In the Old Testament sacrificial system, peace offerings, also known as fellowship offerings, held a significant place in the worship and communal life of the Israelites. These offerings were distinct from other sacrifices in that they symbolized reconciliation and communion with God, as well as fellowship among the worshipers. The peace offering was a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and fellowship, and it was characterized by the shared meal that followed the sacrifice.

Biblical Instructions for Peace Offerings

The instructions for peace offerings are primarily found in the book of Leviticus. According to Leviticus 3, the peace offering could be taken from the herd or the flock, and it could be either male or female, but it had to be without blemish. The offerer was required to bring the animal to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle door, where the sacrifice was to be made.

The Role of the Offerer

The offerer played a crucial role in the peace offering ritual. Leviticus 3:2 states, "He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting." This act of laying hands on the animal symbolized the identification of the offerer with the sacrifice, signifying the transfer of guilt and the offerer's personal involvement in the act of worship.

The requirement for the offerer to kill the animal at the Tabernacle door underscored the personal nature of the sacrifice. It was not merely a ritual performed by the priests on behalf of the people; rather, it was an intimate act of devotion and acknowledgment of God's provision and peace. The act of slaughtering the animal was a solemn reminder of the cost of peace and reconciliation with God.

The Role of the Priests

After the offerer slaughtered the animal, the priests took over the ritual duties. Leviticus 3:2-5 continues, "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, both 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."

The priests' role was to handle the blood and the burning of the specified portions of the animal on the altar. The sprinkling of blood was a critical component of the sacrificial system, symbolizing purification and atonement. The burning of the fat and other specified parts was considered a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, signifying acceptance of the offering.

Significance of the Peace Offering

The peace offering was unique in that it was a shared meal between the offerer, the priests, and, symbolically, God Himself. Portions of the sacrifice were consumed by the priests, while the offerer and his family could partake of the remaining meat in a communal meal. This act of sharing the meal was a powerful symbol of fellowship and peace with God and among the community of believers.

The peace offering served as a reminder of God's provision and the peace that comes from being in right relationship with Him. It was an expression of gratitude, a celebration of God's blessings, and a communal act of worship that reinforced the bonds of fellowship among the people of Israel.Leviticus 3:2
And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on the altar round about.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 8:13
And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats on them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets on them; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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