GC Stewardship Ministries
SPECI AL I S S UE O N O FFER I NGS
NON-ANIMAL OFFERINGS IN THE PROPHETS EDWIN SULLY PAYET
W
hen we try to understand offerings, we usually turn to the Pentateuch. We seldom consult the prophetic books, with the exception of Malachi. In this study, we will explore the teachings of the prophets about non-animal offerings. Our interest is prompted by the parallel that exists between us and Ancient Israel. Israelites of the Old Testament gave non-animal offerings, most notably from the produce of their harvest. We give offerings from our income. The study of the practices of Ancient Israel can shed light on the way we practice giving offerings today.
18
July - September 2020
Not all prophets mention non-animal offerings. Only seven of them do: Isaiah (1:13; 18:7; 19:21; 43:23; 57:6; 66:3, 20), Jeremiah (14:12; 17:26; 33:18; 41:5), Ezekiel (42:13; 44:29, 30; 45:1, 6, 7, 13, 15, 16, 17, 24, 25; 46:5, 7, 11, 14, 15, 20; 48:8, 9, 10, 12, 18, 20, 21), Joel (1:9, 13; 2:14), Amos (4:5; 5:22, 25), Zephaniah (3:10), and Malachi (1:10, 11, 13; 2:12, 13; 3:3, 4, 8). And not all prophets mention them the same way and at the same length. Zephaniah has just one verse, while Ezekiel extensively develops the notion of non-animal offerings. The presentation that follows is a brief exposition of the recurring themes related to non-animal offerings in the Old Testament prophetic books.
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