Definition and Purpose:
Peace offerings, also known as "fellowship offerings," are a category of sacrifices described in the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Leviticus. These offerings were distinct from other types of sacrifices such as burnt offerings or sin offerings. The Hebrew term for peace offering is "zevah shelamim," which can be translated as "sacrifices of peace" or "sacrifices of fellowship." The primary purpose of peace offerings was to express gratitude and thanksgiving to God, to fulfill a vow, or to make a freewill offering. They symbolized reconciliation and communion between the offerer, the community, and God.

Biblical References:
The instructions for peace offerings are detailed in Leviticus 3 and Leviticus 7. Leviticus 3:1-5 states: "If someone’s offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on all sides of the altar. 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, the two kidneys with the fat on them by the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

Types of Peace Offerings:
Peace offerings could be categorized into three main types: thanksgiving offerings, vow offerings, and freewill offerings. Each type had specific regulations and purposes:

1. Thanksgiving Offerings: These were offered in gratitude for God's blessings and deliverance. Leviticus 7:12-15 outlines the procedure for thanksgiving offerings, emphasizing the consumption of the offering on the same day it is presented.

2. Vow Offerings: These were made in fulfillment of a vow or promise to God. They were expressions of devotion and commitment, acknowledging God's faithfulness in answering prayers or granting requests.

3. Freewill Offerings: These were voluntary acts of worship, given out of a heart of generosity and love for God. They were not tied to any specific obligation or vow.

Ritual and Symbolism:
The ritual of the peace offering involved the laying on of hands, the slaughtering of the animal, and the sprinkling of its blood on the altar. The fat and certain organs were burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, symbolizing the offering's acceptance by God. The remaining portions of the sacrifice were shared among the priests and the offerer, signifying fellowship and communal participation in the sacred meal. This act of sharing underscored the peace and unity between God, the priests, and the worshiper.

Theological Significance:
Peace offerings highlight the importance of gratitude, fellowship, and reconciliation in the believer's relationship with God. They serve as a reminder of God's provision and the peace that comes from living in harmony with His will. The communal aspect of the peace offering foreshadows the New Testament concept of the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in a meal that signifies unity with Christ and one another.

New Testament Fulfillment:
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the peace offering. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He established peace between God and humanity. Ephesians 2:14 states, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." Christ's sacrifice brings reconciliation and peace, offering believers a restored relationship with God and with each other.