“And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation for an heave offering unto the Lord, and it shall be the priest’s that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings.”
Leviticus is a book in the Old Testament that contains various laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. It specifically focuses on the priesthood, sacrifices, and the establishment of the tabernacle worship.
In Leviticus 7, God provides guidelines for the offerings and sacrifices to be made by the Israelites, particularly the peace offerings. These peace offerings were voluntary offerings made by individuals as an expression of thanksgiving, devotion, or fellowship with God.
Verse 14 refers to a specific portion of the peace offering, known as the “heave offering.” When an individual brought a peace offering, a portion of it was set aside as a heave offering, lifted up or “heaved” before the Lord. This portion belonged to the priest who sprinkled the blood of the peace offerings.
The heave offering was a way for the priest to receive a portion of the offering as his portion of the sacrifice. By designating the heave offering for the priest, God ensured that the priests were provided for as they carried out their responsibilities in the tabernacle.
It’s important to note that the heave offering was distinct from the portion of the peace offering that was burnt on the altar and the portion that the individual offering the sacrifice could eat. The heave offering was given exclusively to the priest who performed the sprinkling of blood.
This practice served as a reminder of the unique role and authority of the priests in facilitating the relationship between God and the people of Israel. The priests acted as mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices and performing rituals on behalf of the community.
In a broader context, the concept of the heave offering teaches us about the importance of honoring and supporting those who serve in spiritual leadership roles. Just as the priests were provided for through the offerings, believers are encouraged to support and care for their spiritual leaders today.
While the specific laws and rituals outlined in Leviticus have been fulfilled through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the principles behind these offerings can still offer valuable insights into our relationship with God and how we interact with those who minister to us.
