Leviticus 7:17

But any meat of the sacrifice remaining until the third day must be burned up.

Study Bible

But any meat of the sacrifice
This phrase refers to the portion of the peace offerings that were not consumed by the priests or the offerer. The Hebrew word for "sacrifice" is "זֶבַח" (zevach), which often denotes a communal meal shared in the presence of God. The peace offering was a voluntary act of worship, expressing thanksgiving and fellowship. It is significant that the meat of the sacrifice was considered holy, set apart for a specific purpose, and not to be treated as ordinary food.

remaining until the third day
The specification of "the third day" underscores the importance of timeliness and obedience in worship. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the third day often symbolized completeness or divine intervention. The restriction against eating the meat after this period highlights the need for purity and the avoidance of decay, which could symbolize corruption or sin. This commandment ensured that the offerings remained a pure and acceptable gift to God.

must be burned up
The directive to burn the leftover meat signifies the removal of what is no longer suitable for consumption or offering. The Hebrew word "שָׂרַף" (saraph) means to burn or consume with fire, often used in the context of purification or judgment. This act of burning served as a physical reminder of the holiness required in worship and the seriousness of maintaining God's standards. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of fire as a purifying agent, symbolizing God's presence and holiness. The burning of the meat was a final act of dedication, ensuring that nothing unclean or defiled remained from the offering.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
- The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given, as they journeyed through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.

3. Tabernacle
- The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God and where sacrifices were offered.

4. Priests
- The descendants of Aaron who were responsible for performing the sacrifices and maintaining the rituals as prescribed in the law.

5. Sacrificial System
- The system of offerings and sacrifices instituted by God for the Israelites, which included various types of offerings such as burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The instruction to burn leftover meat emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands fully and not taking His instructions lightly.

Holiness and Purity
The requirement to burn leftover meat reflects God's call for holiness and purity among His people, as anything left over could become unclean.

Temporal Nature of Sacrifices
The limitation on the consumption of sacrificial meat highlights the temporary nature of the Old Testament sacrifices, pointing to the need for a perfect and eternal sacrifice.

God's Provision and Sufficiency
The command teaches reliance on God's provision, trusting that He provides what is needed for each day without the need to hoard or save beyond what He has instructed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to burn leftover sacrificial meat reflect God's desire for obedience and reverence among His people?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of holiness and purity from Leviticus 7:17 to our daily lives as Christians today?

4. What does the requirement to burn leftover meat teach us about trusting in God's provision and sufficiency?

5. How do the instructions in Leviticus 7:17 connect with the broader theme of God's covenant relationship with His people throughout the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12:10
- This verse discusses the Passover lamb and the requirement that none of it should remain until morning, similar to the instruction in Leviticus 7:17 about not letting sacrificial meat remain beyond a certain time.

Leviticus 19:6-7
- These verses reiterate the command regarding the consumption of sacrificial meat, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions precisely.

Matthew 5:17-18
- Jesus speaks about fulfilling the law, which includes the sacrificial laws, pointing to their ultimate fulfillment in Him.

Hebrews 10:1-10
- This passage discusses the limitations of the sacrificial system and how it points to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.