In the Old Testament sacrificial system, peace offerings held a significant place in the worship and communal life of the Israelites. These offerings, also known as fellowship offerings, were distinct from other sacrifices in that they symbolized reconciliation and communion between the offerer, the priest, and God. The peace offering was a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and fellowship, often accompanying vows or expressions of gratitude.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for peace offerings are primarily found in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 3 outlines the general procedure for peace offerings, while Leviticus 7 provides additional details regarding the handling of the sacrificial portions. The peace offering could be from the herd or the flock, and it could be male or female, but it had to be without blemish (Leviticus 3:1, 6).

Role of the Priest

The priest played a crucial role in the peace offering ritual. After the animal was slaughtered, the priest would sprinkle its blood around the altar (Leviticus 3:2). The fat and certain internal organs were burned on the altar as an offering by fire to the LORD, creating a pleasing aroma (Leviticus 3:3-5).

Wave Offering

A unique aspect of the peace offering was the wave offering, specifically involving the breast of the sacrificed animal. Leviticus 7:30-31 states: "With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD. He shall bring the fat together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD. The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons."

The wave offering was a symbolic act where the priest would move the breast of the animal back and forth before the LORD. This act signified the presentation of the offering to God and His acceptance of it. The breast, along with the right thigh, was then given to the priests as their portion (Leviticus 7:34). This provision for the priests underscored the communal and shared nature of the peace offering, as it provided sustenance for those who served in the tabernacle.

Spiritual Significance

The waving of the breast as a wave offering held deep spiritual significance. It represented the offerer's acknowledgment of God's provision and the desire for continued fellowship with Him. The act of waving symbolized the offerer's submission to God's will and the recognition of His sovereignty over all aspects of life.

Furthermore, the peace offering, including the wave offering, prefigured the ultimate peace and reconciliation brought about through Jesus Christ. 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." The peace offering foreshadowed the perfect sacrifice of Christ, who reconciled humanity to God and established eternal peace.

In summary, the waving of the breast as a wave offering in the peace offering ritual was a profound expression of worship, gratitude, and fellowship with God. It highlighted the communal aspects of worship and pointed forward to the ultimate peace found in Christ.Exodus 29:26,28
And you shall take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be your part.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 7:29,30
Speak to the children of Israel, saying, He that offers the sacrifice of his peace offerings to the LORD shall bring his oblation to the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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