Leviticus 7:14

From the cakes he must present one portion of each offering as a contribution to the LORD. It belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering.

Study Bible

From the cakes

In the context of Leviticus, "cakes" refer to unleavened bread or baked goods made from fine flour, often mixed with oil. These were part of the grain offerings that accompanied sacrifices. The use of unleavened bread is significant, as leaven often symbolizes sin or corruption in biblical texts (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). The cakes were a tangible expression of gratitude and dedication to God, reflecting the purity and holiness required in offerings.

Num 15:20-21 From the first of your dough, you are to lift up a cake…
Exo 29:2 along with unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil…

he must present one portion of each offering

This phrase indicates the requirement for a portion of the offering to be set aside specifically for the Lord. The act of presenting a portion signifies acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty. It also reflects the principle of giving God the first and best of what one has, a theme consistent throughout Scripture (Proverbs 3:9-10). This practice underscores the communal and covenantal relationship between God and His people, where offerings are a means of maintaining fellowship and obedience.

Lev 2:9 The priest is to remove the memorial portion…
Lev 6:15 The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour…

as a contribution to the LORD.

The term "contribution" here is often translated as "heave offering," which involves lifting or waving the offering before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of presenting it to Him. This act of dedication is a reminder of God's ownership over all things and the worshiper's role as a steward. It also prefigures the ultimate contribution of Christ, who offered Himself as a sacrifice for humanity (Hebrews 9:14).

Num 18:19 All the holy offerings that the Israelites present…
Num 18:8 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you…

It belongs to the priest

The portion given to the priest highlights the provision for those who serve in the tabernacle. Priests, who mediated between God and the people, were sustained by the offerings brought by the Israelites. This system ensured that those dedicated to spiritual service were supported by the community, a principle echoed in the New Testament regarding the support of church leaders (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

Num 18:9-10 A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire…
Deu 18:3-4 This shall be the priests’ share from the people…

who sprinkles the blood of the peace offering.

The priest's role in sprinkling the blood is crucial, as it signifies the atonement and reconciliation between God and the offerer. The peace offering, or fellowship offering, was unique in that it symbolized communion with God, often culminating in a shared meal. The sprinkling of blood is a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial death, where His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of peace between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:13-14).

Lev 3:2 He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering…
Lev 3:8 He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering…

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The central figure in the passage, to whom the offering is presented. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people.

2. The Priest
The individual who performs the ritual duties, including sprinkling the blood of the peace offerings. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people.

3. The Offerer
The person bringing the cakes as part of the peace offering, symbolizing gratitude and fellowship with God.

4. Peace Offerings
A type of sacrifice in the Levitical system that signifies reconciliation and fellowship with God.

5. Cakes
Part of the grain offering, these are presented as a portion of the peace offering, symbolizing the offerer's dedication and thanksgiving to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of Offerings in Worship
Offerings are a tangible expression of worship and gratitude to God. They remind us of our dependence on Him and our commitment to His covenant.

The Priesthood and Mediation
The priest's role in the Old Testament foreshadows Christ's ultimate mediation. As believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, mediating God's presence to the world.

Community and Fellowship
The peace offering emphasizes community and fellowship with God and others. Our worship should reflect unity and shared purpose within the body of Christ.

Gratitude and Generosity
Just as the offerer gave a portion to the priest, we are called to be generous, sharing our blessings with those who serve and lead in the faith community.

Symbolism of Bread
The cakes symbolize sustenance and life. In the New Testament, Jesus is the Bread of Life, fulfilling the symbolism of the offerings and sustaining us spiritually.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 7:14 help us understand the concept of mediation in our relationship with God today?

2. In what ways can we offer "spiritual sacrifices" in our daily lives, as suggested by 1 Peter 2:5?

3. How does the concept of peace offerings in Leviticus relate to the New Testament teachings on fellowship and community?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our worship includes gratitude and generosity, reflecting the principles of the peace offering?

5. How does understanding the symbolism of bread in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Jesus as the Bread of Life in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:24-28
This passage describes the wave offering and the portions given to the priests, establishing the precedent for the priestly share of offerings.

Hebrews 13:15-16
These verses encourage believers to offer sacrifices of praise and good deeds, drawing a parallel to the peace offerings as acts of worship and fellowship.

1 Peter 2:5
This verse speaks of believers as a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices, connecting the Old Testament priestly duties to the New Testament believer's role.