And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.
the paunch (as a cavity) or first stomach of ruminants
Analysis & Commentary
This shall be the priest's due from the people (וְזֶה יִהְיֶה מִשְׁפַּט הַכֹּהֲנִים מֵאֵת הָעָם)—the word mishpat means ordained right, legal due, not optional generosity. God establishes mandatory provision so priests wouldn't depend on human whims. The specific portions—the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw (hazero'a vehallechayayim vehaqevah)—designated choice meat cuts.
The shoulder (zero'a) symbolizes strength and service; the cheeks (lechayim) the seat of speech and proclamation; the maw (qevah, stomach) the digestive organ. Some rabbinical tradition sees symbolic significance: strength to serve, speech to teach, and sustenance to live. These weren't leftover scraps but quality portions from every sacrifice, ensuring priests shared in the people's worship materially.
Leviticus 7:28-34 provides parallel legislation, adding the breast and right thigh for wave and heave offerings. The cumulative effect: priests received substantial portions from multiple types of sacrifices, making their material support abundant when the people worshiped faithfully. When Israel neglected offerings, priests starved—as happened in Malachi's day (Malachi 3:8-10).
Historical Context
This legislation governed Israel's sacrificial system from wilderness wanderings through the monarchy until the temple's destruction (586 BC, then AD 70). The detailed anatomy reflects ancient Near Eastern butchering practices. Archaeological evidence from Iron Age Israel shows priestly cities received significant agricultural support. When Israel fell into apostasy, priests often suffered materially (Nehemiah 13:10-11), demonstrating the link between spiritual faithfulness and ministerial provision.
Questions for Reflection
How should churches ensure adequate provision for pastors and ministry leaders based on biblical principles?
What does the mandatory (mishpat) nature of priestly support teach about giving being obligation, not just generosity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This shall be the priest's due from the people (וְזֶה יִהְיֶה מִשְׁפַּט הַכֹּהֲנִים מֵאֵת הָעָם)—the word mishpat means ordained right, legal due, not optional generosity. God establishes mandatory provision so priests wouldn't depend on human whims. The specific portions—the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw (hazero'a vehallechayayim vehaqevah)—designated choice meat cuts.
The shoulder (zero'a) symbolizes strength and service; the cheeks (lechayim) the seat of speech and proclamation; the maw (qevah, stomach) the digestive organ. Some rabbinical tradition sees symbolic significance: strength to serve, speech to teach, and sustenance to live. These weren't leftover scraps but quality portions from every sacrifice, ensuring priests shared in the people's worship materially.
Leviticus 7:28-34 provides parallel legislation, adding the breast and right thigh for wave and heave offerings. The cumulative effect: priests received substantial portions from multiple types of sacrifices, making their material support abundant when the people worshiped faithfully. When Israel neglected offerings, priests starved—as happened in Malachi's day (Malachi 3:8-10).