For whoever eats the fat of the animal from which an offering by fire is offered to the Lord, even the person who eats shall be cut off from his people.Wow, a pretty harsh punishment for someone who eats something. Why is this such a big deal? My theory is that it is because they are told that all the fat is to be offered up on the altar, so there should be none left for anyone to eat.
My other question: what does it mean to be cut off from the people? Is this permanent exile? Or is it merely being declared unclean, and having to go through proper procedure to be cleansed again? My personal opinion, in no way cross-checked, would point towards exile. Again, this seems extreme, but it would also probably be effective in teaching the lesson that what is God's is for Him, not for man.
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