative in establishing the laws and rituals for His people. The Hebrew root "לקח" (laqach) implies a deliberate and purposeful action, emphasizing God's intentionality in setting apart specific portions for the priests. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's provision and care for those who serve Him.

the breast of the wave offering
The "breast" (Hebrew: "חזה" - chazeh) was a significant part of the sacrificial animal, symbolizing strength and vitality. The "wave offering" (Hebrew: "תנופה" - tenufah) involved a ritualistic motion of presenting the offering before the Lord, signifying dedication and consecration. This act of waving was a physical demonstration of offering something to God and then receiving it back for a holy purpose, illustrating the reciprocal relationship between God and His people.

and the right thigh
The "right thigh" (Hebrew: "שוק" - shoq) was considered a choice portion, symbolizing honor and strength. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the right side often represented power and authority. By designating the right thigh for the priests, God was ensuring that those who ministered before Him were honored and sustained, reflecting His justice and provision.

from the Israelites
This phrase underscores the communal aspect of the offerings. The Israelites, as a covenant community, were collectively responsible for supporting the priesthood. This communal responsibility highlights the interconnectedness of worship, service, and community life in Israel, reminding believers today of the importance of supporting those who minister in spiritual matters.

out of their fellowship offerings
The "fellowship offerings" (Hebrew: "שלמים" - shelamim) were sacrifices that symbolized peace and communion with God. These offerings were unique in that they were shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer, representing a harmonious relationship with God. This sharing aspect points to the New Testament concept of koinonia, or fellowship, within the body of Christ.

and I have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons
This allocation to Aaron and his sons signifies the establishment of the priestly lineage and their role in mediating between God and the people. The priesthood was a divine institution, and this provision ensured that the priests could focus on their sacred duties without concern for their material needs, illustrating God's care for those who serve Him.

as a perpetual portion
The term "perpetual" (Hebrew: "חוק עולם" - choq olam) indicates an everlasting ordinance, signifying the enduring nature of God's covenant with the priesthood. This perpetual provision underscores the unchanging nature of God's promises and His faithfulness to His covenant people.

from the Israelites
Reiterating the source of the provision, this phrase emphasizes the role of the community in sustaining the priesthood. It serves as a reminder of the mutual responsibilities within the covenant community, where the spiritual and material support of God's servants is a shared duty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Sons of Israel
Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were given specific laws and instructions for worship and offerings.

2. Aaron the Priest
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, representing the priestly line and mediating between God and the people.

3. The Priests (Aaron's Sons)
The descendants of Aaron who served in the tabernacle, performing sacrifices and maintaining the rituals as commanded by God.

4. Wave Offering
A type of offering where parts of the sacrifice were waved before the Lord, symbolizing the offering being presented to God.

5. Peace Offerings
Sacrifices made by the Israelites to express gratitude, fulfill vows, or seek fellowship with God, part of which was shared with the priests.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for His Servants
God ensures that those who serve Him, like the priests, are provided for through the offerings of the people. This principle can be applied today in supporting church leaders and workers.

The Importance of Obedience in Worship
The Israelites were commanded to follow specific instructions for offerings, highlighting the importance of obedience in worship. Our worship should also be in line with God's instructions.

Symbolism of Fellowship and Gratitude
Peace offerings symbolize fellowship with God and gratitude. In our lives, we should regularly express gratitude and seek fellowship with God through prayer and worship.

Perpetual Portions and Eternal Principles
The "perpetual portion" given to the priests signifies ongoing provision. This reflects the eternal principles of God's care and provision for His people.

Community and Shared Blessings
The sharing of offerings between the people and the priests illustrates the community aspect of worship and the shared blessings within the body of believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the provision for the priests in Leviticus 7:34 reflect God's care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in supporting church leaders today?

2. In what ways do the peace offerings in Leviticus symbolize our relationship with God, and how can we incorporate similar expressions of gratitude and fellowship in our spiritual practices?

3. How does the concept of a "perpetual portion" given to the priests relate to the New Testament teachings on supporting those who preach the gospel?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience in offering sacrifices according to God's instructions, and how does this apply to our worship practices today?

5. How does the sharing of offerings between the Israelites and the priests illustrate the importance of community in worship, and how can we foster a sense of shared blessings within our church communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:27-28
This passage provides instructions on the consecration of the priests and the portions of offerings designated for them, establishing the precedent for Leviticus 7:34.

Numbers 18:8-11
Details the portions of offerings given to the priests, reinforcing the idea of the priests' sustenance being provided through the offerings of the people.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Paul references the Old Testament practice of priests living off the offerings to draw a parallel to those who preach the gospel being supported by the church.