Introduction

Peace-offerings, also known as fellowship offerings, are a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. These offerings were instituted by God as a means for the Israelites to express gratitude, fulfill vows, and seek reconciliation with Him. The peace-offering is distinct in its communal nature, symbolizing restored fellowship between the offerer, the community, and God.

Biblical Foundation

The primary instructions for peace-offerings are found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 3 provides detailed regulations on how these offerings are to be made, emphasizing the importance of offering an unblemished animal from the herd or flock. The peace-offering is unique in that it is a voluntary act of worship, unlike sin or guilt offerings which are mandatory for atonement.

Leviticus 3:1 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." This requirement underscores the necessity of purity and sincerity in approaching God.

Purpose and Significance

The peace-offering serves multiple purposes:

1. Thanksgiving: It is a means to express gratitude to God for His blessings and provision. Leviticus 7:12 mentions, "If he offers it in thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he is to offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil."

2. Vow Fulfillment: It is used to fulfill vows made to God, demonstrating the offerer's commitment and faithfulness. Leviticus 7:16 states, "If, however, his offering is the result of a vow or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day he presents his sacrifice, but anything left over may be eaten on the next day."

3. Freewill Offering: It allows individuals to offer sacrifices out of their own volition, reflecting a heart of devotion and love towards God.

Ritual and Symbolism

The ritual of the peace-offering involves the slaughtering of the animal, the sprinkling of its blood on the altar, and the burning of the fat portions as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. The remaining meat is shared among the priests, the offerer, and their family, symbolizing communal fellowship and unity.

Leviticus 3:5 describes the process: "Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar, on top of the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

Theological Implications

The peace-offering highlights the importance of reconciliation and communion with God. It reflects the biblical principle that peace with God is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of a harmonious relationship. This offering foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation brought about through Jesus Christ, who is our peace (Ephesians 2:14).

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of peace-offerings finds its fulfillment in the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, believers are reconciled to God, and the need for continual animal sacrifices is abolished. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Conclusion

While the practice of peace-offerings is no longer observed in the Christian faith, its principles remain relevant. The peace-offering serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, commitment, and reconciliation with God, ultimately pointing to the perfect peace and fellowship found in Christ.Ezekiel 45:15
And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, said the Lord GOD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 2:13,14
But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Scriptural Types.
... Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the ... Leviticus is into
burnt-offerings, sin-offerings, trespass-offerings, and peace-offerings. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... And after the work of Him who came "to make reconciliation for iniquity ... which were
never merely voluntary: the burnt-offering: the peace-offerings, that were ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

The Blood of the Testament
... of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen ...
on the altar,"and towards ourselves a sense of reconciliation, thus must the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 58 1912/the blood of the testament.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... of sacrifice are unified; the distinctions of sin offerings, burnt offerings, peace
offerings, and so forth ... Paul describes as katallage or reconciliation. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 4 the epistle to.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Contradictions, apparent, reconciliation of, 543. ... of them, sin-offerings and
trespass-offerings, 598; burnt-offerings, 598; peace-offerings, 599; sacrificial ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... burnt-offering, or meat-offering, or if to offer peace-offerings thereon." And ... which,
when lifted up in devotion, points out always reconciliation with God, in ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Synoptic Gospels
... are not sin or guilt offerings, but burnt offerings and peace offerings, it is ... von
der Versohnung, 166: We put our whole faith in reconciliation into this word ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 1 the synoptic gospels.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What is a sin offering? | GotQuestions.org

What is a drink offering? | GotQuestions.org

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

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