The Offerings
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Contents |
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1. Introduction |
Introduction
Qinael: Our most holy and loving Father,
We thank you for these sacred hours of the New Moon; a time for
cleansing, for unity, and for reflection.
We ask your Spirit to be with us for this meeting and beyond, that each
of us may be blessed by the lesson we are here to learn and its application.
In the name of Yahshua we pray, amen.
Zahakiel: Amen.
Tain: Amen.
Barb: Amen.
Abraham: Amen.
Happy Rock: Amen.
100thSheep: Amen.
Zahakiel: Today’s study is called “The Offerings,” and it is about the different kinds of offerings mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the first five books of Moses. We know, from experience, from practice, from prophecy, and from direct doctrine, that the things done, said and commanded in the Old Covenant are shadows, fore-runners, of the permanent spiritual truths revealed in Yahshua to His disciples. Nothing Yahweh does is arbitrary. Nothing is coincidental or wasted. Even the least of the instructions that the Spirit saw fit to have Moses record has a meaning, some kind of spiritual principle, something that Yahweh is trying to tell us about His character.
The idea for this study came about a couple weeks ago when Giselle was reading through Leviticus in a Spanish Bible, and she asked what the difference was between two kinds of offerings. This led to us looking in the English versions that we have, and then the Hebrew Tanakh. It occurred to me that we really had never done a study of the various types of Sacrifices, and so I did some reading and put these together. The result is one that has brought me great joy and it is, I believe, an inspired look at an often neglected and avoided set of principles.
So let’s get into these things the Bible mentions, because this has the potential to be a little lengthy (but satisfying) study, because it is a rich field of gemstones; but we will try to move smoothly and get a solid overview as a way for your curiosity and the inspiration of the Spirit to lead you into any deeper readings you may desire. So first, I will list the ones I have found, and then we’ll look at the specifics, context and spiritual meaning of each one. The kinds of offerings the Scriptures mention are these, in order of first appearance:
The original or General Offering, the Burnt Offering, the Drink Offering, the Peace Offering, the Sin Offering, the Wave Offering, the Heave Offering, and the Meat Offering. It seems, from the verses that deal with them, that the Meat and Drink offerings are practically the same in purpose. There is another offering called a “Trespass offering,” but we read, “And he shall bring his trespass offering unto Yahweh for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.” (Lev 5:6) This verse equates those two, or at least indicates that they are so similar they are to treated the same. This is further confirmed here: “As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering; there is one law for them.” (Lev 7:7a)
Consolidating all the offerings we can, this leaves us with seven major kinds of offerings, and this should be no real surprise. I say “major” kinds, because there are verses that do refer to different but similar kinds of offerings as “they,” as Lev 7:7 that I just quoted; so there may be some minor differences in the manner or contents of the sacrifices. Unfortunately, the Bible does not give us sufficient information to easily make the specific distinctions, so all we can do is speak about the seven broad kinds, and draw spiritual lessons from them as we are able. There are also a couple other offerings mentioned in Numbers 5, but they are for a specific event and not general statues for Israel, so I will speak about those separately, perhaps in another study entirely.
The General Offering
Zahakiel: A General Offering the first one mentioned in the Bible. In fact it is the first place the word “offering” appears. That is here:
“And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto Yahweh. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Yahweh had respect unto Abel and to his offering; but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.” (Gen 4:3-5)
It is uncertain how exactly all these offerings were made. I don’t think it is likely that fruits and vegetables were intended to be burnt on an altar, at least not with ordinary fire. But about the details we are not told much. We do know that, like all the offerings we will look at tonight, they are based upon the sacrifice of Christ. This would certainly be a good time, then, to look briefly at the general principle behind all the offerings before moving on to more specifics. Like tithes and “offerings,” and like time and effort dedicated to Yahweh, offerings in general are things that we have, but that we surrender to Yahweh for His purposes, and for a number of different reasons that we’ll look at during the course of this study.
In terms of the usage of the word, it is usually accompanied by a description, but if it is not we have to get the intent directly from the passage in which it appears. And for general offerings, one of the most striking uses is during the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. We read of that:
“And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought Yahweh’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all His service, and for the holy garments. […]The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto Yahweh, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which Yahweh had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.” (Exo 35:21, 29)
The construction of the Sanctuary was described in the following verses, and then we find in the next chapter: “And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; and they spake unto Moses, saying, ‘The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which Yahweh commanded to make.’ And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, ‘Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.’ So the people were restrained from bringing, for the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.” (Exo 36:4-7)
A nice problem to have. The general offerings are what the people brought for the work of Yahweh out of a desire to assist Him in the holy ministries. It is for an offering of this type that Paul calls in the New Testament:
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.” (1Cor 16:1-3)
The New Testament fulfillment, then, really doesn’t need much guesswork to determine. It involves not only the actual “offerings” part of the tithes an offerings (although this type always did include money - Exo 30:15. 35:22) but anything we give of our own free will to Yah’s service.
Any questions about this kind?
100thSheep: No.
Tain: No.
Qinael: No.
Barb: No
The Burnt Offering
Zahakiel: The Burnt Offering, or the “Offering made by fire,” as it is also known, is perhaps the most common type of offering the Old Testament mentions.
We may read of it here:
“And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.” (Lev 1:10)
Fire, Biblically, consumes, purifies and destroys for the purpose of renewal. In the literal, First Covenant fulfillment, this is when an animal was slain, its organs and fat removed, and then it was burned on the altar of sacrifice. There are two ways that this offering may be understood. The first is sort of spelled out for us in the Bible. We read in Genesis:
“And [Yah] said [to Abraham], ‘Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.’” (Gen 22:2)
In short, the lives that we give to Yahweh are seen, not as a general offering, but specifically as a burnt offering. In offering ourselves, not just our possessions, to Yahweh’s service, we ourselves are – in the process of doing it – consumed in that work, purified, and the “old man” is destroyed to be reborn in the Spirit (the symbol for which is fire).
This is another one of the obvious New Covenant fulfillments, and this is what Paul references when he says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom 12:1)
As I said, there are two ways of looking at this. Remember, that we are called upon to offer our lives to Yahweh, but we were not asked to initiate this procedure. In other words, our giving of ourselves is in response to something Yah did first, in the giving of His Son, in a fulfillment of Genesis 22. Yahshua Himself was the “burnt offering,” the “sweet savor” in Yah’s nose about humanity (for Isaac was an obvious type of Christ Himself) whereas before there was only the stink of sin and transgression. Not only was Yahshua slain on the Cross, which would be the Sin Offering discussed later, but He was also offered thereafter in Heaven, for after He was resurrected He said to Mary, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father.” (John 20:17) The death, you see, was only a part of the sacrifice; after that He needed to truly “offer” Himself on our behalf, on account of His death as a sacrifice, and He thereafter became our High Priest to continually make intercession for repentant sinners. (Heb 7:25)
Does everyone understand this so far?
Tain: I can obviously see that Yahshua’s death was a sacrifice. What do you mean that there was more to the sacrifice? How does “offering” Himself on our behalf look differently from allowing Himself to be killed?
Zahakiel: Well, do you remember a study I gave not long ago about what it meant to give your life for others? It doesn’t necessarily mean giving yourself up to be killed for them...
It means to become a living witness from which they can benefit. Christ, uniquely, did both.
Tain: <nods.>
Zahakiel: Two kinds of sacrifices are involved here (and maybe more if we really think about it). He did offer Himself up to die for us, but what is He doing now? He is offing His time, and His power and His Spirit (there’s fire again) for us to be Redeemed... and this is only possible because of the initial Sin Offering sacrifice.
Further questions about this?
100thSheep: No.
Tain: That’s good. Thank you.
Barb: None here.
Zahakiel: Ok, next type on the list…
The Meat and Drink Offerings
Zahakiel: The Meat and the Drink Offerings, as I mentioned during the introductory section, appear to be offered for very similar reasons. We read of them this way (and let me know when you are finished with these):
“And when any will offer a meat offering unto Yahweh, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon. And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil. And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto Yahweh, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears.” (Lev 2:1, 4, 14)
“And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with Him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.” (Gen 35:14)
“And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto Yahweh for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.” (Lev 23:13)
100thSheep: Done.
Qinael: Done.
Barb: Done.
Tain: Done.
Peterson: Finished.
Zahakiel: It should be noted that although the “drink” offering would be what you expect, a liquid like wine or oil, what is there called a “meat” offering is actually made of flour, grain, dough or unleavened bread. The word “meat” was used far more generally in English when the King James version was translated, and this bears mentioning as a further distinction from the other kinds of offerings, most of which were actually “meat” in that they were offerings made of animals or birds.
So what do these offerings signify? Well, If you read the verses about these two kinds of offerings (which are far too numerous to comprehensively cover here) you find that there are times when they are required at special religious ceremonies. For example:
“And on the Sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: this is the burnt offering of every Sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.” (Num 28:9, 10)
But the first time a drink offering is mentioned, it is not connected with any particular day, which was in Genesis 34:14 as quoted before. Jacob, overwhelmed with his vision of Yahweh, consecrated the ground on which he had lain that night, and did so by means of the drink offering.
It appears that the Meat and Drink Offerings, from their use in the Bible, are intended to be signs of thanksgiving to Yah. They are food that we ourselves would eat, and may be taken from the firstfruits, or any other store we may have of corn, wine, oil, flour, etc. These offerings teach us a number of things… First, they tell us that there are set times when it is appropriate to remember Yahweh with our thanksgiving and consecratory prayers. Everyone knows what “consecration” means, right?
Barb: Yes.
100thSheep: Yes.
Qinael: <nods.>
Peterson: Yes.
Zahakiel: Ok; pretty much the same as to sanctify; it means to set something aside for divine purposes.
So there are certain times when it is appointed for Yah’s people to give thanks in a visible way. These may be the daily times of prayer, the Sabbaths, the New Moons, the annual feasts, and so on. But these things should certainly not be limited to when we see others doing so as part of a ritual.
In terms of New Testament antitypes, this kind of offering being as it is (sometimes part of a ceremony, sometimes not) it is difficult to point to any one occasion in the Gospels or Epistles and say, “Here is the fulfillment of the Meat and Drink Offerings.” Nevertheless, there is one we can identify that bears mentioning. We read, for example:
“Even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto Yahweh.” (Lev 23:16) Does anyone (other than Luke, whose written a lot about this – and there’s a hint for the rest of you) know what this is talking about?
100thSheep: Pentecost?
Zahakiel: Right :)
Of Pentecost, we read: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)
This is a passage particularly important to the CSDA Church today, and for a number of reasons, not the least being we are awaiting this visible manifestation and outpouring of the Holy Spirit in order to finish the work with power as was prophesied long ago. It is an easy thing, especially these days, to focus on the trouble and persecution we are experiencing and will continue to experience in greater measure. But let us not forget that Yahweh has promised great power to His saints as well, to turn aside the attacks of the enemy, to speak words of divine judgment, to heal the sick, even to raise the dead. Let us not forget these things as well, that are coming upon us in the future, for Yah has never abandoned His people.
100thSheep: Amen.
Zahakiel: But how this connects to the Meat and Drink offerings is in this key way: As I mentioned, these particular offerings are dedicated to the humans’ demonstration of two principles: thanksgiving and consecration. They commit themselves to Yahweh, and they give thanks to Him for what they possess. It was on an antitype of an occasion where these two offerings were specifically mentioned that we read the apostles came into perfect accord. It is my thought, then, that these things, thanksgiving and consecration, are two “keys” to this mystery that has eluded every pretended and claimed church in History, but is reserved for the true and refined Remnant. These two keys must very much be at the focus of all we do, and say, and discuss, and write, and consider in our hearts, for without them we cannot succeed – but with them I believe we cannot fail – in unity. Consecration and thanksgiving, along with the other virtues that the Scriptures mention, work in the soul to produce Agape without measure.
Any questions here?
Qinael: No.
Barb: No.
100thSheep: No.
Peterson: No.
Tain: Consecration is defined as setting aside for Yah... and we are talking about setting aside ourselves and our prayers? Right?
Zahakiel: Yes.
Tain: Thanks. Just wanted to make sure I was on track.
Zahakiel: Ok :)
The Peace Offering
Zahakiel: The Peace Offering is next. This one is something of a curious type. It is usually not mentioned by itself. It is often offered along with another kind of offering (burnt, heave, etc.) and may even be treated AS a burnt offering sometimes, as here:
“And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto Yahweh…” (Lev 3:3a)
Most of the time it is distinct: “And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto Yahweh.” (Exo 24:5)
And as with Meat and Drink offerings, it may be offered with set sacrifices, but we read this also: “And if ye offer a sacrifice of peace offerings unto Yahweh, ye shall offer it at your own will.” (Lev 19:5)
The Peace Offering is connected with the Sin Offering (which we will discuss next) in verses like this one: “Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.” (Lev 23:19)
We read in the Book of Numbers that these offerings have a very interesting use: “Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am Yahweh your God.” (Num 10:10)
The peace offerings, as some of the burnt ones, are to be for us a “memorial” of us before Yahweh. These, of course, are described in human terms, as if Yahweh would have (or need) a picture of us before Him to remember who each of us are and what needs we have. But Yah does often speak this way to give us the principle. We read that He desires to hear our prayers, although He already knows our needs and desires. We read that if we pray continuously for a matter pressing on our hearts, He will “avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him.” (Luke 18:7)
The impression I have gotten of the Peace Offering, although admittedly these are not easy matters to study, and the information sometimes overlaps… but the impression I have gotten of the Peace Offerings is that they represent a principle that I don’t think we have any one word for in English. Maybe there is in Hebrew, but I am not practiced enough at it to understand the subtleties of the language that well. But strictly from its use, it seems as if this type of offering is designed to convey feelings of thanksgiving (similar to the Meat and other offerings) but also issues of petition. Maybe a “Thankful prayer of request” would best explain it.
In other words, the Peace Offering is designed to make “peace” between Yahweh and man, requesting of Him to accept the other sacrifices with which the peace offering is given, and as a “memorial” for us when we are requesting other things of Him as well. If Yahweh “remembers” us, He blesses us. Again, remember these are just explanations of these divine concepts in Human terms. Yahweh never “forgot” His people as they were suffering in Egypt, but at a certain point He said,
“‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.’” (Exo 3:7, 8)
He “remembered” them, and then delivered them from Egypt. The Peace Offerings are something like the rainbow that Yah put in the sky to “remember” His covenant not to destroy the earth again with water. They are tokens of commitment; by them we acknowledge that we are in service to Yahweh, and depend upon Him for our provisions. And by these offerings we – to use very human language – draw His attention to us that He might accept our sacrifices, hear our prayers, and bless us as we need blessings to live, prosper, and accomplish His desire for us.
In the New Testament we see a kind of confirmation of this principle. We read of Cornelius the Centurion: “And when he looked on [the angel] he was afraid, and said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ And he said unto him, ‘Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.’” (Acts 10:4) Cornelius had accepted Yahweh’s faith despite his pagan upbringing, and he would often give to the poor, and pray to the Almighty. Because of these offerings, Yahweh “remembered” him, and arranged it so that he and his entire family should be converted to the way of life everlasting.
And by the way… let us remember, as we think on these things, that the Hebrew word for “peace,” Shalom, means far more than just an absence of distress. It means wholeness, health, spiritual balance, and many such related ideas. Let Yahweh remember us for these things that we may have them at His hand.
100thSheep: Amen.
The Sin Offering
Zahakiel: While the Burnt Offering could be offered on various occasions, and for different reasons such as celebrations, appointed times and ceremonies, and as thanksgiving, the Sin Offering was intended, as its name indicates, to be a purgation of sin. It had a very specific use.
We read of some occasions for this here:
“And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks; and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto Yahweh, to make an atonement for the Levites.” (Num 8:12)
“When a ruler hath sinned, and done somewhat through ignorance against any of the commandments of Yahweh his Elohim concerning things which should not be done, and is guilty; or if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come to his knowledge; he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a male without blemish. And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before Yahweh; it is a sin offering.” (Lev 4:22-24)
The same is true for individuals, (Lev 4:27) for the appointed priests, (Lev 4:3) and for the people as a collective whole. (Lev 4:13)
And I chose these verses specifically, because they serve to confirm the CSDA position on how Yahweh has always viewed sin, placing a distinction between those transgressions committed in relative (if not total) ignorance, and those that are done willfully and presumptuously.
The beauty of the Gospel, or, one of the beautiful things about it, is that the healing provided to humanity by the offering of the Messiah, allows a more perfect sacrifice for sin than the ancients could ever have envisioned. Such power is ours through the blood of the true Lamb of Yahweh, that how can any say that we have not been perfectly equipped to survive and even prosper in this dark world, in this darkest generation? As long as we look at the Savior, and not at the waves around us, we are in no danger of sinking. This is the result of the Sin Offering’s fulfillment.
The New Testament is founded on the idea of this kind of offering that was given for our sakes, so I need not go into great detail on it here. It is sufficient for us to read the Gospels, and the Book of Hebrews, with prayer and – I would hope – fascination, to see just how many ways the Sin Offering given for our sakes has application in our daily lives.
Are there any questions or comments at this point?
Peterson: No.
100thSheep: No.
Tain: No.
Barb: What do you mean by “relative ignorance?”
Zahakiel: Oh, there are some things in the Scriptures that you might look at and say, “He/she should have known better.” Like the way Peter treated the Gentiles when he knew James and John were coming to visit. He needed a sharp reminder of this by Paul, but I don’t think Paul was actually telling him anything new.
Barb: Ok, thanks.
Zahakiel: Well, since you brought it up, I should probably point out that I’m taking something of a historical view of this matter, from the beginning to the end. The 144,000 of course, should not come into an occasion of “should have known better,” and still do something that obviously incorrect.
Ok, if there aren’t any more questions about this one, there are just a couple more to go.
The Wave Offering
Zahakiel: The Wave Offering is associated primarily with the giving of thanks and dedication. It is not mentioned that often (compared to the other types) but it is a key element of both the practices of Judaism and the symbolism of Christianity.
“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, ‘When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: and he shall wave the sheaf before Yahweh, to be accepted for you.’ On the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.” (Lev 23: 10, 11)
The Wave Offering, more than most of the others, is directly associated with the priest. It is offered at the dedication of new priests, (Exo 29:24) it is given of the harvest to the priest (or Moses on one occasion) for the waving before the sanctuary, (Lev 8:27) and it is given to the priests for waving when a Nazarite completes his vow. (Num 6:20)
And this giving of thanks by means of waving something, whether it be sheaves or the parts of animals, has a very clear application in the New Testament. It is obviously the “type” of the Firstfruits. Yahshua Himself, upon His resurrection, was the first of the Firstfruits, and then the Redeemed of the last generation (for the last shall be first – Luke 13:30) are the Firstfruits of the Redeemed. It is interesting that one of the key passages in which the Wave Offering appears is connected with Passover. The Lamb is slain on the 14th of Nisan, (Lev 23:5) and on the 16th of Nisan (specified as such by writings such as that by Josephus) the sheaf of first fruits is waved. (Lev 23:11)
This day is called, by that verse, “the morrow after the Sabbath.” It is written in the New Testament that Christ was raised back to life “the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1Cor 15:4) But now, the ONLY Scriptures that speak about this symbolism is that of the Passover (which we know Christ to be already) and the waving of the sheaf three days (inclusively) later. This confirms the traditional Adventist understanding of the dates and times of the crucifixion, but more importantly, it reveals to us the nature and reality of the resurrection from the very earliest of the Bible’s books.
We, who are to be called the Firstfruits of the redeemed, are promised that we will follow Christ in His resurrection. And even if we specifically are not slain before His return, this old body will be shed anyway, and replaced with the new, just as a seed sprouts and produces a new plant.
Is everyone following?
100thSheep: Yes.
Tain: Yes.
Barb: Yes.
The Heave Offering
Zahakiel: The Heave Offering, that last we will study today, is something that was originally a part of a dedicated animal that was lifted before the Sanctuary, often with the Wave Offering. It came to represent, however, something else as clearer understanding was given to the Israelites.
In short, the Heave Offering is a way of looking at tithes. We read:
“But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto Yahweh, I have given to the Levites to inherit; therefore I have said unto them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.’” (Num 18:24)
Another verse that confirms this connection: “Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto Yahweh of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof Yahweh’s heave offering to Aaron the priest.” (Num 18:28) So then, of the Heave Offerings that the priests received (which was the tithes of all the people) they were then to take out a tenth of that and offer a Heave Offering in turn. It was a tithe of the tithe, and the best of the best, (Num 28:29) that was to be given back by the priests to Aaron and the direct service of the Tabernacle.
Freewill and general offerings, burnt offerings, sin offerings, drink and meat offerings, these all had their places and different purposes, and here we see that the Heave Offering was a type of the tenth, the tithe. And yes, while it is a duty of all in Covenant with Yahweh, it is still ours to offer or withhold, so it is considered an “offering.” Consider, clearly if the priest did not offer the burnt offerings during the sacred times, they would be in violation of Yah’s commandments; yet despite the obligation involved, it is still called an “offering,” because it was offered.
We read, and this connects us back a bit to another type, that the Heave is a type of (or the best portion of) a peace offering. “And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.” (Lev 7:32) In other words, what we give as our tithes and other offerings are part of the “memorial” for us that we bring before Yahweh. This is not of course to say that Yah will bless only those who give money to His ministries. He causes rain and sunshine on all, as we have read, but in a sense – and a very important sense – Yahweh has “obligated Himself” (again, human language) to bless, protect and save those specifically who are in His Covenant. The Heave Offering (and its manifestation as the New Testament tithe) is but one of many signs of the covenant, the others being the Sabbaths, the sanctified lives of the people, the testimony of the Redeemed and so on.
As most of us probably know, there are many Christian groups that do not believe in tithing per se. They believe in giving, and some in giving generously. Some may, indeed, give far more than the 10% indicated by the word “tithe,” but what they lack is the concept of the covenant. What they lack (even though they give generously) is the sacred dignity involved in considering the money that we have, and especially the money we give back to the work of the Gospel, to be a thing that is HOLY. This ties into the concepts of Church membership, baptism and so on…. And this truly changes things, if we consider our funds and resources to be sacred. And this concept of the truly sacred, of the truly dedicated, of the absolutely holy, is what is missing in so many other kinds of religions, and what makes it impossible for them to understand the Gospel as we do, as a loving promise that we have been redeemed from all sin by an infinite sacrifice. These things are not at all separate concepts.
On a practical level, if we are to discuss tithing with those who believe differently, the question needs to be asked: Why should the other offerings have a place in the Kingdom of Grace but not the Heave Offering? As I mentioned, some will say, “Give as you desire, and give lovingly.” And we should certainly give freely and joyfully – because we believe in the ministries we are supporting – but that kind of giving is already covered by general offerings, as we saw earlier in this study. In fact, the things we give of our own accord are actually and simply called “offerings” in the Scriptures. Hence: Tithes and “offerings.”
But if the other major types of offerings we are discussing here are to have antitypes in New Testament practices, the Tithe must be admitted to be a continuing part of the Christians’ duties. Some teach otherwise. The Scriptures show them to be wrong not only by direct quotation from Christ (Mat 23:23) and the plain teachings of Paul when he speaks of the Gospel’s ministers living off the Gospel, (1Cor 9:13, 14) but also by the symbolism of Moses’ inspired language.
Does everyone see this?
100thSheep: Yes.
Qinael: <nods.>
Barb: Yes.
Happy Rock: Yes.
Conclusion
Zahakiel: So in conclusion, we find here a very broad and deep topic. We have looked at seven major types of offerings offered in the Bible. As I mentioned, there are a couple more, but they are tied to a specific event (that of discovering adultery in a marriage) and are called the Jealousy Offering and the Memorial Offering. These are clearly not of the same type as the seven we have looked at here, and would therefore merit their own study.
But of these ceremonial and freewill offerings, we find what I believe are a set of spiritual tools. This is spiritual equipment we are talking about, and as far as I know… no other Body on the earth will speak of these Scriptures in this way, certainly not for New Testament Saints. But as we look at the New Testament antitypes of these things, and their spiritual meanings, and their applications to our lives, we find tools for the establishment of purity among Yah’s people. We see tools for healing. We discover tools for blessings and the answers to our prayers. We learn tools for advancing the work of the Gospel with great power. We receive most vital tools for unity in the Church and among Its various members, that we may receive the outpouring of the Latter Rain. These issues are crucial to our growth as a people, individually and collectively. Let us therefore give much thought to the Offerings of Yahweh. Let us offer them, cheerfully, and with thanksgiving in our hearts even as we bring our needful petitions before Him.
Are there any final questions before we close this meeting?
Barb: None here.
100thSheep: No.
Peterson: No.
Qinael: No.
Tain: No.
Happy Rock: No.
Zahakiel: Then I will ask pastor to close the meeting with a prayer.
Pastor “Chick”: Father,
Thank you for having mercy upon your people, who have been receiving
the latter rain; for we must not wait for the latter rain. It has been falling
and continues to fall on all who will recognize and appropriate the dew and
showers of grace.
The Spirit of Yahweh is falling on hearts everywhere. Let us be found worthy as probation closes.
In Yahshua’s
name, Amen.
Zahakiel: Amen.
Barb: Amen.
Peterson: Amen.
100thSheep: Amen.
Happy Rock: Amen.
Qinael: Amen.
Tain: Amen.
