Read Leviticus
7-9 & Matthew
25:31-46
To discover:
As you read consider how you might define the role of the
priests.
To ponder:
Instructions for the priests continue for the guilt and
fellowship offerings. The first type of fellowship offering was “an expression
of thankfulness.” This displays how the offerings were to be an outer
demonstration of an inner attitude to God. The second type, given after vows or
as freewill offerings, could not be eaten from the third day, otherwise they would
“not be credited to the one who offered it.” This speaks of how the offerings
were actually effective in achieving before God what he said they would. We
don’t know why meat had to be consumed within different periods.
The
absolute distinction between the holy and unclean (between God and what is
abnormal and imperfect) is stressed by the extreme penalty for unclean people
who eat holy meat or blood that should be for the LORD. To be “cut off” from
God’s people implies death. Even the fat of cattle, sheep or goats not used in
sacrifice was not to be eaten, no doubt to stress its importance in the sacrifices.
The rest of
the fellowship offering could be eaten by anyone who was “clean,” although the
priests should have a share: Aaron and sons getting the breast, and the right
leg going to the officiating priest. Chapter 7 ends listing the offerings: the
burnt, grain, sin, guilt, ordination and fellowship offerings. We’re reminded
these were commanded via Moses in a day on Mount Sinai.
With all in place, everything is
ready for the priests to be ordained. So the whole assembly of Israel are gathered
at the entrance to the tent of meeting (tabernacle), and Aaron and his sons are
ordained according to the instructions given in Exodus 29 (see that post). With
this all done, the climax: On the eighth day Moses commands Aaron, his sons,
and the elders, to offer burn and fellowship offerings “for today the LORD will
appear to you.” The sacrifices are made in a way that is now familiar. This
concludes with Aaron and then Moses and Aaron blessing the people. God’s glory
then appears with fire coming from his presence (presumably the holy of holies)
and consuming the offering as affirmation that it was acceptable. In response
the people rejoice and fall down in worship.
As seen throughout
this is all to protect Israel
from the holy presence of God. He is so other, so pure and opposed to sin, that
without these things he would either break out against the nation of have to
remove himself from them. However, with these things in place, he can remain
and bless them. More supremely, through the blood of Christ “we have confidence
to enter the Most Holy Place” with “our hearts sprinkled from a guilty
conscience” and “our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb 10v19-22). Israel’s
sacrifices effected only outer cleansing, and that was temporary, requiring
them to be regularly given (Heb 9v9-14). Christ achieves a permanent, inner and
full cleansing. So we need not fear.
Praying it home:
Praise God for his holy purity and perfection. Pray that he
would grant you assurance as to the utter forgiveness and cleansing Christ has
worked.
Thinking further:
None today.
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