The peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. It is primarily detailed in the book of Leviticus, which serves as a manual for the Levitical priesthood and the Israelites in their worship and relationship with God. The peace offering is unique in its purpose and execution, symbolizing reconciliation, thanksgiving, and communal fellowship with God.

Scriptural Basis

The regulations for peace offerings from the herd are primarily found in Leviticus 3:1-5 and Leviticus 7:11-21. These passages provide detailed instructions on how the Israelites were to present their offerings to the Lord.

Leviticus 3:1-5 :
"If his 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 the 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, and the two kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, 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 within the Israelite community. It was a voluntary act of worship, expressing gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His blessings and provision. It also symbolized peace and reconciliation between the offerer and God, as well as among the community members. The offering was a communal meal, with portions shared between the priests, the offerer, and their family, signifying fellowship and unity.

Requirements and Rituals

1. Animal Selection: The offering could be a male or female animal from the herd, but it had to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection in the worshiper's approach to God.

2. Laying on of Hands: The offerer was required to lay hands on the animal's head, signifying identification with the sacrifice and the transfer of sin or thanksgiving.

3. Slaughter and Blood Ritual: The animal was slaughtered at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and the priests would sprinkle its blood around the altar. The blood, representing life, was a crucial element in the atonement and reconciliation process.

4. Burning of Fat and Organs: Specific parts of the animal, including the fat covering the entrails, kidneys, and liver lobe, were burned on the altar. This act was considered a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, symbolizing the offerer's devotion and God's acceptance.

5. Consumption of the Offering: Unlike other offerings, the peace offering allowed for the consumption of the remaining meat by the offerer and their family, fostering a sense of community and shared worship.

Theological Implications

The peace offering underscores the importance of holiness, gratitude, and community in the life of the believer. It reflects the desire for a harmonious relationship with God and others, achieved through obedience and sacrificial worship. The offering prefigures the ultimate peace and reconciliation brought through Jesus Christ, who is the perfect and final sacrifice, establishing eternal peace between God and humanity.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the principles behind the peace offering encourage a life of gratitude, fellowship, and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with a pure heart and maintaining harmonious relationships within the community of faith.