Big Idea: God’s ministers help people to worship, and they deserve to be paid.

Understanding the Text

Leviticus 1:1–6:7 discusses the five basic sacrifices from the layperson’s point of view. Leviticus 6:8–7:38 changes the audience to priests: “Aaron and his sons” (Lev. 6:9, 25). This unit emphasizes portions of the sacrifices to be given to the priests. It anticipates Leviticus 8–10, on the ordination and duties of priests.

Historical and Cultural Background

A relief from Karnak in Egypt showing a man lifting up a food offering bears the inscription, “Come, O King, elevate offerings before the face (of the god) . . . Amen-Ra’, Lord of the Thrones of the Two Lands [Egypt].” This relief may illustrate how the “wave” or “elevation” offering (v. 30) was presented.1

Interpretive Insights…