“And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons’ due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.”
Historical and Contextual Background: Leviticus is the third book of the Bible, which focuses on the laws and regulations given to the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. The book provides detailed instructions regarding various aspects of worship, rituals, and moral conduct, emphasizing holiness and purity in their relationship with God.
In Leviticus 10, the focus is on the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests and the responsibilities associated with their role.
Understanding the Verse: Leviticus 10:14 specifically addresses the portion of the offerings that the priests and their families were permitted to consume. The verse mentions the “wave breast” and “heave shoulder” as the portions designated for consumption.
- Wave Breast: The “wave breast” refers to a portion of the animal sacrificed as a peace offering. It was presented before the Lord by waving it back and forth as a gesture of offering and dedication to God.
- Heave Shoulder: The “heave shoulder” is another part of the peace offering. It was lifted or heaved up before the Lord, signifying the presentation of a portion of the sacrifice to Him.
The verse emphasizes that the priests and their immediate family members, including sons and daughters, were permitted to eat these portions. However, it is important to note that this permission was limited to a clean place, indicating that the consumption was to be done in a holy and ceremonially pure environment.
Spiritual and Practical Significance: The consumption of the wave breast and heave shoulder by the priests and their families carries several spiritual and practical implications:
- Provision for the Priests: God established a system where the priests and their families would receive a portion of the offerings made by the people of Israel. This provision served as a means of sustenance for the priestly tribe, ensuring that they were cared for while dedicating themselves to their priestly duties.
- Participation in the Sacrificial System: By allowing the priests to partake in the offerings, God involved them in the sacrificial system and enabled them to experience the benefits of the peace offerings. This participation reinforced their role as mediators between God and the people.
- Symbolic Meaning: The wave breast and heave shoulder were symbolic of the people’s offering presented before the Lord. By partaking of these portions, the priests were reminded of the people’s devotion to God and their commitment to maintaining a covenantal relationship with Him.
- Holiness and Cleanliness: The requirement to eat the portions in a clean place highlighted the importance of maintaining ritual purity and holiness. The priests were to approach their meals in a state of consecration, recognizing that they were partaking of the sacred offerings.
Application to Believers Today: While the regulations outlined in Leviticus were specific to the Israelite priesthood and the Old Testament sacrificial system, there are some principles we can draw from Leviticus 10:14 that can be applied to believers today:
- Provision and Support: The principle of providing for those who serve in ministry is still relevant. It is important for the Church to ensure the material well-being of its leaders and their families, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties.
- Participation in Worship: Just as the priests were
- involved in the sacrificial system, believers today have the privilege of participating in worship and offering their lives as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). We can present ourselves wholly to God, dedicating our time, talents, and resources for His glory.
- Holiness and Reverence: The call for holiness and reverence in approaching God is applicable to all believers. We are called to live in purity, seeking to honor God in all aspects of our lives (1 Peter 1:15-16).
In conclusion, Leviticus 10:14 highlights the provision for the priests and their families from the offerings of the peace offerings. It emphasizes their participation in the sacrificial system, the importance of holiness, and serves as a reminder of the people’s commitment to God. While the specific regulations do not directly apply to believers today, we can derive principles of provision, participation, and holiness from this passage.
