Leviticus 7:17
But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall bee burnt with fire. Leviticus 7:17 (KJV)
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 the portions designated for the priests were set aside, the offerer and his household were to eat the remaining flesh within the same day, as outlined in Leviticus 7:13‑14. Leviticus 7:16 states that any meat from the sacrifice that remains until the third day must be burned with fire; it becomes an abomination and is not to be consumed. Verse 17 deals with the priest’s portion of the peace offering and reinforces the requirement that the remaining flesh be burnt on the third day, emphasizing the importance of consuming the peace offering promptly.
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, and consuming it within a designated time frame would help prevent disease or food poisoning. Additionally, the act of burning the remaining flesh symbolized the completeness and dedication of the offering to God, reinforcing the notion that the peace offering was a sacred act and a gesture of gratitude.
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 principles from this passage. It reminds us of the importance of timeliness and dedication in our worship and service to God, urging us to be prompt in fulfilling our commitments 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; we should prioritize our spiritual growth and communion with Him without delay and offer ourselves as living sacrifices, continually seeking to please God in our thoughts, words, and actions (Romans 12:1‑2).
