Book of Numbers - Chapter 18 - Verse 18
Meaning
In this verse, the phrase "And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine." is speaking about the offerings that belong to God. The wave breast and the right shoulder were portions of meat that were given to the priests as a part of the Israelites' sacrifices. These offerings were considered holy and were set apart for the priests to consume as a part of their service to God. By comparing the flesh of the sacrifices to these holy portions, the verse emphasizes the sacred nature of the offerings and reinforces the idea that they are designated for the service and sustenance of those who minister in the tabernacle.
Furthermore, this verse serves to remind believers of the importance of giving generously and sacrificially to God. Just as the Israelites were commanded to offer a portion of their sacrifices to the priests, Christians are called to give of their resources, time, and talents to support the work of ministry and to honor God. By recognizing the sacredness of these offerings and the responsibility to provide for those who serve in positions of spiritual leadership, this verse highlights the concept of stewardship and the idea of giving back to God as an act of worship and obedience.
Theological Overview
When examining the phrase "And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine" from a theological perspective, it is important to understand the context in which it is spoken. This verse comes from the book of Leviticus, where various laws and instructions are given to the children of Israel regarding offerings and sacrifices. In this specific passage, the Lord is instructing Aaron and his sons on how they are to receive portions of the sacrifices brought to the altar. The phrase emphasizes the idea of consecration and dedication to the Lord. The wave breast and the right shoulder mentioned here were parts of the sacrifice that were designated for the priests to consume, symbolizing their role as mediators between the people and God. By partaking of these offerings, the priests were reminded of their special relationship with the Lord and their responsibility to intercede on behalf of the people. Thus, this verse serves as a reminder of the sacred duty entrusted to the priests and their unique position in the religious life of Israel.