The parts of the peace offering that belonged to the priest were the breast and the right thigh. These portions were given as a statute forever for the priests and their families, symbolizing God’s provision for those who served at His altar.
Leviticus 7:31–32 says:
“And the priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. Also the right thigh you shall give to the priest as a heave offering from the sacrifices of your peace offerings.”
The breast was presented as a wave offering, and the right thigh as a heave offering. These acts acknowledged that the offering first belonged to God before being assigned to the priest. This practice reminded the people that God was the ultimate source of sustenance for His ministers.
By giving these specific portions, God ensured that His servants were cared for without resorting to secular labor, allowing them to focus entirely on their priestly duties. It reinforced the principle that those who minister in holy things should live from the things of the altar (1 Corinthians 9:13).
