Leviticus 7:35

This is the portion of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the Lord made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister unto the Lord in the priest’s office;

Leviticus 7:35 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus contains the detailed instructions God gave to Israel for worship and the priesthood. Leviticus 7:35 concludes a section describing the priests’ portions from the offerings, identifying the share that belonged to Aaron and his sons because of their anointing.

The preceding verses of Leviticus 7 specify which parts of the peace offerings were reserved for the priests, including the wave breast and heave shoulder, along with a cake from the unleavened loaves. These provisions were not incidental but were commanded by the Lord as a permanent statute for the priests throughout their generations.

Meaning

The verse speaks of the “portion of the anointing of Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons.” Here “anointing” serves as a synonym for the priestly office itself. The portion of the anointing therefore means the provision made for the maintenance of the high priest and the priestly order, granted on the day they were consecrated to minister before the Lord.

This was a divine allotment. The priests received their sustenance from the offerings the people brought, because they had no land inheritance of their own. The portion taken from the offerings made by fire was not a human arrangement but a divine ordinance, established by God to ensure that those who served Him in the tabernacle were provided for.

Biblical connections

The regulations of Leviticus were given specifically to Israel under the Old Covenant. With the coming of Jesus Christ, the sacrificial system was fulfilled and superseded by His once-for-all sacrifice. The principle of providing for those who minister, however, continues into the New Testament era, where those who preach the gospel are likewise to receive their living from the gospel.

Application

This verse reminds believers that God cares for those who serve Him. The priests were sustained through the offerings of the people, and this was God’s own design. It teaches the importance of honoring and supporting those who are called to ministry, dedicating a portion of our resources to the work of the Kingdom.

Reflection

Leviticus 7:35 shows that God’s provision for His servants was established from the beginning of the priesthood. It calls us to recognize that supporting ministry is not merely a charitable act but a response to a divine ordinance, reflecting God’s faithfulness to those who devote themselves to His service.