The concept of peace-offerings, also known as "shelamim" in Hebrew, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. These offerings are detailed primarily in the book of Leviticus and are distinct from other types of sacrifices such as burnt offerings or sin offerings. Peace-offerings are characterized by their communal nature and the shared meal that follows the sacrifice, symbolizing fellowship and reconciliation with God.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for peace-offerings are found in Leviticus 3 and Leviticus 7. The peace-offering could be made from cattle, sheep, or goats, and it was to be without blemish. The offering was divided into three parts: one part was burned on the altar as a food offering to the Lord, another part was given to the priests, and the remaining portion was consumed by the offerer and their family in a communal meal.

Leviticus 3:1-5 states: "If one's offering is a peace offering and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he must present it without blemish before the LORD. 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. From the peace offering he is to bring an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, the kidneys with the fat on them, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then Aaron's sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

Purpose and Significance

The peace-offering served multiple purposes. It was an expression of thanksgiving, a fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering. The communal meal that followed the sacrifice was a vital component, symbolizing peace and fellowship with God and among the participants. This meal was to be eaten in the presence of the Lord, signifying His acceptance and blessing.

Leviticus 7:15-16 further explains: "The meat of the peace offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered; none of it may be left until morning. If, however, the sacrifice he offers is a vow or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day he presents his sacrifice, but anything remaining may be eaten on the next day."

Theological Implications

The peace-offering underscores the importance of reconciliation and communion with God. It reflects the believer's gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision and blessings. The shared meal signifies the restoration of harmony between the offerer and God, as well as among the community of believers.

In the New Testament, the concept of peace is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is referred to as our peace (Ephesians 2:14). The sacrificial system, including peace-offerings, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the sacrifice of Christ, who reconciles humanity to God and establishes eternal peace.

Practical Observance

While the sacrificial system is no longer practiced in Christianity, the principles behind the peace-offering continue to hold spiritual significance. Believers are encouraged to live in peace with one another and to offer their lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The communal aspect of the peace-offering is reflected in the Christian practice of fellowship and the Lord's Supper, where believers gather to remember Christ's sacrifice and celebrate their unity in Him.Deuteronomy 12:17,18
You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your corn, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herds or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, or heave offering of your hand:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

'The Love of Thine Espousals'
... of Exodus 19:6. Burnt-offerings and peace-offerings differed mainly ... former, while
it was in part eaten by the ... included a feast on the sacrifice 'before the Lord ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the love of thine espousals.htm

Separation to God.
... to present us with exceeding joy, "faultless before the presence of ... of this was the
sacrifice of peace-offerings made by ... LORD'S; no part of it was eaten by the ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

Scriptural Types.
... right shoulder heaved, before they were eaten by Aaron ... waved by the priest before
the Lord before slaying it. ... Thus the breast of the peace-offerings was always ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... your pasture, and that the sheep have eaten what was ... altar of the Lord, and sacrificed
thereon peace-offerings and thank ... the Lord above all that were before him ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ...
... same reason they did not offer animals before the seventh ... third place must be given
to the peace-offerings of thanksgiving, which were eaten on the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a suitable cause can.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... is reason to conclude that food eaten on the ... which offered burnt-offerings, and
sacrificed peace-offerings of oxen ... people were wont to come up before his altar ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... them, and repented, even like the peace offerings and vows ... of all godly men when
they have eaten it, ver ... and does not account a coined word before a judicatory ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... voluntary: the burnt-offering: the peace-offerings, that were ... that of those who,
having eaten of his ... individuals had been, either publicly before their brethren ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

The Synoptic Gospels
... symbolized Christ's death, and as eaten and drunk ... offerings, but burnt offerings
and peace offerings, it is ... day is this Scripture fulfilled before your eyes. ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 1 the synoptic gospels.htm

Book ii.
... the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the ... the trumpets and ye shall be remembered
before the Lord ... 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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