Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 7:17 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Leviticus 7:17 KJV
Leviticus, one of the books of the Old Testament, contains detailed laws and instructions for the Israelites, written by Moses. It focuses heavily on the practices required for holiness, cleanliness, and proper worship.
Chapter 7 is part of the section that deals with offerings and sacrifices, which were integral to the Israelites’ relationship with God. These sacrifices were a way to atone for sins, express gratitude, and seek peace with God. The chapter outlines the regulations for various types of offerings, including the sin offering, trespass offering, and peace offering.
Leviticus 7:17 falls within the regulations concerning the peace offering, a type of offering made to express thanks, vow fulfillment, or simply out of a desire for fellowship with God. This particular verse focuses on the handling of leftover portions of the peace offering, establishing the rules about the consumption of the offering’s meat.
Leviticus 7:17 (KJV)
“But the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.”
This verse emphasizes that any meat from the peace offering that is left after the second day must be completely burned on the third day. This instruction not only regulated the handling of sacred offerings but also had a deep spiritual meaning in the life of the Israelites.
Leviticus 7:17 Meaning
1. The Importance of Holiness in Offerings
The peace offering was a sacred act meant to restore the relationship between God and the person making the offering. When the offering was made, it symbolized fellowship with God. However, God gave specific rules about how it was to be handled, reflecting His holiness and the necessity of maintaining purity even after the offering had been presented.
The instruction in Leviticus 7:17 reflects the holiness of God’s presence. Anything that is left over from the sacred offering cannot be left unaccounted for or handled casually. It must be burned to prevent any irreverence.
2. Time Frame for Consuming the Offering
The stipulation of burning the remaining offering on the third day also served a practical purpose. It ensured that the meat would not spoil, thus preventing any possibility of contamination. In the context of sacred offerings, the Israelites were expected to follow God’s laws carefully, and this included maintaining proper hygiene and handling of holy things.
3. Symbolism of the Burning
The act of burning the leftover offering on the third day symbolized that the offering was wholly consumed and that it had been completely dedicated to God. The burning also signified a cleansing process, as fire is often used in the Bible to purify and remove any impurities.
Additionally, fire in the Old Testament often represents God’s judgment and presence. The fact that the remaining flesh was to be consumed by fire emphasizes the seriousness of the offering and the need to maintain reverence even after the physical act of offering was completed.
4. The Sanctity of Time in Worship
The third-day rule also reflects the sanctity of time in worship. The offering must be completed within a specific time frame. This is a reminder that worship and obedience to God should not be prolonged unnecessarily or treated with carelessness. Worship, service, and dedication to God should be conducted with intentionality, reflecting the holiness of His presence in every moment.
Leviticus 7:17 Application in Life
1. Commitment to Complete Obedience
The principle of following God’s instructions to the letter, even when it comes to the smallest details like what to do with leftover meat, serves as a model for our commitment to God. In the New Testament, Jesus taught that loving God includes obeying His commands. In our lives today, this could translate to striving for complete obedience, not just in big matters but in every aspect of our Christian walk.
Just as the Israelites were required to handle the peace offering properly, we are called to be faithful in following God’s instructions, whether it is in our personal lives, relationships, or service to Him.
2. Maintaining Holiness in Our Lives
The burning of the leftover offering highlights the importance of holiness in our worship. In the same way, Christians are encouraged to live lives that are pure and dedicated to God. We are to “offer” ourselves to God in a similar way, with clean hearts and minds, fully devoted to His service.
As believers, we must strive to maintain this holiness by avoiding sin and living according to God’s will, just as the Israelites were expected to preserve the sanctity of the offerings. This includes taking time to regularly examine our hearts and repent of any impurity that might have entered our lives.
3. Time and God’s Kingdom
The third-day rule also emphasizes the value of time in God’s kingdom. Our time on earth is limited, and we are called to be good stewards of the time God has given us. Just as the peace offering had to be consumed within a certain time frame, we should make the most of the time we have to serve God.
This could mean dedicating our time to prayer, study, worship, and serving others. Just as the Israelites couldn’t procrastinate in consuming the offering, we too must be diligent in fulfilling our spiritual responsibilities.
4. Symbolic Representation of Christ’s Sacrifice
The fire that consumed the leftovers also symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was “consumed” by death on our behalf. In the New Testament, Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all, and through Him, we have access to eternal fellowship with God.
In the same way that the peace offering was consumed, Christ’s sacrifice was complete. As Christians, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, fully dedicated to God, and trust that Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf has made us holy before God.
Conclusion
Leviticus 7:17 is a powerful reminder of the importance of holiness, reverence, and obedience in our relationship with God. The detailed regulations surrounding the peace offering reveal God’s desire for purity and His commitment to providing a way for His people to be in fellowship with Him.
By applying these principles in our lives, we can learn to be more devoted to God, handle our worship with seriousness, and recognize the value of time and obedience. Just as the Israelites were commanded to follow God’s instructions regarding their sacrifices, we too must live lives of total dedication to God, knowing that the ultimate sacrifice has already been made on our behalf through Jesus Christ.
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