Leviticus 3:16

"and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away."

Key Reflection

In Leviticus 3:16, the removal of the kidneys and their surrounding fat symbolizes the purification of one's innermost being, including emotions and thoughts, which were considered central to one's character in ancient Hebrew culture. This act points towards a spiritual cleansing, reflecting the need for holiness in both body and spirit as offerings to God.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Rather, as food of an offering made by fire for a sweet savour, shall all the fat be for Yahweh. Our bodily taste and smell furnish figures of the satisfaction with which the Lord accepts the appointed symbols of the true worship of the heart. All that was sent up in the fire of the altar, including the parts of the sin-offeringLeviticus 4:31, as well as the burnt-offering (Leviticus 1:9, etc.), was accepted for “a sweet savour”: but the word food may here have a special fitness in its application to the peace-offering, which served for food also to the priests and the offerer, and so symbolized communion between the Lord, His ministers, and His worshippers.

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