Deuteronomy 18:3
“This shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give to the priest the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the inner parts.”
What does Deuteronomy 18:3 mean?
When an Israelite brought an animal to be sacrificed, the priests who served at the altar received specific portions of the meat as their livelihood. This wasn't a donation they had to ask for—it was their automatic due, their way of being supported by the community they served. God was establishing that those dedicated to spiritual work should be sustained by those who benefit from their ministry. The shoulder, cheeks, and inner parts were choice portions, showing these workers received good portions, not scraps. It's a principle about honoring those who tend to our spiritual needs, though the specific rules belonged to that ancient system.