Leviticus 3:9
And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards,
Leviticus 3:9
Leviticus 3:9 specifies the parts of the peace offering to be removed: “the fat thereof, and the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards.” This precision again emphasizes the ritual significance of parts considered most valuable. It also reveals a consistent pattern of sacrifice that requires careful handling of animal anatomy. The rump, back, and inward fats are particularly prized; their removal signifies that the best portions are offered to God while the remaining meat is shared with the priests and community as part of the feast portion.
The act of removing the fat and specific parts underscores that worship involves the surrender of abundance to God. It also highlights the intimate relationship between sacred and secular life—the offerings fed both the divine and the community. The arrangement foreshadows God’s desire for his people to enjoy fellowship with him through shared meals, a theme echoed in the prophetic and gospels as Jesus shares meals with his followers.
Think about how you allocate the best of your resources to God. This could be time, money, or talents spent on acts of service that reflect a posture of sacrifice. Cultivate habits where generosity and joyful participation in community meals and gatherings are valued as acts of worship, not as chores. The principle is about contentment and shared joy in giving, even in small, practical ways.
Cross-References: Psalm 63:5; Proverbs 3:9-10; Luke 15:23-24; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 2 Corinthians 9:7