Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 7:36 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Leviticus 7:36 is part of the Old Testament and falls within the Mosaic Law that was given to the Israelites through Moses. The book of Leviticus contains many detailed instructions about the sacrifices, offerings, and duties of the priests. Leviticus 7:36, specifically, addresses the portion of the peace offerings that was designated for the priests. Understanding this verse requires us to consider its context, its specific meaning, and how it can be applied to our lives today. Although this verse comes from an ancient time and a specific cultural setting, there are timeless principles in it that can guide us in our walk with God.
The Context of Leviticus 7:36 KJV
Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and is often referred to as a book of laws. It contains instructions for the Israelites on how to live holy lives, how to approach God, and how to maintain a covenant relationship with Him. The laws in Leviticus primarily focus on offerings, sacrifices, and purity.
Chapter 7 of Leviticus deals specifically with the regulations surrounding the offerings that were to be made by the people of Israel. This chapter highlights the peace offering (also called the fellowship offering) and how the portions of the offering were to be divided between the altar, the priest, and the person who made the offering.
The peace offering was unique because it was not about sin or atonement (like the sin offering or guilt offering) but was a voluntary offering made in gratitude, joy, and thanksgiving. It symbolized peace and fellowship between God and the person offering the sacrifice.
Leviticus 7:36 is part of the detailed instructions about how the portions of the peace offering were to be given. The passage explains the role of the priesthood in receiving the offerings and their right to the portion that was dedicated to them. Specifically, the verse addresses the portion that was to be given to the priests who were serving at the altar during the sacrifice.
Leviticus 7:36 (KJV)
Here is the verse in the King James Version (KJV):“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;”
This verse speaks about the portion of the peace offerings that was given to Aaron (the first high priest) and his sons (the priests who served with him). It emphasizes that these offerings were given to them because of their role in the ministry of the priesthood.
Leviticus 7:36 Meaning
To fully understand the meaning of Leviticus 7:36, let’s break down the key elements of the verse:
1. The Anointing of Aaron and His Sons
Aaron was the first high priest, and his sons were ordained as priests to serve in the Tabernacle. Their anointing was a symbolic act signifying that they were set apart for the holy work of ministering to the Lord. Anointing with oil in the Bible often symbolized the empowering presence of God and the consecration of a person or object for a specific purpose.
In Exodus 29:7, we see the instruction that Aaron and his sons were anointed with oil as part of their consecration to the priesthood. This was not just a physical act but a spiritual one, marking them as distinct and dedicated to serving in the temple. The reference to the anointing in Leviticus 7:36 is to remind the Israelites that the priests had a special role, and their portion of the offering was given in recognition of that role.
2. Offerings of the Lord Made by Fire
The phrase “offerings of the Lord made by fire” refers to the sacrificial offerings that were burned on the altar as part of the worship process. These offerings symbolized the people’s devotion, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God’s provision. The peace offering, specifically, was a joyful sacrifice that indicated fellowship with God.
The “offerings made by fire” were not just symbolic; they represented the act of giving back to God a portion of what He had provided. In this case, the priests received a portion of these offerings as their sustenance for their role in the Tabernacle.
3. Presented Them to Minister Unto the Lord in the Priest’s Office
This portion of the verse highlights the purpose of the peace offerings and the priests’ responsibility. The priests were set apart to minister to the Lord in the Tabernacle, acting as intermediaries between the people and God. Their role was essential in maintaining the worship and sacrificial system, and they had the responsibility of ensuring that the offerings were properly presented to God.
The peace offering, which was offered in gratitude and celebration, was given to God, but a portion was reserved for the priests as recognition of their service. This part of the offering allowed the priests to be sustained in their work and reminded the people that their support of the priests was an essential part of maintaining the worship system.
Leviticus 7:36 Application in Life
While this verse primarily speaks to the specific role of the priests in the Old Testament, there are several important lessons and applications that we can take from it today.
1. Honoring Those Who Serve in Ministry
Leviticus 7:36 shows that the priests were supported by the offerings of the people. While today’s priests (or pastors, ministers, and church leaders) may not receive the same kind of offerings, this principle still holds true. The New Testament encourages believers to support those who are dedicated to the work of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). Just as the Israelites were instructed to provide for the priests who served in God’s house, we are called to support those who serve in ministry through our prayers, encouragement, and financial resources.
2. Recognizing the Sacredness of Service to God
The priests in the Old Testament were consecrated and anointed for their holy work. Today, although we do not have a specific priesthood in the same sense, every believer is called to serve God and be consecrated for His purposes. The New Testament teaches that believers are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), meaning that each of us has a role in representing God to the world. Whether in formal ministry or in everyday life, we are all called to honor God through our service, and we must approach our work for God with reverence and dedication.
3. Giving Back to God
The portion given to the priests from the peace offerings reminds us that all of our resources ultimately belong to God. Just as the Israelites gave a portion of their offerings to the priests, we are called to give back to God as an act of worship and thanksgiving. This principle is found throughout Scripture, from the tithe in the Old Testament to the call to give generously in the New Testament. Our giving is not just about supporting others but also about recognizing God’s provision in our lives and offering back a portion of what He has given us.
4. The Role of Intercession and Mediation
In the Old Testament, the priests acted as intermediaries between God and the people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is our ultimate mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and we no longer need human priests to offer sacrifices for us. However, the principle of mediation remains important. As Christians, we are called to pray for one another, interceding on behalf of others and bringing their needs before God (James 5:16). We are also encouraged to be agents of reconciliation, helping to bring others into fellowship with God through Christ.
Conclusion
Leviticus 7:36 provides insight into the sacrificial system and the role of the priests in the Old Testament. While the specific context of this verse was about the peace offering and the portion given to the priests, the underlying principles still apply to us today. We are called to honor and support those who serve in ministry, recognize the sacredness of our own service to God, give back to God with a grateful heart, and intercede on behalf of others.
Though the ceremonial system of sacrifice has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the principles behind Leviticus 7:36 remain relevant. We must live lives of dedication and service to God, offering what we have in gratitude and recognizing the importance of supporting the work of the gospel.
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