Asbury Bible Commentary – F. Further Regulations for the Sacrifices (6:8-7:38)
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F. Further Regulations for the Sacrifices (6:8-7:38)

F. Further Regulations for the Sacrifices (6:8-7:38)

Regulations for the five offerings are followed by a group of additional instructions for the various sacrifices. The primary concerns in this section are the requirement to keep the altar fire continually burning, distribution of the unburned animal parts, and the prohibition of the eating of the blood and fat. The structure of this appendix is as follows: (1) additional instructions for the burnt offering (6:8-13), (2) for the grain offering (vv.14-23), (3) for the sin offering (vv.24-30), (4) for the guilt offering (7:1-10), (5) for the peace offering (vv.11-21), (6) prohibition against eating fat and blood (vv.22-27), and (7) distribution of animal parts to the priests (vv.28-38).

Two key themes are presented in this material. First is the requirement that priests are to have a share in the portions of sacrifice that are not consumed on the altar. Faithful service is rewarded with worthy benefits. This theme is carried forward in the NT as the church is instructed to support its ministers (1Co 9:7-14).

A second theme concerns the sacredness of the various offerings. The sacrifices are God-appointed means for the expression of thanksgiving to God, renewal of the covenant, the expiation of sin, and the reception of God’s blessing. As God-appointed rituals where the divine presence is experienced, the offerings are holy. The NT applies this message to Christian worship, especially to the celebration of the Eucharist (cf. 1Co 11:27-34).