Leviticus 7:30

With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD.

Study Bible

With his own hands
This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and involvement in the act of worship. In the Hebrew context, the use of one's own hands signifies a direct and personal connection to the offering, symbolizing sincerity and devotion. The act of bringing the offering personally underscores the importance of individual participation in worship and the personal relationship between the worshiper and God.

he is to bring
The Hebrew verb used here, "qarab," means to approach or bring near. This action is not merely a physical movement but a spiritual act of drawing near to God. It reflects the worshiper's desire to come into God's presence, acknowledging His holiness and seeking His favor.

the offerings made by fire
These offerings, known as "ishsheh" in Hebrew, were sacrifices consumed by fire on the altar. The fire symbolizes God's presence and His consuming holiness. The offerings made by fire were a means of atonement and communion with God, representing the worshiper's dedication and the purification of sin.

to the LORD
The term "LORD" here is the tetragrammaton YHWH, the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses. It signifies the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Bringing offerings to the LORD is an act of obedience and reverence, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace.

He shall bring the fat
In ancient Israelite sacrificial practices, the fat was considered the best part of the animal, symbolizing richness and abundance. Offering the fat to God signifies giving Him the best of what one has, an act of honor and respect. It reflects the principle of offering God the first and finest of our resources.

together with the breast
The breast of the sacrificial animal was significant as it was part of the peace offering, symbolizing fellowship and thanksgiving. The breast was given to the priests, representing God's provision for those who serve Him. This act highlights the communal aspect of worship, where the blessings of God are shared among His people.

that the breast may be waved
The wave offering, or "tenufah" in Hebrew, involved a ritualistic movement of the offering before the LORD. This act symbolized presenting the offering to God and then receiving it back as a gift from Him. It signifies the acknowledgment of God's provision and the worshiper's gratitude.

as a wave offering before the LORD
The wave offering was a unique ritual that demonstrated the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and generosity. By waving the offering before the LORD, the worshiper expressed submission and gratitude, recognizing that all blessings come from Him. This act of worship was a reminder of the covenant relationship and the continual need for God's presence and favor in the life of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sacrifice, who is required to present the offering with his own hands, signifying personal involvement and dedication.

2. The LORD
The recipient of the offerings, representing the divine presence and authority in the sacrificial system.

3. The Priest
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, priests play a crucial role in the sacrificial process, facilitating the offering and performing the wave offering.

4. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship where offerings are brought and presented before the LORD.

5. Wave Offering
A specific type of offering where the breast of the sacrifice is waved before the LORD, symbolizing the presentation and dedication of the offering to God.

Teaching Points

Personal Involvement in Worship
The requirement for the offerer to bring the offering with his own hands underscores the importance of personal involvement in worship. Worship is not a passive activity but requires active participation and dedication.

Symbolism of the Wave Offering
The wave offering symbolizes the act of presenting and dedicating something to God. In our lives, this can translate to dedicating our time, talents, and resources to God's service.

Holistic Worship
The inclusion of both the fat and the breast in the offering signifies a holistic approach to worship, where we offer the best of what we have to God, not just in material terms but also in our spiritual devotion.

The Role of the Community
While the individual brings the offering, the priest and the community are involved in the process, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and the importance of supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for the offerer to bring the offering with his own hands apply to our modern-day worship practices?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the symbolism of the wave offering into our daily lives as a form of dedication to God?

3. How does the concept of holistic worship challenge us to evaluate what we are offering to God in terms of our time, talents, and resources?

4. What role does the community play in our worship today, and how can we support each other in our spiritual growth?

5. How can the transition from physical offerings in the Old Testament to spiritual sacrifices in the New Testament (as seen in Hebrews 13:15) influence our understanding of worship and dedication to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:24
This verse describes the wave offering during the consecration of Aaron and his sons, highlighting the importance of the wave offering in dedicating something to God.

Leviticus 3:1-5
Provides details on peace offerings, which include the wave offering, emphasizing the communal and reconciliatory aspects of these sacrifices.

Hebrews 13:15
Connects the concept of offerings to the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to offer a sacrifice of praise, indicating a shift from physical offerings to spiritual ones.