Leviticus 3:7

If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall he offer it before the LORD.

If he offer {H7126} a lamb {H3775} for his offering {H7133}, then shall he offer {H7126} it before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

If he brings a lamb for his offering, then he is to present it before ADONAI.

If he is presenting a lamb for his offering, he must present it before the LORD.

If he offer a lamb for his oblation, then shall he offer it before Jehovah;

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 3:7 (KJV)

Leviticus 3:7 is part of a larger section (Leviticus 3) that outlines the regulations for the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering. This particular verse specifies that if a lamb is chosen as the animal for this offering, it must be presented "before the LORD," emphasizing the sacred and direct nature of the act of worship.

Context

The book of Leviticus is primarily a manual for worship and holy living for ancient Israel, emphasizing the sacrificial system as the means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God. The peace offering was unique among the major sacrifices because it was voluntary and typically offered as an expression of thanksgiving, a vow, or a freewill offering. Unlike the burnt offering (which was entirely consumed) or the sin offering (which dealt with atonement for specific sins), portions of the peace offering were eaten by the offerer and the priests, symbolizing communion and fellowship with God. This verse specifies the use of a lamb within the broader category of peace offerings, or 'fellowship offerings,' detailed in Leviticus chapter 3.

Key Themes

  • Voluntary Worship: The phrase "If he offer" underscores the voluntary nature of the peace offering. It was not commanded for specific sins but offered out of a willing heart, often in gratitude or for fellowship.
  • Purity and Acceptability: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the general requirement for all sacrifices was that the animal be without blemish, symbolizing the perfection required for an acceptable offering to God. A lamb was a common and accessible offering, representing purity and innocence.
  • Fellowship and Communion: The peace offering was unique because it involved a communal meal. By offering it "before the LORD," the act was consecrated, and the subsequent sharing of the meat symbolized restored relationship and fellowship between God, the worshipper, and the priests.
  • Divine Presence: "Before the LORD" signifies presenting the sacrifice at the tabernacle, where God's presence dwelled, indicating that the offering was directly to Him and in His sight.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "offer" is qarab (Χ§ΦΈΧ¨Φ·Χ‘), which literally means "to bring near" or "to present." This emphasizes the act of drawing close to God through the sacrifice. The "lamb" (kebes or kesev) was a young, often pure, animal, universally recognized as a suitable sacrifice in the ancient Near East.

Practical Application

While believers today do not offer animal sacrifices, the principles behind the peace offering remain relevant. We are called to offer ourselves as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1), which is a voluntary act of worship and dedication. The desire for fellowship and communion with God, expressed through gratitude and a pure heart, is central to our spiritual lives. Ultimately, these Old Testament lamb sacrifices find their perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is identified as the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world. He is the ultimate sacrifice that brings true peace and fellowship with God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 8:62

    ΒΆ And the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the LORD.

  • Ephesians 5:2

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

  • Leviticus 17:8

    And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers which sojourn among you, that offereth a burnt offering or sacrifice,

  • Leviticus 17:9

    And bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the LORD; even that man shall be cut off from among his people.

  • Leviticus 3:1

    ΒΆ 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.

  • Ephesians 5:12

    For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

  • Hebrews 9:14

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
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