Leviticus 7:34

I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.'"

Study Bible

I have taken from the sons of Israel

This phrase indicates God's direct involvement in the allocation of offerings. The "sons of Israel" refers to the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob, who are God's chosen people. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God provides instructions for worship and community life.

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…

the breast of the wave offering

The wave offering was a specific type of sacrifice where parts of the offering were waved before the Lord. The breast, a significant portion of the animal, symbolized the offering being presented to God and then returned for priestly use. This act demonstrated the acknowledgment of God's provision and the sanctity of the offering.

Exo 29:26 Take the breast of the ram of Aaron’s ordination…
Lev 9:21 but he waved the breasts and the right thigh…

and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings,

The peace offering, or fellowship offering, was a voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving and communion with God. The thigh, often referred to as the "heave offering," was lifted up as a symbolic gesture of presenting it to God. This portion was set aside for the priests, signifying their role as mediators between God and the people.

Num 18:18 And their meat belongs to you, just as the breast…
Exo 29:27 Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave…

and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons

Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed as the first high priest, and his descendants were designated as the priestly line. This allocation underscores the provision for the priests, who served in the tabernacle and later the temple, ensuring they were sustained by the offerings of the people.

Num 18:11 And this is yours as well: the offering of their gifts…
Deu 18:1-4 The Levitical priests shall have no portion…

as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’”

The term "permanent portion" indicates that this was an enduring statute, meant to last throughout the generations. It highlights the ongoing responsibility of the Israelites to support the priesthood, which was integral to maintaining the worship and sacrificial system established by God.

Exo 29:28 This will belong to Aaron and his sons as a regular portion…
Lev 10:15 They are to bring the thigh of the contribution…

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Sons of Israel
Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were given specific laws and instructions for worship and offerings.

2. Aaron the Priest
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, representing the priestly line and mediating between God and the people.

3. The Priests (Aaron's Sons)
The descendants of Aaron who served in the tabernacle, performing sacrifices and maintaining the rituals as commanded by God.

4. Wave Offering
A type of offering where parts of the sacrifice were waved before the Lord, symbolizing the offering being presented to God.

5. Peace Offerings
Sacrifices made by the Israelites to express gratitude, fulfill vows, or seek fellowship with God, part of which was shared with the priests.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for His Servants
God ensures that those who serve Him, like the priests, are provided for through the offerings of the people. This principle can be applied today in supporting church leaders and workers.

The Importance of Obedience in Worship
The Israelites were commanded to follow specific instructions for offerings, highlighting the importance of obedience in worship. Our worship should also be in line with God's instructions.

Symbolism of Fellowship and Gratitude
Peace offerings symbolize fellowship with God and gratitude. In our lives, we should regularly express gratitude and seek fellowship with God through prayer and worship.

Perpetual Portions and Eternal Principles
The "perpetual portion" given to the priests signifies ongoing provision. This reflects the eternal principles of God's care and provision for His people.

Community and Shared Blessings
The sharing of offerings between the people and the priests illustrates the community aspect of worship and the shared blessings within the body of believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the provision for the priests in Leviticus 7:34 reflect God's care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in supporting church leaders today?

2. In what ways do the peace offerings in Leviticus symbolize our relationship with God, and how can we incorporate similar expressions of gratitude and fellowship in our spiritual practices?

3. How does the concept of a "perpetual portion" given to the priests relate to the New Testament teachings on supporting those who preach the gospel?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience in offering sacrifices according to God's instructions, and how does this apply to our worship practices today?

5. How does the sharing of offerings between the Israelites and the priests illustrate the importance of community in worship, and how can we foster a sense of shared blessings within our church communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:27-28
This passage provides instructions on the consecration of the priests and the portions of offerings designated for them, establishing the precedent for Leviticus 7:34.

Numbers 18:8-11
Details the portions of offerings given to the priests, reinforcing the idea of the priests' sustenance being provided through the offerings of the people.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Paul references the Old Testament practice of priests living off the offerings to draw a parallel to those who preach the gospel being supported by the church.