What is the context?
The goat offering repeats the hand placement, slaughter, blood, and altar portions. The closing commands state that the specified fat belongs to the Lord and prohibit eating fat or blood throughout the people’s dwellings.
This concludes the opening instructions for offerings before chapter 4 turns to sins requiring a different response. The later rules in chapter 7 explain how the fat prohibition relates to sacrificial animals and distinguish what may be done with an animal’s fat in other circumstances.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley understands the prohibited fat as the specified portions rather than every trace of fat mixed with meat. The USCCB notes make the same distinction. Both keep the command connected with what is set apart for God. The blood prohibition will receive a fuller explanation in Leviticus 17; this paragraph should not be stretched into a complete account of its later application.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.
Where can I study this further?
No deeper study linked yet.