Leviticus 3:3

From the peace offering he is to bring an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,

Study Bible

From the peace offering
The peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, is one of the five main offerings described in Leviticus. It symbolizes reconciliation and communion with God, reflecting a state of peace between the offerer and the Lord. This offering is voluntary, expressing gratitude and thanksgiving. It is distinct from sin and guilt offerings, which are mandatory for atonement. The peace offering can be seen as a type of Christ, who is our peace (Ephesians 2:14), reconciling us to God through His sacrifice.

he is to bring a food offering to the LORD
The food offering, or grain offering, is a portion of the peace offering that is presented to God. It signifies the dedication of the offerer's sustenance and life to the Lord. This act of bringing an offering to God is an acknowledgment of His provision and sovereignty. In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), dedicating their lives to God in a similar manner.

the fat that covers the entrails
In ancient Israelite culture, fat was considered the best part of the animal, symbolizing richness and abundance. Offering the fat to God signifies giving Him the best portion, acknowledging His worthiness of the finest offerings. The entrails, or inner parts, represent the innermost being of the animal, and by extension, the offerer. This offering foreshadows Christ's complete and perfect sacrifice, as He gave His all for humanity.

all the fat that is on them
The emphasis on offering all the fat underscores the totality of the sacrifice. Nothing is to be held back from God, reflecting the principle of wholehearted devotion. This mirrors the call for believers to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). In the context of Christ's sacrifice, it points to His total obedience and surrender to the Father's will, offering Himself entirely for the redemption of mankind.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is the recipient of the offerings and the one who establishes the laws and rituals for His people.

2. The Priest
The individual responsible for presenting the offering to the LORD, acting as a mediator between God and the people.

3. The Peace Offering (Zebach Shelamim)
A type of sacrifice in the Levitical system, symbolizing fellowship and communion with God. It is a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and fellowship.

4. The Altar
The place where offerings are made to God, symbolizing His presence and the place of atonement and worship.

5. The Israelites
The people of God who are commanded to bring offerings as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Peace Offering
The peace offering represents a voluntary act of worship and thanksgiving. It signifies a harmonious relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and fellowship in our spiritual lives.

Symbolism of the Fat
In ancient Hebrew culture, fat was considered the best part of the animal, symbolizing richness and abundance. Offering the fat to God signifies giving Him the best of what we have, reflecting our devotion and reverence.

The Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator highlights the importance of intercession and the need for a mediator between God and humanity, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Holistic Worship
The peace offering teaches us that worship involves both spiritual and physical elements. Our worship should encompass our entire being, offering God our best in every aspect of life.

Community and Fellowship
The communal aspect of the peace offering, where portions are shared, underscores the importance of community and fellowship among believers, encouraging us to live in harmony and unity.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the peace offering teach us about our relationship with God and the importance of gratitude in our worship?

2. How can we apply the principle of giving God our best, as symbolized by the offering of fat, in our daily lives?

3. In what ways does the role of the priest in the peace offering foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our ultimate mediator?

4. How can the concept of holistic worship, as seen in the peace offering, influence our approach to worship today?

5. What practical steps can we take to foster community and fellowship within our church, reflecting the communal aspect of the peace offering?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 7:11-21
Provides further details on the peace offerings, including the portions that are to be eaten and those that are to be burned.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Discusses the concept of offering sacrifices of praise and doing good, which are pleasing to God, drawing a parallel to the peace offerings as acts of worship.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is a spiritual act of worship, echoing the dedication seen in the peace offerings.