Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "inwards" refers to the internal organs of an animal, particularly those involved in sacrificial offerings. The concept of "inwards" is primarily associated with the Old Testament sacrificial system, where specific instructions were given regarding the handling and offering of these parts during sacrifices.
Biblical References:1.
Levitical Sacrifices: The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on the sacrificial system instituted by God for the Israelites. The "inwards" of the sacrificial animals were often mentioned in these instructions. For instance, in
Leviticus 1:9 , it is stated: "The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." This verse highlights the importance of the inwards in the burnt offering, emphasizing the need for purification before they are offered to God.
2.
Peace Offerings: In the peace offerings, the inwards also played a significant role.
Leviticus 3:3-4 describes the offering: "From the peace offering, he is to present an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys." The inwards, particularly the fat and certain organs, were considered the choicest parts and were offered to God as a symbol of devotion and thanksgiving.
3.
Sin Offerings: The sin offering also involved the inwards.
Leviticus 4:8-9 states: "He shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys." The removal and offering of the inwards in the sin offering underscored the need for atonement and purification from sin.
Symbolic Significance:The inwards, being the internal and hidden parts of the animal, symbolize the inner life and heart of the worshiper. The meticulous care in handling these parts reflects the importance of inner purity and sincerity in one's relationship with God. The sacrificial system, with its emphasis on the inwards, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself wholly and without blemish for the atonement of humanity's sins.
Spiritual Application:In a spiritual sense, the focus on the inwards in the sacrificial system calls believers to examine their own hearts and inner lives. As
Psalm 51:6 expresses, "Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place." This verse highlights God's desire for truth and integrity within the believer, encouraging a life of genuine faith and devotion.
The concept of "inwards" in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of inner purity and the wholehearted dedication required in worship and service to God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Toward the inside; toward the center or interior; as, to bend a thing inward.
2. (a.) Into, or toward, the mind or thoughts; inwardly; as, to turn the attention inward.
3. (adv.) See Inward.
Strong's Hebrew
1004. bayith -- a house... 15), residence (1), room (6), rooms (1), shrine* (1), temple (36), temple to the
house (1), temples (2), tomb (1), treasury* (1), turned
inwards (1), web (1
...Library
How These Young Presumptuous Disciples Misunderstand this Word "In...
... They read and hear well said that they should leave outward working with their wits,
and workinwards: and because that they know not which is inward working...
Of Conversion
... should it attempt any other co-operation with Divine Grace, than that of endeavouring
to withdraw itself from external objects and to turninwards: after which...
The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... a big hooked nose. On his broad forehead he had two protuberances like horns,
turnedinwards towards each other. They were not hard...
Concerning "Great," "Small," "Same," "Different," "Like," "Unlike...
... We can conceive of the mind's search for God in two ways: as a journey, (1) outwards,
to seek Him beyond the sky, (2)inwards, to seek Him in the heart....
A Description of Heart-Purity
... God would have Aaron wash theinwards of the sacrifice (Leviticus 9:14). Civility
does but wash the outside; theinwards must be washed....
Fasting, and the Goat Sent Away, were Types of Christ.
... eat of the goat which is offered, with fasting, for all their sins." [1528] Attend
carefully: "And let all the priests alone eat theinwards, unwashed with...
Of Defects or Infirmities
... Should we either wander among externals, or sink into dissipation, or commit a fault,
we must instantly turninwards; for having departed thereby from our God...
Sermon for Whit Sunday
... by whomsoever it is spoken, proceeds from the Holy Ghost." Hence, at those moments
when all the powers of the soul are collected and turnedinwards, it often...
This Assiduity in Prayer, Though it Specially Refers to the...
... By these words (as I understand them) he taught us to seek a place of retirement
which might enable us to turn all our thoughtsinwards and enter deeply into...
Third Tractate. The Knowing Hypostases and the Transcendent.
... We ask, then, whether the understanding principle in the soul has equally the power
of turninginwards upon itself or whether it has no more than that of...
Thesaurus
Inwards (24 Occurrences)...Inwards (24 Occurrences). Exodus 12:9 Eat not of it raw, nor boiled at all with
water, but roast with fire; its head with its legs and with the
inwards thereof.
...Covereth (61 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth theinwards, and the
caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them...
Fire-offering (45 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 1:9 and itsinwards and its legs he doth wash with water; and the priest
hath made perfume with the whole on the altar, a burnt-offering, a fire...
Rump (5 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:22 Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that
covereth theinwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys...
Entrails (18 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 3:3 And he shall present of the sacrifice of peace-offerings an offering
made by fire unto the LORD: the fat that covereth theinwards, and all the...
Lobe (19 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth theinwards, and the
caul upon the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and...
Redundance (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 and thou hast taken all the fat which is covering theinwards, and
the redundance on the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat which 'is' on them...
Caul (12 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth theinwards, and the
caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them...
Peace-offering (46 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 3:3 And he shall present of the sacrifice of peace-offerings an offering
made by fire unto the LORD: the fat that covereth theinwards, and all the...
Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 3:3 And he shall offer of the sacrifice of peace-offerings an offering
made by fire unto Jehovah; the fat that covereth theinwards, and all the fat...
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