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Leviticus 10:15

The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.

Leviticus 10:15 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Leviticus, God is instructing the Israelites on the proper way to bring offerings before Him. The heave shoulder and the wave breast are specific parts of the sacrificial animal that are to be brought along with other offerings to be waved as a gesture of dedicating them to the Lord. This act of waving symbolizes presenting these portions to God as a gift and offering them up for His approval. These offerings were to be accompanied by fire of the fat, signifying a burnt offering to the Lord. The verse states that this practice is to be a statute forever, to be observed by the Israelites and their descendants. By following these guidelines, the people were demonstrating their obedience to the Lord and acknowledging His commandments. The act of offering these specific portions was a way for the people to show their gratitude and reverence for God's provision and blessings in their lives.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, there are theological and ceremonial aspects that hold significance in the context of ancient Israelite worship practices. The mention of the "heave shoulder and the wave breast" refers to the portions of the sacrificed animal that were designated as offerings to be presented before the Lord. This act of waving these portions symbolized dedication, surrender, and gratitude to God. The directive to wave these offerings "before the Lord" highlights the importance of acknowledging God's presence and authority in all aspects of life. The mention of the offerings being for Aaron, the high priest, and his sons emphasizes the continuation of this practice through future generations as a perpetual statute ordained by God. The meticulous instructions and rituals surrounding these offerings served to teach the Israelites about reverence, obedience, and the concept of atonement for sins through sacrificial practices. In essence, this verse exemplifies the intricate and deeply spiritual nature of ancient Hebrew worship rituals as ordained by the Lord.

Leviticus 10:15 in other translations

American Standard Version

The heave-thigh and the wave-breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave-offering before Jehovah: and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, as a portion for ever; as Jehovah hath commanded.

World English Bible

The heaved thigh and the waved breast they shall bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before Yahweh: and it shall be yours, and your sons’ with you, as a portion forever; as Yahweh has commanded.”

Douay-Rheims

Because they have elevated before the Lord the shoulder and the breast, and the fat that is burnt on the altar: and they belong to thee and to thy sons by a perpetual law, as the Lord hath commanded.

Geneva Bible (1599)

The heaue shoulder, and the shaken breast shall they bring with the offringes made by fire of the fat, to shake it to and from before the Lord, and it shalbe thine and thy sonnes with thee by a lawe for euer, as the Lord hath commanded.