All the males among the priests shall eat thereof: it is most holy.
All the males among the priests shall eat thereof - (see the note at Leviticus 6:18.) The whole of the carcass was not given to the priests; for the blood, the fat, and the inward being, as in the peace offerings, reserved as the Lord's portion, were burnt on the altar; But the rest of the victim, which in peace offerings was given to the offerer, was in the sin offering bestowed on the officiating priest, who was ordained by strict injunctions to eat it with Yahweh in the holy place. (See this rule fully illustrated, Magee 'On the Atonement,' note 42.)
To the question, By what association of ideas is the eating of the flesh of the sin offering connected with the official character of the priest? it is somewhat difficult to make a reply. The relation of the eating to the priestly efficacy of the atonement is undeniable, and can be explained only on the supposition that by this act was represented an intimate connection of the priest on the one hand with the offering, and therefore with the offerer for whom it was presented as a substitute; and on the other hand with Yahweh, to whom the whole offering belonged, but who was satisfied with the fat portions as the most excellent, and gave the remainder to the priest, which should otherwise be given up to the fire.
The relation of the sacrificial animal to the offerer was signified by the imposition of hands, as the same to Yahweh was signified by the burning of the best portions; and both these relations were united in the priest, when they were expressed by the eating of the remaining flesh. To the same effect, Bahr-`In the eating of the most holy offering in the holy place the priests appear in the closest connection and communion both with this offering and also with Him from whom all holiness proceeds, and whose instruments they are with Yahweh,' (Kurtz 'Mosaiches Opfer,' Ford's Translation, Mass.) It is observable that the connection which was indicated by eating between the offering and the priest held only in the sin offering and trespass offering.