The answer is: The priests

Lev 6:26 - The sin offering was holy and had to be eaten in a holy place.

In the sacred space of Leviticus, we encounter the intriguing idea of sacrifice and holiness, and the symbolism wrapped up in what priests were allowed to partake in. Here, it's noted that the priests—and only they—were the ones permitted to consume the sin offering in a holy place. This not only highlights a specific role but also broadcasted the intimacy between the divine, the sacrificial act, and the people.

Eating the sin offering was a deeply sacred act, symbolizing that those who represented the people before God were partaking in something that carried the weight of the community's failings. This ritual displayed not merely divine justice but also the opportunity for grace. Unlike most animal offerings, where the meat was allocated for feasting, the sin offering was treated with greater solemnity, emphasizing that atonement was no light matter.

It’s fascinating how this echoes down through biblical traditions. For instance, in the New Testament, the act of sharing bread during communion invites everyone into the connotation of sacrifice and community, looking back at the deep-seated practices of Leviticus.

Additionally, the idea of holiness here feeds into wider biblical themes—the notion that accessible holiness can be embedded in life's acts—even meals. It calls to mind how varied times and places can cultivate purposeful communal spirituality beyond just rituals at altars. In that veil of caring for the community, we find lasting truths worth pondering, be it ancient or modern.