Leviticus 7:13

Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of leavened bread.

Study Bible

Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving
The phrase "peace offering" comes from the Hebrew word "שֶׁלֶם" (shelem), which is related to "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), meaning peace, completeness, or welfare. This offering symbolizes reconciliation and fellowship with God, reflecting a state of peace between the offerer and the Divine. The "thanksgiving" aspect, or "תּוֹדָה" (todah), emphasizes gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision and blessings. Historically, peace offerings were communal meals shared with family and the community, fostering unity and shared joy in God's presence.

he is to present an offering
The act of presenting an offering is a deliberate and conscious act of worship. The Hebrew root "קָרַב" (qarab) means to draw near or approach, signifying the offerer's desire to come closer to God. This act of presentation is not merely ritualistic but is a heartfelt expression of devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. It underscores the importance of intentionality in worship, where the physical act of offering mirrors the spiritual act of drawing near to God.

with cakes of leavened bread
The inclusion of "leavened bread" in this offering is significant. Leaven, or yeast, often symbolizes sin or corruption in the Bible, yet here it is included in the thanksgiving offering. This suggests that God accepts the worship of imperfect people, acknowledging human imperfection while still inviting them into His presence. The Hebrew word for cakes, "חַלּוֹת" (challot), indicates a specific type of bread, often associated with festivity and celebration. This inclusion highlights the celebratory nature of the peace offering, where the joy of fellowship with God transcends human imperfection. Historically, the use of leavened bread in offerings was unique to the peace offering, setting it apart as a symbol of communal joy and thanksgiving.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions for offerings.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws and instructions for offerings were given.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God and performed sacrifices during their journey in the wilderness.

4. Peace Offering
A type of sacrifice in the Levitical system, symbolizing fellowship and thanksgiving to God.

5. Leavened Bread
Bread made with yeast, which is unusual in offerings as most were unleavened, symbolizing the inclusion of everyday life in worship.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Leaven
While leaven often symbolizes sin, its inclusion here represents the fullness of life and the everyday aspects of human experience being offered to God.

Thanksgiving in Worship
The peace offering of thanksgiving emphasizes the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. It reminds us to acknowledge His provision and blessings.

Holistic Worship
The combination of unleavened and leavened bread in offerings suggests that worship should encompass all aspects of life, both sacred and secular.

Community and Fellowship
Peace offerings were often shared meals, symbolizing community and fellowship among believers and with God.

Christ as Our Peace Offering
In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the ultimate peace offering, reconciling us to God and inviting us into a life of gratitude and fellowship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the inclusion of leavened bread in the peace offering challenge or enhance your understanding of worship?

2. In what ways can you incorporate thanksgiving into your daily life, reflecting the spirit of the peace offering?

3. How does the concept of holistic worship, as seen in the peace offering, apply to your current spiritual practices?

4. What parallels can you draw between the peace offering in Leviticus and the New Testament teachings on thanksgiving and praise?

5. How can the idea of community and fellowship in the peace offering influence your relationships within your church or faith community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Discusses the Passover and the use of unleavened bread, contrasting with the inclusion of leavened bread in the peace offering.

Leviticus 2
Provides details on grain offerings, typically unleavened, highlighting the unique nature of the peace offering.

Hebrews 13
Encourages believers to offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, connecting the Old Testament offerings to New Testament worship.

1 Corinthians 5
Discusses leaven as a symbol of sin, providing a deeper understanding of its symbolic use in offerings.

Psalm 107
A psalm of thanksgiving, reflecting the spirit of gratitude inherent in the peace offering.