“For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute forever from among the children of Israel.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the offerings and sacrifices that were to be presented by the Israelites. It specifically refers to the portions of the peace offerings that were designated for the priests.
Context and Background:Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally ascribed to Moses. It contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses, particularly regarding the sacrificial system, cleanliness, and holiness.
The verse you mentioned is part of a section that deals with the various types of offerings and their accompanying regulations. Leviticus 7 describes the laws of the guilt offering, the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering.
The Peace Offering:The peace offering was a voluntary offering made by an individual who desired to express thanksgiving, make a vow, or offer a freewill offering to the Lord. It was a way for the worshiper to have fellowship with God and enjoy a sacred meal.
The peace offering could be a male or female animal from the herd or flock, and it had to be without blemish. After the offering was presented at the altar, certain portions of the animal were set apart for the priests and their families to eat.
The Wave Breast and the Heave Shoulder:In Leviticus 7:34, God explains that He has taken the wave breast and the heave shoulder from the sacrifices of the peace offerings and given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a statute forever. This means that these portions were to be a perpetual provision for the priestly lineage.
The wave breast refers to the right breast of the animal, which was presented by the worshiper and waved before the Lord as a gesture of consecration. It was then given to the priests as their portion. The heave shoulder, on the other hand, refers to the right shoulder of the animal. It was lifted up or “heaved” by the worshiper and offered to the Lord. Afterward, it was given to the priests as their share.
Symbolic and Practical Significance:The allocation of the wave breast and the heave shoulder to the priests had both symbolic and practical significance. Symbolically, these portions represented the priestly consecration and participation in the offerings. It emphasized their role as mediators between God and the people, as well as their dependence on God for provision.
Practically, this provision ensured that the priestly family had a portion of meat from the offerings to sustain themselves. Since the priests did not have their own land or means of livelihood, these offerings served as a way for God to provide for their material needs.
Application and Spiritual Lessons:While the specific regulations of the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system no longer apply in the same manner today, there are spiritual lessons we can draw from Leviticus 7:34:
- Gratitude and Thanksgiving: The peace offering was an expression of thanksgiving and fellowship with God. It reminds us of the importance of gratitude in our relationship with the Lord. We can express our thankfulness through prayer, praise, and living a life that honors Him.
- Consecration and Dedication: The wave breast and heave shoulder, which were consecrated and set apart for the priests, serve as a reminder of our need for consecration and dedication in our service to God. As believers, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, wholly devoted to God’s purposes (Romans 12:1).
- Provision and Trust: The provision of the wave breast and heave shoulder for the priests highlights God’s faithfulness in meeting their needs. It encourages us to trust in God’s provision for our lives and to recognize that He is the ultimate source of all our blessings.
- Christ’s Fulfillment: The sacrificial system in the Old Testament points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus became our High Priest, offering Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 7:27). His sacrifice brought reconciliation between God and humanity, making peace with God possible for all who believe in Him.
In conclusion, Leviticus 7:34 outlines the allocation of the wave breast and the heave shoulder from the peace offerings to the priests as a perpetual provision. While the specific regulations no longer apply today, the passage provides spiritual lessons on gratitude, consecration, trust in God’s provision, and the fulfillment of these offerings in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
