“And he shall offer thereof his offering, even an offering made by fire unto the Lord; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards.”
This verse is part of the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the offering of peace offerings to the Lord. In Leviticus, God provided specific guidelines for various types of sacrifices and offerings as part of the worship and relationship between Him and His people.
The peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, was a voluntary offering that expressed gratitude, fellowship, and thanksgiving to God. It symbolized the worshiper’s desire for communion and peace with God. The peace offering could be made from livestock such as cattle, sheep, or goats.
Leviticus 3:14 focuses on the specific portion of the peace offering that was to be offered to the Lord. It mentions the fat that covers the inward parts (internal organs) of the animal and all the fat upon the inward parts. The fat was considered the choicest and richest part of the animal, symbolizing the best of what was being offered.
In the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, the offering of fat by fire to the Lord was significant. Fire was often associated with purification and divine presence. By offering the fat on the altar, the Israelites demonstrated their acknowledgment that all good things come from God, and they were giving back the best to Him.
The offering of fat also represented surrendering the most valuable and essential part of the animal to God. It signified the worshiper’s willingness to give their best and to honor God with their whole being. It demonstrated a heart of devotion and a recognition of God’s sovereignty and provision.
For Christians, studying Leviticus and the sacrificial system provides valuable insights into the nature of God, His holiness, and the need for atonement for sins. However, it’s important to note that the sacrificial system was fulfilled and superseded by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. He became the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins for all who believe in Him.
In summary, Leviticus 3:14 emphasizes the offering of the fat of the peace offering as a symbol of giving the best to God. It teaches us the importance of wholehearted devotion, acknowledging God’s provision, and surrendering our most valuable possessions to Him. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices today, we can apply these principles to our lives by offering our whole selves to God and giving Him our best in worship, service, and gratitude.
