Leviticus 3:12

If one's offering is a goat, he is to present it before the LORD.

Study Bible

If one’s offering is a goat
In the context of Leviticus, offerings were a central part of Israelite worship and covenant relationship with God. The goat, as a sacrificial animal, was significant in various offerings, including sin offerings and peace offerings. Goats were common livestock in ancient Israel, making them accessible for offerings. The choice of a goat could symbolize the offerer's socio-economic status, as goats were less expensive than cattle. In the Day of Atonement ritual (Leviticus 16), goats played a crucial role, with one being sacrificed and the other sent into the wilderness as the scapegoat, symbolizing the removal of sin.

he is to present it
The act of presenting the offering signifies the worshiper's active participation in the sacrificial process. This presentation was a public declaration of faith and obedience to God's commandments. It also demonstrated the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and their dependence on Him for atonement and blessing. The presentation of the offering was a precursor to the ritual acts performed by the priests, highlighting the cooperative nature of worship between the laity and the priesthood.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" indicates the sacredness of the act and the presence of God in the tabernacle, where the offerings were made. This location was central to Israelite worship, as it was considered the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Offering before the LORD emphasized the direct relationship between the worshiper and God, facilitated by the sacrificial system. It also foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who presented Himself before God as the perfect offering for sin, fulfilling the sacrificial system's requirements once and for all.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the offering, representing the people of Israel who are seeking to maintain a right relationship with God through sacrificial offerings.

2. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, who established the sacrificial system as a means for His people to express worship, gratitude, and atonement.

3. The Goat
An animal used in the peace offering, symbolizing the offerer's desire for peace and fellowship with God. The goat was a common sacrificial animal in Israelite worship.

4. The Tabernacle
The place where offerings were presented before the LORD, serving as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites.

5. The Peace Offering
A type of sacrifice in the Levitical system that symbolized fellowship and communion with God, often shared in a communal meal.

Teaching Points

Understanding Sacrifice
The sacrificial system in Leviticus points to the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and provides eternal peace with God.

Symbolism of the Goat
The goat as a peace offering symbolizes the offerer's desire for reconciliation and fellowship with God. In Christ, we find the perfect peace offering, reconciling us to God once and for all.

Approaching God with Reverence
The act of presenting an offering before the LORD underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility. Our worship today should reflect this same attitude of respect and awe.

Communal Aspect of Worship
The peace offering often involved a communal meal, highlighting the importance of fellowship among believers. Our worship should foster community and unity within the body of Christ.

Living Sacrifices
As believers, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is our spiritual act of worship, reflecting the principles of the sacrificial system in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the peace offering in Leviticus 3:12 point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how can this understanding deepen our appreciation for His work on the cross?

2. In what ways can we approach God with the same reverence and humility as the offerer in Leviticus, and how does this impact our personal and corporate worship?

3. How does the communal aspect of the peace offering inform our understanding of fellowship within the church today?

4. What does it mean to present our bodies as living sacrifices, and how can we practically live this out in our daily lives?

5. How can the symbolism of the goat in the peace offering help us understand the concept of reconciliation and peace with God through Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 17:11
This verse explains the significance of blood in the sacrificial system, emphasizing that it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life.

Hebrews 9:22
This New Testament passage highlights the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Romans 5:1
This verse speaks of the peace we have with God through Jesus Christ, drawing a parallel to the peace offering's purpose of establishing fellowship with God.