Leviticus 7:13

Besides the cakes, he shall offer [for] his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.

Besides the cakes {H2471}, he shall offer {H7126} for his offering {H7133} leavened {H2557} bread {H3899} with the sacrifice {H2077} of thanksgiving {H8426} of his peace offerings {H8002}.

With cakes of leavened bread he is to present his offering together with the sacrifice of his peace offerings for giving thanks.

Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread.

With cakes of leavened bread he shall offer his oblation with the sacrifice of his peace-offerings for thanksgiving.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 7:13

Leviticus 7 continues the detailed instructions regarding various types of offerings, specifically focusing on the regulations for the priests and the offerers concerning the peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering). This particular verse, Leviticus 7:13, deals with a specific component of the peace offering when it is brought as a "sacrifice of thanksgiving." Unlike many other offerings where leaven was strictly forbidden (see Leviticus 2:11), its inclusion here is a notable exception, highlighting the unique nature of the thanksgiving offering.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Thanksgiving and Fellowship: The primary purpose of the peace offering of thanksgiving was to express gratitude to God for His blessings, deliverance, or provision. It was a communal meal where the offerer, the priests, and symbolically, God, shared together, signifying peace and fellowship.
  • The Role of Leavened Bread: The instruction to offer "leavened bread" is significant. While leaven (yeast) often symbolized sin or corruption in other sacrificial contexts (e.g., the leaven of the Pharisees in Matthew 16:6), its presence in the thanksgiving offering suggests that even as worshippers approach God with gratitude, they do so as imperfect beings. This bread was not burned on the altar but eaten by the participants, emphasizing the communal aspect rather than atonement. It perhaps acknowledged that even in our purest acts of worship, human imperfection is present, yet acceptable in the context of thanksgiving.
  • Distinctive Offerings: This verse underscores the precise and distinct nature of various offerings in the Mosaic Law. Each type of sacrifice had specific requirements and symbolic meanings, emphasizing different aspects of humanity's relationship with God—whether it was for sin, dedication, or, in this case, heartfelt gratitude.

Linguistic Insights

The term for "peace offerings" in Hebrew is shalomim (שלמים), which is closely related to the word shalom, meaning peace, wholeness, or completeness. This inherently connects the offering to concepts of reconciliation, well-being, and fellowship with God. The "sacrifice of thanksgiving" is zevach todah (זבח תודה), where todah signifies praise, confession, or thanksgiving, reflecting an outpouring of gratitude.

Practical Application

Leviticus 7:13 offers timeless insights into our spiritual walk:

  • Holistic Gratitude: Our thanksgiving to God should be genuine and comprehensive. Just as the ancient Israelites brought their offerings, including the leavened bread, we are called to bring our whole selves—imperfections included—to God in gratitude for His goodness.
  • Communion with God: The peace offering symbolized fellowship. Today, our spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15) allow us to experience deeper communion with God, acknowledging His constant provision in our lives.
  • Acceptance in Imperfection: The allowance of leavened bread in this specific offering can serve as a reminder that God accepts us as we are, even with our human "leaven" or flaws, when we approach Him with a sincere heart of gratitude and a desire for fellowship. This contrasts with sin offerings, where perfection was paramount.
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Cross-References

  • Amos 4:5 (5 votes)

    And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim [and] publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Leviticus 23:17 (4 votes)

    Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; [they are] the firstfruits unto the LORD.

  • 1 Timothy 4:4 (2 votes)

    For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

  • Matthew 13:33 (2 votes)

    Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.