Leviticus 10:14
And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons’ due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.
Leviticus 10:14
Leviticus 10:14 expands on the distribution of the peace offerings (shelamim) and the “wave breast” and “heave shoulder” portions. These parts were allocated to the priests and their families as their rightful due from the sacrifices offered by Israel. The instruction to eat in a clean place, within the community, emphasizes ritual cleanliness and the proper setting for sacred meals. The “bread and shoulder” portions function as a visible sign of fellowship between God, the worshiping community, and the priesthood. The verse reinforces that the peace offerings celebrate communion and gratitude—people participate in the sacrifice by sharing in the meal. The inclusion of families (sons and daughters) emphasizes communal harmony and generational transmission of faith through shared meals in the presence of the Lord.
Key themes include communal sustenance, sacred hospitality, and the responsibility of the priestly family to model reverent participation in God’s gifts. The “clean place” requirement underscores purity and holiness in worship life, reminding Israel that approaching God involves moral and ceremonial cleanliness. The peace offering itself signals reconciliation and fellowship with God and neighbor, foreshadowing the New Testament emphasis on communion with Christ and participation in the body of believers. The verse also highlights that divine blessing comes with shared responsibility; the priests’ portion is both a perk and a duty to steward the people’s worship with integrity.
Practical takeaways today:
- Worship as shared life: offerings aren’t just ritual acts—they create space for communal meals and relationship with God and others.
- Stewardship of resources: leaders and congregations must handle “portions” and resources fairly, ensuring that those who serve are supported and that acts of worship remain hospitable.
- Family and faith: modeling faith for children and inviting families into sacred moments strengthens faith transmission.
- Purity and propriety: approaching God with reverence in worship spaces—cleanliness of hearts and settings—remains essential.
Cross-References: Leviticus 7:15; 24:9; Deuteronomy 12:17-18; Psalm 24:3-4; Galatians 2:9