Leviticus 3 Study Notes

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3:11 Identifying the animal sacrifice as a food offering occurs here in connection with the fellowship offering that could be eaten (v. 16; 21:8; Nm 28:2). Since the Hebrews did not conceive of God as fed by the sacrifice (Ps 50:12-13), the offering requires a different explanation, perhaps as a metaphorical allusion to the worshiper sharing in a meal with the Lord.

3:12-16a The goat is distinguished from the sheep (unlike the burnt offering, 1:10) because of the special feature of the fat in sheep. Otherwise the procedure is the same.

3:16b-17 Belongs to the Lord applies to the fat that was removed from a sacrifice at the altar (Ezk 44:7) and not necessarily the fat of animals for the common table. The fat of nonsacrificed animals and birds could be eaten but never the blood (Lv 7:22-27; Dt 12:15-16,20-24; 32:14). Permanent statute and wherever you live show that there were no exceptions to the command. On blood, see notes at 17:10 and 17:11-14.