Definition: And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 7:31. It's a really important and fascinating part of Jewish tradition about how sacrifices were performed! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a specific ritual where the most sacred piece of meat – Aaron’s breast – was burned on an altar. It’s a deeply symbolic act that highlights the importance of keeping a constant, pure connection with God. Let's unpack it layer by layer: 1. “And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar…” – This means the priest would be responsible for burning the meat (fat) on the altar. It’s a symbolic act – like lighting a candle, but representing something much bigger. 2. “…but the breast shall be Aaron's…” – This is the crucial part. The meat being burned is Aaron’s breast. This signifies that it's specifically dedicated to God and represents his sacrifice. It's not just any meat; it's a piece of Aaron's own flesh, offering a unique connection to God. 3. “…and his sons’s.” – This means the breast is offered to God alongside Aaron’s sons. It’s a reminder that the entire lineage of Aaron represents the entire community and the ongoing covenant with God. Why was this done? The primary reason for this practice was to demonstrate the purity and holiness of the priesthood. By offering a piece of Aaron's breast, the priests were symbolically representing that they were acting as intermediaries between God and the people, carrying the weight of God’s presence on their shoulders. It showed that their actions were guided by divine law and intention. In essence: This verse is a powerful reminder that the sacrificial lamb – Aaron – represents God's sacrifice and that through offering this specific piece of meat, the priests would be maintaining a vital connection with Him. Important Note: This practice was very strict and only allowed for a limited time. It’s considered a significant example of how ancient Jews viewed the role of priests and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God through ritual offerings. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Leviticus? Discuss the historical context of this practice? Compare it to other rituals in Jewish tradition?