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, where it is presented as a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and communion with God. The peace offering symbolizes reconciliation and fellowship between the offerer, the priest, and God.

Biblical Foundation

The peace offering is introduced in Leviticus 3, where specific instructions are given regarding the animals that may be offered, which include cattle, sheep, or goats. The offering could be male or female, but it had to be without blemish, signifying the purity and perfection required in approaching a holy God.

Role of the Priest

The priest played a crucial role in the peace offering, acting as a mediator between the offerer and God. One of the priest's primary responsibilities was the sprinkling of the blood on the altar. This act is described in Leviticus 3:2, "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 sprinkling of the blood was a vital ritual act, symbolizing the purification and consecration of the offering. Blood, representing life, was seen as a means of atonement and was essential in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. The altar, being the focal point of divine-human interaction, was sanctified through this act, allowing the offering to be acceptable before God.

Significance of the Blood

The blood of the peace offering held profound theological significance. It was a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. The act of sprinkling the blood on the altar underscored the belief that life must be given to atone for sin, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood would be shed for the redemption of humanity.

In Leviticus 17:11, the importance of blood in atonement is further emphasized: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."

Communal Aspect

The peace offering was unique in that it was shared among the offerer, the priest, and God. Portions of the sacrifice were burned on the altar, symbolizing God's part, while the breast and right thigh were given to the priest, and the remaining meat was consumed by the offerer and their family. This communal meal represented fellowship and peace with God, as well as unity among His people.

Conclusion

The peace offering, with its ritual of blood sprinkling by the priest, served as a powerful symbol of reconciliation, thanksgiving, and communion with God. It pointed forward to the ultimate peace offering made by Christ, whose sacrifice would bring eternal peace and reconciliation between God and humanity.Leviticus 3:2,8,13
And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on the altar round about.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Blood of the Testament
... himself often, as the high priest entereth into ... offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed
peace offerings of oxen ... atonement, that is the blood sprinkled on the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 58 1912/the blood of the testament.htm

Scriptural Types.
... the altar, and the assignment to the priest of his ... my vows [vows in the form of
peace-offerings] before them ... through the blood of the victim sprinkled upon the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... wall in the east, so that the priest who burned ... sanctuary, at the time when he sprinkled
the blood ... where the Nazarites washed their peace-offerings, and polled ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... his flesh; and having an high priest over the ... offered burnt-offerings, and sacrificed
peace-offerings of oxen ... all these words."[153] The blood sprinkled on the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... And when Moses had sprinkled Aaron's vestments, himself ... twelve stones which the high
priest bare on his ... also other sacrifices, called peace-offerings, for every ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... an acceptable sacrifice; and as a priest, he makes ... voluntary: the burnt-offering:
the peace-offerings, that were wont ... the blood of which was sprinkled, as his ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

What is a sin offering? | GotQuestions.org

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

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