ויקרא, פרק ז׳, פסוק ל״א

In the peace offering, a unique dynamic unfolds where the meat is primarily intended for the person bringing the sacrifice, creating a shared experience between God and His servants. However, a strict order governs how the portions are distributed. The altar always receives its share first, and only afterward do the priests receive their designated portions [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The process involves burning the peelable layers of fat on the altar. While other internal organs like the kidneys are not explicitly mentioned at this stage, previous instructions already establish their place on the altar. In direct contrast to the fat, the breast of the animal is never burned; instead, it is set aside as a gift for the priests [ביאור יש״ר].

Connecting the burning of the fat directly with the giving of the breast establishes a crucial rule about timing. The primary approach among commentators is that the priests are strictly forbidden from taking or eating their meat until the fat designated for the altar has been completely offered. The portion dedicated to God must be consumed by fire before any human being partakes. Deviating from this order is considered a severe offense, famously illustrated by the sons of Eli the Priest, who sinfully demanded their meat before God's portion was offered [תורה תמימה, רד צ הופמן].

This strict sequence raises a practical question regarding what happens if the fat is lost or becomes impure before it can be placed on the altar. Despite the normal requirement to wait, the instruction is framed as an absolute guarantee rather than a conditional statement. This ensures that the priests do not lose their right to the meat, and the breast remains their property even if the fat could not be burned [תורה תמימה, אדרת אליהו].

Finally, directing the gift specifically to Aaron alongside his sons establishes a distinct hierarchy within the priesthood. It dictates that the High Priest holds a privileged status, granting him the right to take his portion of the meat first, regardless of whether he actively participated in offering that particular sacrifice [רלב״ג].