Definition: And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 9:20. It's a really strange and unsettling part of the Old Testament, and it describes a horrific ritual. Here's a simple explanation: What’s Happening? This verse tells us about a horrific act of sacrifice – specifically, a woman who was pregnant with a child who was considered unclean. The priest, in a desperate attempt to cleanse this woman and her child, performed a brutal and disturbing ritual. Here's the breakdown: “And they put the fat upon the breasts…” - This is the key part. The priest, likely under pressure from the community, placed fat on the breasts of the pregnant woman. This wasn’t just a normal offering; it was a deliberate and provocative act meant to be seen by God. “…and he burnt the fat upon the altar:” - This is where it gets really shocking. The priest then burned the fat on an altar, symbolizing a sacrifice of shame and impurity. It was a public display of their desperate attempt to make this woman clean. What’s the Significance? This story has deep historical and symbolic meaning: Symbol of Shame: In ancient Israel, the unclean were considered a source of shame for the community. This ritual was a way to publicly expose and punish those who were seen as contaminated – essentially, those who weren't pure enough. A Test of Faith: It’s often interpreted as a test of faith for the priests. They were facing a difficult situation and desperately needed to perform this act to appease God and secure their position within the community. God's Judgment: The story is also seen as a demonstration of God’s judgment and displeasure with the state of impurity in Israel. It highlights that even the most pious people could fall into shame, and that God wouldn’t tolerate such behavior. Important Note: This is a very difficult passage to understand. It's considered one of the most disturbing parts of the Old Testament because it depicts extreme violence and symbolic sacrifice. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this event? Talk about its symbolism in a more detailed way?