The 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 and serves as a means for the Israelites to express gratitude, fulfill vows, or make freewill offerings to God. The Peace-Offering is unique in that it emphasizes communal fellowship and thanksgiving, allowing both the offerer and the priests to partake in the sacrificial meal.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for the Peace-Offering are found in Leviticus 3 and Leviticus 7. The offering could be made from cattle, sheep, or goats, and it was to be without blemish. The animal's fat and certain organs were burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, while the meat was shared between the priests and the offerer.

Thanksgiving Offering

A specific type of Peace-Offering is the Thanksgiving Offering. Leviticus 7:15 states, "The meat of the thanksgiving sacrifice of his peace offering must be eaten on the day he offers it; none of it may be left until morning" . This requirement underscores the immediacy and sincerity of gratitude, emphasizing that thanksgiving should be expressed and shared promptly.

Ritual and Symbolism

The Peace-Offering symbolizes reconciliation and fellowship with God. It is a voluntary act of worship, reflecting the offerer's desire to maintain a harmonious relationship with the Divine. The communal aspect of the meal highlights the importance of community and shared blessings among God's people. The act of sharing the meal with the priests and, in some cases, with family and friends, reinforces the idea of unity and peace within the community.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the Peace-Offering points to the ultimate peace and reconciliation brought through Jesus Christ. As the perfect sacrifice, Christ fulfills the sacrificial system, offering eternal peace between God and humanity. The Peace-Offering, therefore, serves as a foreshadowing of the complete and perfect peace achieved through Christ's atoning work on the cross.

Practical Application

For believers today, the principles behind the Peace-Offering encourage a life of gratitude, community, and fellowship. It serves as a reminder to express thankfulness to God promptly and to share His blessings with others. The Peace-Offering also calls Christians to live in harmony with one another, reflecting the peace that comes from a right relationship with God.Leviticus 7:15
And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered; he shall not leave any of it until the morning.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ...
... would seem to be the same as if it had ... which was offered to God, either in thanksgiving,
or for ... In the peace-offerings, the breast-bone and the right shoulder ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a suitable cause can.htm

Scriptural Types.
... ground whereby all may be justified, if they will ... vows in the form of peace-offerings]
before them ... consecration, then holy communion in thanksgiving and praise ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... offered burnt-offerings, and sacrificed peace-offerings of oxen ... dealing with him
as if he were ... afford opportunities for offering supplication and thanksgiving. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Book ii.
... and ye shall kindle a whole burnt-offering unto the ... But if ye shall go out to war
into your own ... your whole burnt sacrifices and at your peace-offerings, and it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

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