Leviticus 3:16

16 The priest will then completely burn all of this on the altar as food—as a food gift for a soothing smell. All fat belongs to the LORD.

Leviticus 3:16 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 3:16

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar
Which shows that not the fat only, but the inwards and the kidneys, were burnt also; so Maimonides says ^F12, that the priest salted the parts, and burned them upon the altar; and the priests might not have the breast and shoulder (which were what belonged to them) until the parts were burnt:

[it is] the food of the offering made by fire;
which the Lord ate of, or accepted of:

for a sweet savour;
as a type of the sweet smelling sacrifice of Christ, with which he is well pleased;

all the fat is the Lord's;
that is, all that was upon the parts mentioned in the several sacrifices of peace offerings, which was to be taken off and burnt: though the Jewish writers understand it of all fat in general, and so interpret the law that follows.

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 Ut supra, (Maaseh Hakorbanot) c. 9. sect. 11.

Leviticus 3:16 In-Context

14 Then you may present as your offering—a food gift for the LORD—the fat that covers and surrounds the insides;

15 the two kidneys and the fat around them at the loins; and the lobe on the liver, which should be removed with the kidneys.

16 The priest will then completely burn all of this on the altar as food—as a food gift for a soothing smell. All fat belongs to the LORD.

17 This is a permanent rule for your future generations, wherever you live: you must not eat any fat or blood.