Leviticus 8:20
“He cut the ram into its pieces; and Moses burned the head, and the pieces, and the fat.”
What does Leviticus 8:20 mean?
This verse describes part of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. Moses is following God's detailed instructions for sacrifice, methodically preparing the ram as an offering. The burning of the head, pieces, and fat represents the complete dedication of the animal to God, holding nothing back. For people in hard seasons, there's something quietly powerful here: the act of offering everything, not just the valuable parts. In ancient practice, the fat was considered the richest part, and yet it wasn't reserved or saved. It speaks to a kind of wholehearted surrender, a willingness to give fully rather than holding something in reserve for ourselves. That posture of trust and openness before God, even when it costs us something, remains meaningful long after the ceremonial laws themselves.