Leviticus 3:1

¶ And if his oblation [be] a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer [it] of the herd; whether [it be] a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

And if his oblation {H7133} be a sacrifice {H2077} of peace offering {H8002}, if he offer {H7126} it of the herd {H1241}; whether it be a male {H2145} or female {H5347}, he shall offer {H7126} it without blemish {H8549} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

"'If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, then, if he offers before ADONAI an animal from the herd, then, no matter whether it is male or female, it must be without defect.

“If one’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD.

And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace-offerings; if he offer of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before Jehovah.

Commentary

Leviticus 3:1 introduces the peace offering, known in Hebrew as the shelamim (שְׁלָמִים). This particular sacrifice, unlike the burnt offering which was entirely consumed by fire, involved a shared meal between God, the priest, and the worshiper. It highlights themes of fellowship, gratitude, and communion with the Divine.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed exposition of the sacrificial system given by God to Moses for the Israelites. Following the burnt offering (Leviticus 1), which primarily dealt with atonement and total dedication, and the grain offering (Leviticus 2), a bloodless offering of thanksgiving and devotion, the peace offering stands out. It was unique in its voluntary nature and its emphasis on establishing or celebrating a state of peace and fellowship with God.

Key Themes

  • Voluntary Offering: The phrase "if his oblation be" underscores that this was a freewill offering, often made out of gratitude, for a vow, or simply as a spontaneous act of worship and desire for communion.
  • Fellowship and Communion: The central purpose of the peace offering was to foster a sense of peace and wholeness between God and the worshiper. Portions of the animal were given to God (burned on the altar), to the priests, and the remainder was eaten by the worshiper and their family, creating a sacred meal shared in God's presence.
  • Perfection of the Sacrifice: The requirement that the animal be "without blemish" (Hebrew: tamim, תָּמִים) was crucial for all sacrifices. This signified that only the best, a perfect and unblemished animal, was acceptable to a holy God, foreshadowing the spotless nature of Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
  • Inclusivity of Gender: Unlike some offerings that specified a male animal, the peace offering allowed for either a male or female animal from the herd, indicating its broad applicability to all who desired to draw near to God in fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The term "peace offering" comes from the Hebrew word shelamim (שְׁלָמִים), which is closely related to shalom (שָׁלוֹם). While shalom is often translated as "peace," it encompasses a much broader meaning including wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, and reconciliation. Thus, the shelamim was not merely about the absence of conflict, but about the presence of a flourishing, harmonious relationship with God.

Significance and Application

The Levitical peace offering serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate peace and reconciliation brought about by Jesus Christ. Just as the worshiper sought peace and communion with God through an animal sacrifice, humanity now finds true peace and fellowship with God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). He is our perfect "peace offering," whose shed blood reconciles us to God (Colossians 1:20).

Today, while we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principles of the peace offering remain relevant. We are called to live in a state of continuous fellowship with God, approaching Him with gratitude and thanksgiving for the peace we have in Christ. Our worship, our acts of service, and our communion with fellow believers can all be expressions of this spiritual "peace offering," celebrating the wholeness and well-being we find in our relationship with Him.

Reflection

Leviticus 3:1 reminds us that God desires not just obedience, but also intimate fellowship with His people. The peace offering was a tangible expression of a restored and joyful relationship, a precursor to the deep communion we can now experience through Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 6:14 (4 votes)

    And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,

  • Leviticus 1:3 (4 votes)

    ¶ If his offering [be] a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

  • Hebrews 10:22 (3 votes)

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

  • Romans 5:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

  • Romans 5:2 (3 votes)

    By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

  • 1 John 1:3 (3 votes)

    That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

  • Amos 5:22 (3 votes)

    Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.