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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 7 - Verse 34

7:34
For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.

Meaning

The meaning of this verse from the book of Leviticus is that the wave breast and the heave shoulder, which were portions of the sacrifices of peace offerings made by the Israelites, were given to Aaron the priest and his sons as a perpetual statute. This practice was established among the children of Israel as a way to provide for the priests who served in the tabernacle and later the temple. The wave breast and heave shoulder were considered special portions of the sacrifices, set apart for the priests as a symbol of the people's dedication to God. By giving these portions to the priests, the Israelites were showing their gratitude to God for His provision and acknowledging the important role that the priests played in their worship. This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and supporting those who serve in positions of spiritual leadership, and highlights the interconnectedness of the community of faith in offering worship and sacrifices to God.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, there is a provision that highlights the importance of the ministry of the priests in ancient Israel. The wave breast and the heave shoulder were portions of the sacrifice offered by the children of Israel as peace offerings to God. These portions were set apart and given to Aaron the priest and his sons as a perpetual statute. This act symbolized the consecration and dedication of the priestly office, as these portions were considered holy and belonged exclusively to the priestly lineage. By partaking in these portions, Aaron and his sons were reminded of their unique role as mediators between God and the people. This provision served as a way to sustain the priests financially while also emphasizing their spiritual significance in the worship of God. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the sacredness of the priestly calling and the establishment of a divinely ordained hierarchy within the religious structure of ancient Israel.

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