Leviticus 3:6-17 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The peace offering of the flock.

The ceremony in relation to this is almost identical with that of the herd already described. Nevertheless, there are a few expressions in the course of the description which are not found in the former paragraph. We call attention to—

1. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAT OF THE LAMB . Leviticus 3:8-10 .

1 . Note the expression, "The fat thereof, and the whole rump." The "and" here is expletive rather than copulative, thus, "The fat thereof, even the whole rump." But the "rump," as vulgarly understood among us, is muscle, not fat. The part here indicated is the tail. This is evident from what follows, viz." It shall be taken off hard by the back-bone." The tail of the sheep even in our climate is fat, but in the East it is remarkably so, some of them weighing from twelve to forty pounds.

2 . The portions burnt were very inflammable.

II. THE EXPRESSION , " FOOD OF THE OFFERING MADE BY FIRE UNTO THE LORD " ( Leviticus 3:11 ).

1 . Thus, what was consumed by fire is called God's food.

2 . The portions of the peace offering not consumed upon the altar were eaten by men.

III. THE NOTE PROHIBITING THE EATING OF BLOOD . Leviticus 3:17 .

1 . What are the reasons for this?

2 . We may here refer to a circumstance in connection with the bleeding of the sacrifice.