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Fat

In the Old Testament sacrificial system, fat held special significance as the richest portion of an animal offering, reserved exclusively for God on the altar. This practice symbolized giving Him the very best and was strictly prohibited for human consumption.

Overview

Under the Mosaic Law, the fat of sacrificial animals was designated as holy to the Lord and burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma. This included the fat covering the internal organs, the kidneys, and the liver. The fat belonged to God alone and was never to be eaten by the Israelites, emphasizing that the finest portion of worship belonged entirely to Him.

Key Scriptures

"All the fat is the Lord's. This shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, in all your dwelling places: you must not eat any fat or any blood." (Leviticus 3:16-17, ESV)

"He shall offer from the sacrifice of peace offerings as a food offering to the Lord: all the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails" (Leviticus 3:3, ESV)

Application

While the ceremonial laws no longer apply to Christians, the principle reminds us to honor God by giving Him our best in worship, time, and resources rather than merely our leftovers.

Scripture References 21
Leviticus 3:16 Leviticus 3:17 Leviticus 3:3 Leviticus 3:4 Leviticus 3:5 Leviticus 3:9 Leviticus 3:10 Leviticus 3:11 Leviticus 3:14 Leviticus 3:15 Leviticus 3:16 Leviticus 4:8 Leviticus 4:9 Leviticus 4:10 Leviticus 7:3 Leviticus 7:4 Leviticus 7:5 Leviticus 8:25 Leviticus 8:26 1 Samuel 2:15 1 Samuel 2:16
Full Topical Reference List 21 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Forbidden as food

Leviticus 3:16 Leviticus 3:17

Offered in sacrifice

1 Samuel 2:15 1 Samuel 2:16 Leviticus 3:3 Leviticus 3:4 Leviticus 3:5 Leviticus 3:9 Leviticus 3:10 Leviticus 3:11 Leviticus 3:14 Leviticus 3:15 Leviticus 3:16 Leviticus 4:8 Leviticus 4:9 Leviticus 4:10 Leviticus 7:3 Leviticus 7:4 Leviticus 7:5 Leviticus 8:25 Leviticus 8:26
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