Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 7:35 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Leviticus 7:35 is one of the many verses in the Old Testament that provides detailed instructions about the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. As part of the larger context of the book, this verse sheds light on the roles of the priests, the offerings, and the holiness required in the worship of God. Leviticus, often viewed as a book of law, contains numerous guidelines on how the people of Israel should approach God in worship, live in holiness, and maintain their relationship with Him.
In this article, we will explore the context of Leviticus 7:35, the meaning of the verse itself, its application in life, and how it can help Christians today understand the significance of worship, holiness, and God’s provision for His servants.
The Context of Leviticus 7:35 KJV
Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and is often seen as a book that details the laws and instructions for the priesthood, sacrifices, and religious rituals. This book is meant to teach the Israelites how to live in covenant with a holy God. The context of Leviticus 7:35 is important because it falls within the section that deals with the offerings and sacrifices that were part of the Israelite worship system.
The Sacrificial System
The central theme of Leviticus is the proper worship of God through the sacrifices. God gave Moses specific instructions regarding the various types of offerings, which included burnt offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings, and peace offerings. The peace offering, in particular, was a voluntary offering given to God as an act of thanksgiving, praise, or fellowship. It was unique in that part of it was consumed by the priest, and part of it was shared in a communal meal.
Leviticus 7 focuses on the peace offerings and the rules surrounding how these offerings were to be conducted. These offerings included instructions on how the animal was to be slaughtered, which parts of the animal were to be burnt on the altar, and which parts the priests and the offerers could partake in.
The Priests’ Portion
Leviticus 7:35 occurs as part of the description of the peace offerings, particularly concerning the portion of the sacrifice that was given to the priests. In the larger context, God established the priesthood to mediate between Himself and the people. The priests were to receive certain portions of the offerings made by the people as part of their provision for serving in the tabernacle.
God commanded that the priesthood was to be supported by the offerings that the people brought. This provision for the priests was not just a matter of sustaining them but was also symbolic of their role in serving God and the people. The verse we are focusing on in this article explains the priestly inheritance from the offerings.
Leviticus 7:35 (KJV)
To understand Leviticus 7:35, let’s begin by reading the verse from 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.” — Leviticus 7:35 (KJV)
This verse falls under the section of Leviticus 7 that deals with the priestly inheritance from the various offerings. Here, the focus is on the special portion that was designated for Aaron (the high priest) and his sons, who served as priests in the Tabernacle.
Key Elements of Leviticus 7:35
The Portion of the Anointing: The phrase “the portion of the anointing” refers to the special inheritance that the priests received when they were consecrated and set apart for the service of God. The anointing, which involved pouring oil on Aaron and his sons, symbolized their divine appointment to serve as mediators between God and the people.
The Offerings of the Lord Made by Fire: This refers to the burnt offerings and peace offerings that were made to God. The term “made by fire” emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the offerings. These were offerings that were burned on the altar as part of the worship ritual, symbolizing the burning away of sin and the offering of the best to God.
The Day of Consecration: The phrase “the day when he presented them to minister unto the Lord” refers to the day of the consecration of Aaron and his sons. This was the day they were set apart to serve in the Tabernacle, where they were ordained to their priestly office.
The Priests’ Office: The priestly office was a holy calling. The priests were given the responsibility of leading worship, performing sacrifices, and ensuring that the people of Israel were in right standing with God. This was a sacred role, and their service in the tabernacle required full dedication.
Leviticus 7:35 Meaning
To understand the meaning of Leviticus 7:35, it is important to consider its spiritual and theological implications within the larger framework of the Israelite worship system and God’s covenant with His people.
The Consecration of the Priests
Leviticus 7:35 is connected to the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. When the priesthood was established, God specifically anointed Aaron and his sons to serve in the Tabernacle. The anointing oil, along with the sacrifices and offerings, marked their special calling. The verse points to the importance of the priestly office and the divine ordination of those chosen to serve in it.
The anointing in the Old Testament was a sacred act that set someone apart for God’s service. In the case of Aaron and his sons, this was a public acknowledgment of their divine appointment to be intermediaries between God and Israel. The anointing was not just about their physical anointing with oil, but about their role in bringing the people of Israel closer to God through worship and sacrifices.
Provision for the Priests
Leviticus 7:35 highlights the portion of the offering that was designated for the priests. This portion was given to them as a means of provision. In a practical sense, the priests did not have their own inheritance of land, unlike the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their provision came from the offerings brought by the people. This teaching emphasizes the importance of supporting those who serve in the house of God.
This concept of provision is an essential part of the priestly role. The priests, by performing their duties, enabled the people to maintain a relationship with God. They, in turn, were supported by the people through the offerings. It was a cyclical system of worship and provision that kept the relationship between God and His people intact.
A Picture of Christ’s Priesthood
For Christians, Leviticus 7:35 is a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Jesus, like Aaron, was anointed by God for a special role. However, unlike Aaron’s priesthood, which was temporary and had to be repeated, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal. Hebrews 7:27-28 explains that Jesus is the perfect High Priest who offers a once-for-all sacrifice for sin, and through His offering, believers are made holy and reconciled to God.
In this way, Leviticus 7:35 points forward to the ministry of Christ and the eternal provision He offers. Just as the priests received their sustenance from the offerings of the people, Christians today receive spiritual sustenance from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Leviticus 7:35 Application in Life
Though Leviticus 7:35 relates to the Old Testament priesthood, there are several valuable lessons and applications that Christians can derive from this verse for their spiritual lives today.
The Call to Serve God Faithfully
Just as Aaron and his sons were consecrated to serve God, Christians are called to live lives of holiness and service to God. While there is no longer a physical priesthood, the New Testament teaches that all believers are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Christians are called to serve God faithfully, offering their lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Leviticus 7:35 serves as a reminder that serving God is a holy calling, and we should approach it with reverence and dedication.
God’s Provision for His Servants
In the Old Testament, the priests were provided for by the offerings of the people. Today, God continues to provide for those who serve Him. This provision might not always come in the form of offerings, but God sustains His servants in various ways. Christians are encouraged to support those who labor in ministry, just as the Israelites were instructed to support the priests. Tithes, offerings, and acts of kindness help to sustain those who are dedicated to serving the church and spreading the gospel.
The Need for Holiness in Worship
Leviticus 7:35 also teaches us that our worship and service to God should be holy. Just as the priests were consecrated to serve God in the Tabernacle, Christians are called to live lives that are set apart for God’s service. Our actions, thoughts, and motives should be aligned with God’s holiness. This requires intentionality in our daily lives and a commitment to following God’s commands.
Foreshadowing Christ’s Eternal Priesthood
Finally, Leviticus 7:35 points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Christians can find great comfort in knowing that through Jesus, we have direct access to God. Unlike the priests of the Old Testament, who had to make repeated sacrifices, Christ made the ultimate sacrifice once and for all. His priesthood is eternal, and through Him, we have been reconciled to God. This understanding can deepen our gratitude for Jesus’ work on the cross and our relationship with Him.
Conclusion
Leviticus 7:35 is a powerful verse that provides insight into the role of the priesthood in the Old Testament and its connection to the worship and service of God. It highlights the consecration of Aaron and his sons, the provision for the priests, and the holiness required in serving God. For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living lives devoted to God’s service, supporting those who labor in ministry, and understanding the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who provided the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
By studying Leviticus 7:35, Christians can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacredness of worship, the provision God has made for His servants, and the fulfillment of the priestly role in Jesus Christ. Through Him, we have been consecrated, and through Him, we receive the greatest provision of all: eternal life.
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