Leviticus 3

I had begun posting my Leviticus comments 2 years ago but did not continue. See September October 2015. Am resuming it.

Leviticus 3

The peace offering

The word translated ‘peace’ (vs 1) is shalom or to be whole. What exactly was meant to be made whole is not clear. The NIV takes it as relationships being made whole, and so translates it as ‘fellowship’ offering. Many commentators take it as an offering to make their relationship with God whole. It is seen as an expression of their love for Yahweh. But this is similar to the free will offering and the difference is not clear. In fact Lev 19:5 says that the peace offering is to be made not as a necessity but on the freewill of the worshiper.

Others see this as an offering for physical well-being, offered when sick or in difficulties.

Leviticus 7:11-16 indicates that one of the reason for making the peace offering is thankfulness or the fulfilment of a vow. It does not exclude other reasons, but would indicate that it was linked to thankfulness or receipt of something from God. This could be healing or delivery from a difficult situation and being made whole.

This offering is to be without blemish (vs 2). Laying on of hands here signifies transferring of ourselves. Our wholeness and our relationship with God comes from the surrender of ourselves to God. Unlike the burnt offering only a part of the offering was burnt on the altar. The rest was to be eaten by the priest within the Temple and was not for his family. Probably signifying that the part of me that is being rebellious and not submissive to Yahweh is surrendered to Yahweh and our relationship made whole. In that sense it is similar to the sin offering.

All the fat around the liver and kidneys, and all the stomach fat will be burnt before on the altar. The blood signifying the life of the person making the peace offering is poured out at the base of the altar.

Unlike the burnt offering the offering here could be a male or a female animal. Also unlike the burnt offering the animal could be from the herd or the flock and not a bird.

The restrictions are repeated, identically for the other animals.

According to Lev 3:16f not only is blood prohibited as food, but also the fat from the kidneys, liver and stomach area is banned as these are to be given totally to Yahweh. This is a perpetual statute not to be changed. However in Acts 15:29 listing the prohibitions to be observed by the Gentiles fat is not mentioned, though blood is.

AUTHOR STIR

Jesus’s atoning sacrifice acts as our Peace offering and restores our relationship with God bringing healing in all areas of our life. Has this been a reality in your life?