The wave offering is a significant ritual in the Old Testament, primarily found within the context of the Levitical sacrificial system. It is a type of offering that involves the ceremonial waving of certain portions of a sacrifice before the LORD, symbolizing the presentation and dedication of the offering to God. This act of worship is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, Israel.

Biblical References and Description

The wave offering is first introduced in the book of Exodus. In Exodus 29:24, during the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, Moses is instructed to take parts of the ram of ordination and "wave them as a wave offering before the LORD." This act signifies the priests' dedication to God's service.

Leviticus provides further details on the wave offering, particularly in the context of peace offerings. Leviticus 7:30-31 states, "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, to wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD. The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons." Here, the wave offering is part of the peace offering, symbolizing fellowship and thanksgiving to God. The breast of the animal, waved before the LORD, is then given to the priests, indicating God's provision for those who serve Him.

The wave offering is also associated with the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost. In Leviticus 23:20, the Israelites are commanded to "wave them [the two loaves of bread] as a wave offering before the LORD, together with the two lambs. They are to be holy to the LORD for the priest." This offering marks the culmination of the grain harvest and acknowledges God's provision and blessing.

Theological Significance

The wave offering holds profound theological significance as an act of worship. It represents the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the dedication of the best portions of one's labor to Him. By waving the offering, the worshiper symbolically presents it to God, recognizing His ultimate ownership and authority over all creation.

Moreover, the wave offering underscores the communal aspect of worship. It involves both the individual and the community, as the offerings are shared with the priests and, by extension, with God. This sharing reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing mutual commitment and fellowship.

Christological Fulfillment

From a Christological perspective, the wave offering can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the wave offering was a presentation of the best portions to God, Christ's sacrifice on the cross represents the perfect and complete offering for the atonement of sin. Hebrews 10:12 states, "But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God." In this sense, the wave offering points to the greater reality of Christ's redemptive work, fulfilling the sacrificial system and establishing a new covenant.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian worship, the principles underlying the wave offering can inspire believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices to God. Romans 12:1 exhorts, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This call to dedication and service echoes the spirit of the wave offering, encouraging Christians to present their best to God in gratitude and obedience.