Overview
In the Levitical sacrificial system, the kidneys were among the internal organs specifically designated for burning on the altar. These fatty portions, along with the fat covering them, were considered part of the valuable offering to the Lord and were never to be eaten by the priests or people, distinguishing them from other parts of the sacrifice.
Key Scriptures
"He shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat that covers the internal organs, all the fat that is connected to them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which he will remove with the kidneys" (Leviticus 4:8-9, NIV).
"All the fat shall be the LORD's" (Leviticus 7:25, ESV), emphasizing that the fatty portions including the kidneys belonged exclusively to God's altar.
Application
This requirement teaches us that wholehearted worship of God demands offering Him our best and most valuable possessions, not merely the leftovers of our resources.