Leviticus 3:1-5 And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female… We may get a clear conception of the peace offering by noticing the points of difference between it and the burnt offering described in the first chapter of this book. I. IT DIFFERS IN ITS TITLE. 1. The burnt offering is in the Hebrew called (עולה) olah. (1) This term comes from (עלה) alah, to ascend. The reason is that the whole animal was converted, by the action of the fire of the altar, into flame and sparks, vapour and smoke, in which forms it rose from the altar, and as it were ascended to God. (2) It described the completeness in which Christ offered himself to God in the flames of the "spirit of burning" (Hebrews 9:14). (3) It also sets forth how completely we should devote ourselves as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1), and how constantly our thoughts and affections should rise into the heavens (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1-3). 2. This is called (שׁלמים) shelamin. (1) The verb from which this noun is derived is (שׁלם) shalem, to complete or make whole; and the noun is well rendered peace offering. (2) It was, therefore, considered as making up that which was lacking in the sinner, in order to reconcile him to God. In cases of distress, peace offerings as well as burnt offerings were offered up (Judges 20:26). So are we "reconciled to God by the death of his Son." (3) In making covenants, or entering into the covenant, peace offerings were associated with burnt offerings in like manner (Exodus 24:5). Paul manifestly alludes to the peace offering in Ephesians 2:14-19. "He is our peace" is equivalent to saying, "He is our peace offering." II. IT DIFFERS IN ITS VICTIMS. 1. In respect to the kinds. (1) Three classes of animal were specified as proper for the holocaust: there were those of the herd; there were those of the flock; and there were those of the fowls. (2) In the peace offering there are only two. Animals from the herd and from the flock are specified, but there is no mention of turtle-doves or young pigeons here. The reason of this is that it would be difficult to treat fowls as peace offerings were treated in relation to the fat; and the animals are so small that if divided as peace offerings the portions would be small. There is thoughtful consideration for the welfare of his people in all the laws of God. 2. In respect to the sexes. (1) The animals devoted as burnt offerings were males. This is specified in relation to the burnt offering of the herd. Also to that of the flock. Masculine pronouns are used in relation to that of the fowls. The neuter, "it," verse 15, should have been rendered" him" (see Hebrew text). (2) In respect to the peace offering, the matter of sex is optional. (3) The reason may be this. The burnt offering appears to have been partly an expression of adoration, in which it is proper to give to God all our strength and excellence. The peace offering was divided between God, the priests, and the offerer. Here, then, was a feast of friendship, and the sexes are helpful to our friendships. III. IT DIFFERS IN THE TREATMENT OF ITS VICTIMS. 1. There were points of agreement here. (1) The offering must be without blemish. Acceptable service must be without blemish, and this can only be rendered to God through Christ (Jude 1:24, 25). (2) The hand of the offerer must be laid on the head of the offering. This was intended as a solemn transfer of sin, and acknowledgment that the suffering is vicarious. How graphically expressive of the faith of the sinner in the great Saviour! (3) The sacrifice must be killed at the door of the tabernacle. Christ is the door. There is no other entrance into the holy place of his Church on earth but by him. The holy led to the holiest. If we do not belong to his spiritual Church on earth, we cannot belong to his glorious Church in heaven. There was a visible Church near, but still, in the bulk of its members, outside the door! Still there are multitudes only in the outer courts. (4) The blood must be sprinkled upon the altar round about. It is by the blood of Jesus that we enter the "new and living way." 2. But there were points of difference. (1) Instead of the holocaust the fat only was offered here (verses 3-5). The fat in the peace offering appears to correspond to the oil in the meat offering. (2) In this view it will represent those graces of the mind which are the fruits of the Spirit. (3) Burnt offerings and peace offerings were consumed together (verse 5). The great sacrifice of Christ prepares the altar for sacrifices of praise. These were not accepted till we were reconciled through him. - J.A.M. Parallel Verses KJV: And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. |
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