“But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.”
Context:Leviticus is a book in the Old Testament that contains instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. It primarily deals with the laws and regulations regarding worship, sacrifices, and the priesthood. Leviticus 7 specifically focuses on the laws concerning the guilt offering and the peace offering.
Explanation:Leviticus 7:17 provides instructions regarding the consumption of the peace offering. The peace offering was a voluntary offering made by individuals to express gratitude to God or to fulfill a vow. After certain portions of the animal were given to the priests for their share, the remainder of the flesh was to be eaten by the offerer and their family.
However, in the case of the peace offering, there was a stipulation that the remaining flesh should be consumed within a specific time frame. Verse 16 states that if any of the meat from the sacrifice was left until the third day, it should not be eaten. Instead, it was to be burned with fire. This command emphasized the importance of consuming the peace offering in a timely manner.
There are a few possible reasons for this requirement. One reason could be practical and hygienic. In the ancient Near East, without modern refrigeration, meat would spoil quickly, especially in a hot climate. Consuming the meat within a designated time frame would help prevent the spread of disease or food poisoning.
Additionally, the act of burning the remaining flesh symbolized the completeness and dedication of the offering to God. By not allowing the meat to be eaten after the third day, it reinforced the notion that the peace offering was a sacred act and a gesture of gratitude to God.
Application:As Christians, we are not bound by the ceremonial laws and regulations outlined in the Old Testament, including the laws of sacrifices found in Leviticus. The sacrificial system was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 10:1-18). Therefore, Leviticus 7:17 does not have a direct application to our lives today in terms of dietary practices or religious rituals.
However, we can still draw some principles from this verse. It reminds us of the importance of timeliness and dedication in our worship and service to God. It encourages us to be prompt in fulfilling our commitments to Him and to approach our acts of worship with sincerity and reverence.
In a broader sense, it serves as a reminder that our relationship with God should not be delayed or taken lightly. Just as the Israelites were called to consume the peace offering within the designated time, we should prioritize our spiritual growth and communion with God without delay. We should offer ourselves as living sacrifices, continually seeking to please God in our thoughts, words, and actions (Romans 12:1-2).
