Leviticus 7:11

¶ And this [is] the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.

And this is the law {H8451} of the sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}, which he shall offer {H7126} unto the LORD {H3068}.

"'This is the law for sacrificing peace offerings offered to ADONAI:

Now this is the law of the peace offering that one may present to the LORD:

And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace-offerings, which one shall offer unto Jehovah.

Commentary

Leviticus 7:11 introduces specific regulations concerning the peace offering, a significant type of sacrifice in ancient Israelite worship. This verse serves as an introductory statement to a detailed section (verses 11-36) that outlines the various forms and procedures for bringing a peace offering to the LORD.

Context of the Peace Offering

The book of Leviticus meticulously details the laws and rituals for approaching a holy God, given to Moses at Mount Sinai for the people of Israel. The peace offering, known in Hebrew as zevah sh'lamim, was unique among the major sacrifices because it was typically voluntary and often involved a shared meal. Unlike the burnt offering (which was entirely consumed by fire) or the sin/trespass offerings (which dealt with atonement for specific transgressions), the peace offering primarily focused on fellowship, thanksgiving, and communion with God.

These instructions built upon the initial description of the peace offering found in Leviticus chapter 3, providing further nuances regarding offerings of thanksgiving, vows, or freewill offerings.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fellowship and Peace: The core meaning of the peace offering revolves around shalom, a Hebrew word signifying not just the absence of conflict but also wholeness, well-being, and right relationship. This sacrifice was a tangible expression of a restored or maintained peaceful relationship between God and His people.
  • Thanksgiving and Vows: The peace offering could be brought as an act of thanksgiving for blessings received, to fulfill a vow made to God, or simply as a freewill offering expressing devotion. This highlights the voluntary and joyful aspect of worship.
  • Communion and Shared Meal: A significant feature was that portions of the offering were eaten by the offerer, their family, and the priests. This shared meal symbolized the communion and fellowship enjoyed with God, who also "partook" through the burnt portions on the altar.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "peace offerings," zevah sh'lamim (זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים), is derived from the root shalom (שָׁלוֹם). While often translated simply as "peace," shalom encompasses a much broader concept of completeness, harmony, prosperity, and well-being in all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, and relational. Thus, the offering was not just about making peace, but about experiencing and celebrating a state of wholeness and rightness with God.

Practical Application for Today

Though the sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind the peace offering remain profoundly relevant. Jesus Christ is our ultimate "peace offering", having made peace between God and humanity through His sacrifice on the cross (Romans 5:1). Today, we offer spiritual sacrifices:

  • Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for God's blessings and faithfulness (Hebrews 13:15).
  • Fellowship: Cultivating a deep, ongoing relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience.
  • Living in Peace: Seeking to live in harmony with God's will and with others, reflecting the shalom of God in our lives.

Leviticus 7:11 reminds us of God's desire for fellowship with His people and the importance of approaching Him with hearts of gratitude and devotion.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 3:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Leviticus 3:17 (2 votes)

    [It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

  • Ezekiel 45:15 (2 votes)

    And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Leviticus 22:18 (2 votes)

    Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever [he be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the LORD for a burnt offering;

  • Leviticus 22:21 (2 votes)

    And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.