The peace-offering, also known as the fellowship offering, holds a significant place in the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly in the context of the consecration of priests. This offering is detailed in the book of Leviticus, which outlines the various sacrifices and offerings that were integral to the worship and religious life of ancient Israel.

Biblical Context and Purpose

The peace-offering is one of the five major offerings described in Leviticus, alongside the burnt offering, grain offering, sin offering, and guilt offering. The Hebrew term for peace-offering, "zevah shelamim," can be translated as "sacrifice of peace" or "sacrifice of fellowship," indicating its role in promoting communion between God, the priests, and the people.

During the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, the peace-offering played a crucial role. In Leviticus 8, the Lord commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons, setting them apart for their priestly duties. The peace-offering is part of a series of sacrifices that include a sin offering and a burnt offering, symbolizing purification, dedication, and fellowship.

Scriptural Reference

Leviticus 8:22-24 provides a detailed account of the peace-offering during the consecration ceremony:

"Then Moses presented the second ram, the ram of ordination, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. Moses slaughtered the ram, took some of its blood, and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. Moses also presented Aaron’s sons and put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then he sprinkled the blood on the altar on all sides."

This ritual act of applying blood to the ear, thumb, and toe symbolizes the consecration of the priests' entire being—what they hear, what they do, and where they go—dedicating them wholly to the service of God.

Theological Significance

The peace-offering at the consecration of priests underscores the importance of reconciliation and fellowship with God. It signifies the restoration of peace between the divine and the human, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. The offering also highlights the communal aspect of worship, as portions of the peace-offering were consumed by the priests and the offerer, symbolizing shared fellowship in the presence of God.

Furthermore, the peace-offering points to the ultimate peace and reconciliation brought about through Jesus Christ, the great High Priest, who through His sacrifice, established a new covenant of peace between God and humanity. As the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:14 , "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility."

Ritual and Practice

The peace-offering involved the presentation of an unblemished animal, typically from the herd or flock. The offerer would lay hands on the animal, symbolically transferring their identity and intentions. The animal was then slaughtered, and its blood was sprinkled on the altar. Portions of the animal were burned on the altar, while other parts were given to the priests and the offerer to be eaten in a communal meal.

This shared meal was a vital aspect of the peace-offering, emphasizing the communal and covenantal relationship between God, the priests, and the people. It was a celebration of divine provision and blessing, fostering a sense of unity and gratitude among the participants.

Conclusion

The peace-offering at the consecration of priests is a profound expression of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It highlights the themes of reconciliation, fellowship, and dedication, serving as a precursor to the ultimate peace brought through Christ. Through this offering, the priests were set apart for their sacred duties, symbolizing their complete devotion to God and their role as mediators between the divine and the human.Exodus 29:22,29
Also you shall take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covers the inwards, and the lobe above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus
... Laws regulating the consecration of the high priest and the other priests"washing,
investiture ... Priests' share of the meal and peace offerings, x.12-15. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/leviticus.htm

"Lo, I Come": Exposition
... the sacrifices, and presented their peace-offerings; but the ... were tokens of gratitude
and consecration"these also ... the most splendid roses of priests for his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lo i come exposition.htm

Separation to God.
... Israel might have been "a kingdom of priests;" but through ... of this on the life of
consecration to GOD in ... and one ram without blemish for peace-offerings, and a ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

'The Love of Thine Espousals'
... sorts of sacrifices, offered not by priests, but by ... 19:6. Burnt-offerings and
peace-offerings differed mainly ... The one symbolised entire consecration; the other ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the love of thine espousals.htm

Scriptural Types.
... vows [vows in the form of peace-offerings] before them ... to God's favor, then
self-consecration, then holy ... great Antitype of the Levitical priests and sacrifices ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Synoptic Gospels
... shall be delivered to the chief priests and the ... will of God, and involving in itself
a consecration. ... offerings, but burnt offerings and peace offerings, it is ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 1 the synoptic gospels.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... their God except through the agency of the priests. ... neither will I regard the peace
offerings of your ... and had granted him that religious consecration which had ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The XXIst Egyptian dynasty: the Theban high priests and the Tanite Pharaohs"The
Libyan mercenaries and their predominance in the state: the origin of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What is a sin offering? | GotQuestions.org

What is a drink offering? | GotQuestions.org

Why was it wrong for Saul to offer a sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org

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