In the Old Testament sacrificial system, peace offerings held a significant role in the religious and communal life of Israel. These offerings, also known as "fellowship offerings," were distinct from other sacrifices in that they symbolized reconciliation and communion with God. The Hebrew term for peace offering, "zevah shelamim," conveys notions of wholeness, well-being, and harmony.

Purpose and Nature of Peace Offerings

Peace offerings were voluntary sacrifices presented to express gratitude, fulfill a vow, or simply as a freewill offering to the LORD. Unlike burnt offerings, which were entirely consumed on the altar, peace offerings were shared among the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing a communal meal with God. This act of sharing underscored the restored relationship between the worshiper and the Divine.

Role of the Priest

The priest played a crucial role in the peace offering ritual. According to Levitical law, the priest was responsible for sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice on the altar, a vital act that signified atonement and purification. Leviticus 3:2 states, "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 priest also received a portion of the peace offering, specifically the breast and the right thigh, as outlined in Leviticus 7:31-34 : "The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. You are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering."

Accompaniment by a Sin Offering

Peace offerings were often accompanied by sin offerings, especially in instances where purification and atonement were necessary before fellowship with God could be fully restored. The sin offering, detailed in Leviticus 4, was primarily concerned with atoning for unintentional sins and purifying the sanctuary from the defilement caused by sin.

The combination of sin and peace offerings highlights the theological principle that reconciliation with God requires both atonement for sin and the restoration of fellowship. The sin offering addressed the barrier of sin, while the peace offering celebrated the renewed relationship with God.

Biblical Examples

One notable instance of peace offerings accompanied by sin offerings is found in the dedication of the Tabernacle. In Leviticus 9:22-24 , after offering both sin and peace offerings, Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. The glory of the LORD appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar.

Another example is King Solomon's dedication of the Temple, where he offered a vast number of sacrifices, including both sin and peace offerings, as recorded in 1 Kings 8:63 : "And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD."

Theological Significance

The practice of peace offerings, especially when accompanied by sin offerings, underscores the holistic nature of worship in ancient Israel. It reflects the understanding that true peace with God involves both the removal of sin and the celebration of restored fellowship. This dual aspect of atonement and communion is foundational to the biblical narrative of redemption, ultimately pointing to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills both the sin and peace offerings through His atoning death and resurrection.Leviticus 23:19
Then you shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... an acceptable sacrifice; and as a priest, he makes ... So often as they are read or
meditated on, or ... voluntary: the burnt-offering: the peace-offerings, that were ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... his flesh; and having an high priest over the ... offered burnt-offerings, and sacrificed
peace-offerings of oxen ... Jesus in his exceeding glory, often speaks to the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

What is a peace offering / fellowship offering? | GotQuestions.org

What is a free will offering / freewill offering? | GotQuestions.org

What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus