In Leviticus 7:18, the text says, “So if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings should ever be eaten on the third day, he who offers it will not be accepted, nor will it be reckoned to his benefit. It shall be an offensive thing, and the person who eats of it will bear his own iniquity” (v.18). This instruction follows the broader context of sacrificial regulations intended to uphold holiness and obedience among the Israelites. The “peace offerings” (sometimes called “fellowship offerings”) signify a close, covenantal relationship between the worshiper and God, and respecting the timing of consumption was crucial. Eating the flesh of this offering on the third day symbolized disregard for proper boundaries, which compromised the sanctity of the sacrifice and led to severe consequences.
When the verse states, “he who offers it will not be accepted, nor will it be reckoned to his benefit” (v.18), it underscores that following every detail of God’s commands is an essential part of living under His covenant. The worshiper was meant to consume the offering within a specified time frame, representing both gratitude and trust toward God. By stepping outside those bounds, the person forfeited the blessing intended to accompany that offering and “will bear his own iniquity.” This indicates that the responsibility and punishment for dishonor fall directly upon the one who disobeys. In the New Testament, the concept of obedience is also emphasized by Jesus’ teaching that true worshipers obey the Father’s commands (John 14:15).
Furthermore, the phrase, “It shall be an offensive thing” (v.18) reveals the moral and spiritual offense before God when His holiness is treated casually. This principle echoes throughout the Scriptures, demonstrating that God’s people were called to tangibly demonstrate their devotion and careful obedience. Later in biblical history, Israel often faced consequences when they failed to heed God’s instructions, emphasizing again the necessity of reverential compliance. In Christ’s sacrifice, we see the perfect fulfillment of obedience, making every detail of the law complete and pointing believers to a deeper relationship with God (Matthew 5:17).
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Leviticus 7:18 meaning
In Leviticus 7:18, the text says, “So if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings should ever be eaten on the third day, he who offers it will not be accepted, nor will it be reckoned to his benefit. It shall be an offensive thing, and the person who eats of it will bear his own iniquity” (v.18). This instruction follows the broader context of sacrificial regulations intended to uphold holiness and obedience among the Israelites. The “peace offerings” (sometimes called “fellowship offerings”) signify a close, covenantal relationship between the worshiper and God, and respecting the timing of consumption was crucial. Eating the flesh of this offering on the third day symbolized disregard for proper boundaries, which compromised the sanctity of the sacrifice and led to severe consequences.
When the verse states, “he who offers it will not be accepted, nor will it be reckoned to his benefit” (v.18), it underscores that following every detail of God’s commands is an essential part of living under His covenant. The worshiper was meant to consume the offering within a specified time frame, representing both gratitude and trust toward God. By stepping outside those bounds, the person forfeited the blessing intended to accompany that offering and “will bear his own iniquity.” This indicates that the responsibility and punishment for dishonor fall directly upon the one who disobeys. In the New Testament, the concept of obedience is also emphasized by Jesus’ teaching that true worshipers obey the Father’s commands (John 14:15).
Furthermore, the phrase, “It shall be an offensive thing” (v.18) reveals the moral and spiritual offense before God when His holiness is treated casually. This principle echoes throughout the Scriptures, demonstrating that God’s people were called to tangibly demonstrate their devotion and careful obedience. Later in biblical history, Israel often faced consequences when they failed to heed God’s instructions, emphasizing again the necessity of reverential compliance. In Christ’s sacrifice, we see the perfect fulfillment of obedience, making every detail of the law complete and pointing believers to a deeper relationship with God (Matthew 5:17).