Leviticus 9:18 He slaughtered the ox and the ram as the fellowship offering for the people. His sons handed him the blood, and he splashed it against the sides of the altar.
Today I’m pondering “The fat belongs to the Lord” again. You may remember I wrote about that verse a week or so ago. While I’m still chuckling about the images related to the verse (though I haven’t ordered myself a t-shirt yet), I can’t help but ponder why the fat is reserved for God.
Leviticus 9:19 But the fat portions of the ox and the ram—the fat tail, the layer of fat, the kidneys and the long lobe of the liver—
Most folks don’t like the idea of collecting fat on our bodies. Many will trim fat from cuts of meat before cooking, but a quick search tells me that “In ancient Israelite culture, the visceral fat surrounding the internal organs…was viewed as the finest, richest, and most luxurious part of the animal.”
Leviticus 9:20 these they laid on the breasts, and then Aaron burned the fat on the altar.
Lord, Once again I find myself struggling to reconcile my understanding (blood = horror, fat = bad) with the lens of the ancient Israelites (blood = cleansing, fat = best portions). Thank You for the reminder that I can’t automatically view Your word through my “everyday” lens. Help me, when I am confused, to first examine my lens and see if I need to switch it to understand You better. Draw me closer. Amen.
Leviticus 9:21 Aaron waved the breasts and the right thigh before the Lord as a wave offering, as Moses commanded.
Have a blessed day.