Topical Encyclopedia Peace OfferingsThe peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. It is primarily detailed in the book of Leviticus, where it is presented as a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and communion with God. The Hebrew term for peace offering is "zevah shelamim," which can be translated as "sacrifices of peace" or "offerings of well-being." The peace offering is distinct from other sacrifices in that it emphasizes the communal aspect of worship. Unlike the burnt offering, which is wholly consumed on the altar, the peace offering is shared among the offerer, the priests, and God. This sharing symbolizes reconciliation and fellowship with the Divine. Leviticus 3:1-5 describes the procedure: "If one'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." The peace offering could be offered in various circumstances, including expressions of gratitude, fulfillment of vows, or spontaneous acts of devotion. Leviticus 7:11-15 further elaborates on the types of peace offerings: "Now this is the law of the peace offering that one may present to the LORD: If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he is to offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil." Sacrificial Laws The sacrificial laws in the Old Testament are a comprehensive system of offerings and rituals that were central to the religious life of ancient Israel. These laws are primarily found in the books of Leviticus, Exodus, and Numbers. They were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai and served as a means for the Israelites to maintain a covenant relationship with God, atone for sins, and express worship and devotion. The sacrificial system includes several types of offerings, each with specific purposes and regulations: 1. Burnt Offerings (Olah): These were offerings of unblemished male animals, completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God (Leviticus 1:3-9). 2. Grain Offerings (Minchah): These were offerings of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, representing the fruits of human labor and thanksgiving to God (Leviticus 2:1-3). 3. Sin Offerings (Chatat): These were sacrifices made for unintentional sins, providing atonement and purification for the offerer (Leviticus 4:1-35). 4. Guilt Offerings (Asham): These were offerings for specific transgressions, often involving restitution, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for reconciliation (Leviticus 5:14-19). 5. Peace Offerings (Shelamim): As previously discussed, these were offerings of thanksgiving and fellowship, shared between God, the priests, and the offerer (Leviticus 3:1-17). The sacrificial laws underscore the holiness of God and the need for atonement and reconciliation. They foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death and resurrection. Hebrews 10:1-4 reflects on this fulfillment: "The law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt the guilt of their sins. Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." The sacrificial laws, while no longer practiced in their original form, continue to hold theological significance, illustrating the principles of atonement, holiness, and the need for a mediator between God and humanity. Subtopics Peace offerings: General Scriptures Concerning Peace offerings: Offered by David Peace offerings: Offered by Joshua Peace offerings: Offered by the Princes Peace: Blessedness of Promoting Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Endure his Chastisements Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Obey Him Peace: God Bestows Upon Those Who: Please Him Peace: Ministers should Exhort To Peace: Necessary to the Enjoyment of Life Peace: Pray for That of the Church Peace: Results From: Heavenly Wisdom Peace: Results From: Praying for Rulers Peace: Results From: Seeking the Peace of Those With Whom we Dwell Peace: Results From: The Government of Christ Peace: Saints should Cultivate Peace: Saints should Endeavour to Have Will all Men Peace: Saints should Follow the Things Which Make For Peace: Saints should Have, With Each Other Peace: Shall Abound in the Latter Days Peace: The Fruit of Righteousness should be Sown In Peace: The Wicked: Hypocritically Speak Spiritual Peace is Through the Atonement of Christ Spiritual Peace of Saints: Abundant Spiritual Peace of Saints: Consummated After Death Spiritual Peace of Saints: Great Spiritual Peace of Saints: Passes all Understanding Spiritual Peace of Saints: Secure Spiritual Peace: A Fruit of the Spirit Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Acquaintance With God Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Faith Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Righteousness Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: Spiritual-Mindedness Spiritual Peace: Accompanies: The Love of God's Law Spiritual Peace: Announced by Angels Spiritual Peace: Bequeathed by Christ Spiritual Peace: Christ Guides Into the Way of Spiritual Peace: Christ is Our Spiritual Peace: Christ is the Lord of Spiritual Peace: Christ is the Prince of Spiritual Peace: Divine Wisdom is the Way of Spiritual Peace: Established by Covenant Spiritual Peace: Follows Upon Justification Spiritual Peace: God is the God of Spiritual Peace: God Speaks, to his Saints Spiritual Peace: Preached by Christ Spiritual Peace: Preached by Ministers Spiritual Peace: Preached: Through Christ Spiritual Peace: Promised to Returning Backsliders Spiritual Peace: Promised to Saints Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Church Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Gentiles Spiritual Peace: Promised to The Meek Spiritual Peace: Promised to Those Who Confide in God Spiritual Peace: Saints: Blessed With Spiritual Peace: Saints: Die In Spiritual Peace: Saints: Enjoy Spiritual Peace: Saints: Have in Christ Spiritual Peace: Saints: Have, With God Spiritual Peace: Saints: Kept By Spiritual Peace: Saints: Kept in Perfect Spiritual Peace: Saints: Repose In Spiritual Peace: Saints: Ruled By Spiritual Peace: Saints: Wish, to Each Other Spiritual Peace: Supports Under Trials Spiritual Peace: The Benediction of Ministers should Be Spiritual Peace: The Gospel is Good Tidings of Spiritual Peace: The Wicked are Promised, by False Teachers Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: Know not the Things of Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: Know not the Way of Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: Promise, to Themselves Spiritual Peace: The Wicked: There is None For Spiritual Peace: we should Love Related Terms |