Berean Study Bible Laws for Peace OfferingsThe peace offering, or fellowship offering, was voluntary and expressed thanksgiving, the fulfillment of a vow, or joyful communion with God. Unlike sin and guilt offerings, it was not chiefly concerned with atonement but with celebrating restored fellowship in God’s presence. Lev 7:11-15 Now this is the law of the peace offering… and he offers an animal from the herd, A bull or cow represented a costly gift from the worshiper’s livelihood, since cattle were valuable possessions in Israel’s agrarian society. Lev 1:2-3 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When any of you”… whether male or female, Either sex was acceptable, making the offering available from the animals a household possessed. Lev 4:32 If, however, he brings a lamb as a sin offering,… he must present it without blemish What was given to the LORD was to be whole and sound, honoring His holiness and anticipating the perfect sacrifice of Christ. Lev 1:10 If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering… before the LORD. The animal was brought to the appointed place of worship, where the offerer came consciously into God’s presence and presented the sacrifice to Him. Exo 29:42 For the generations to come, this burnt offering… He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering The worshiper identified personally with the sacrifice presented before the LORD, acknowledging that fellowship with God required the death of an innocent substitute. Lev 1:4 He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering,… and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. The animal was killed at the sanctuary entrance, where Israel approached God in worship and where the altar stood as the appointed place of atonement and fellowship. Exo 29:11 And you shall slaughter the bull before the LORD… Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splatter the blood on all sides of the altar. The priests applied the blood to the altar, marking the life given in sacrifice and consecrating the offering to God. The rite anticipated Christ’s sacrificial death, by which sinners are cleansed and brought into peace with God. Lev 1:5 And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD,… From the peace offering The peace offering expressed thanksgiving, fulfillment of a vow, or a voluntary gift of devotion. It celebrated restored fellowship with the LORD, while much of the animal was shared in a sacred meal by the worshiper, priest, and family. Lev 7:11-15 Now this is the law of the peace offering… he is to bring a food offering to the LORD: A designated portion was placed on the altar and consumed by fire as the LORD’s portion. The offering acknowledged that the worshiper’s peace, provision, and acceptance came from God. Lev 2:1 “When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD,… the fat that covers the entrails, The inward fat was reserved exclusively for the LORD. As the richest portion of the animal, it represented the best being given to Him. Exo 29:13 Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe… all the fat that is on them, Nothing of the prescribed fat was withheld. The complete offering of this portion reflected the worshiper’s full acknowledgment of the LORD’s rightful claim and anticipated Christ’s complete sacrifice for His people. Lev 4:9 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins,… both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, These choice portions were removed from the animal and presented on the altar. The fat was regarded as the richest portion and belonged to the LORD, while the kidneys represented the hidden inner life of the worshiper. Their offering expressed wholehearted devotion and the acknowledgment that the best belongs to God. Lev 7:4 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins,… and the lobe of the liver, The lobe of the liver was also designated for the altar. Along with the fat and kidneys, it formed part of the offering burned by the priest as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. Exo 29:13 Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe… which he is to remove with the kidneys. The prescribed removal of these portions showed that worship was to follow God’s instructions carefully. Nothing was left to personal preference; the sacrifice was offered according to the holy order God had established. Lev 8:16 Moses also took all the fat that was on the entrails,… Then Aaron’s sons Aaron’s descendants served as priests, carrying out the duties God assigned to Aaron’s household at the tabernacle. Their role guarded the holiness of the sacrificial service and provided an orderly means for Israel to approach the LORD. Exo 28:1 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you… are to burn it on the altar The priests burned the fat portions of the peace offering, which belonged wholly to the LORD. Fire consumed what was set apart for God, marking the offering as His. Lev 1:17 He shall tear it open by its wings, without dividing…… atop the burnt offering The fat of the peace offering was placed upon the regular burnt offering already on the altar. The arrangement showed that fellowship with God rested upon atonement and consecration. Exo 29:25 Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar… that is on the burning wood, The altar fire was maintained continually, and the wood sustained the sacrifices offered throughout the day. Israel’s worship was not occasional or improvised but carried out according to God’s commands. Lev 1:7 The sons of Aaron the priest shall put a fire on the altar… as a food offering, The offering was presented to God as His portion of the sacrifice. Though God does not require food, the sacrifice pictured His acceptance of worship and communion with His people. Exo 29:41 And offer the second lamb at twilight, with the same grain… a pleasing aroma to the LORD. The LORD received the offering when it was brought in faith and obedience. The rising smoke represented the acceptance of the sacrifice offered according to His instruction. Lev 1:9 The entrails and legs must be washed with water,… If, however, one’s peace offering to the LORD is from the flock, The peace offering was a voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving, fellowship, and peace with God. Sheep and goats were common possessions in Israel’s agrarian society, allowing worshipers to bring an offering from the resources God had provided. Lev 22:21 When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD… he must present a male or female Either sex was acceptable for this offering, unlike certain sacrifices with stricter requirements. The provision enabled broad participation in worship while maintaining the prescribed standards for approaching the LORD. Lev 1:10 If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering… without blemish. The animal had to be whole and free from defect, honoring God’s holiness and demonstrating that He deserved the best of the worshiper’s flock. Its perfection also pointed forward to Christ, the sinless sacrifice offered for sinners. Lev 22:20 You must not present anything with a defect… If he is presenting a lamb for his offering, If he is presenting a lamb for his offering, the worshiper brings it as a peace offering—a voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving, fellowship, or the fulfillment of a vow before God. The lamb’s innocence and value made it a fitting sacrifice, anticipating Christ, the Lamb of God, who gave Himself for sin. Num 6:14 he is to present an offering to the LORD… he must present it “He must present it” reminds me that I cannot approach God casually or merely by custom. Worship and reconciliation with Him require a deliberate, reverent response. Lev 1:3 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd,… before the LORD. The sacrifice was brought into God’s appointed place of worship, acknowledging His holiness and His presence among His people. Lev 1:11 He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar… He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering By placing his hand on the animal, the worshiper identified personally with the sacrifice presented before God. The offering stood in his place, bearing the cost required for fellowship and peace with the Lord. Lev 1:4 He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering,… and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. The animal was killed at the entrance to the Tabernacle, where God made His dwelling known among Israel. The sacrifice was not a private act but a holy approach to God according to His appointed order. Exo 29:11 And you shall slaughter the bull before the LORD… Then Aaron’s sons shall splatter its blood on all sides of the altar. The priests applied the blood to the altar because life belonged to God and blood made atonement. Their service showed that access to God required a mediator, anticipating the perfect priestly work and sacrifice of Christ. Lev 1:5 And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD,… And from the peace offering he shall bring a food offering to the LORD The peace offering expressed thanksgiving, fulfilled vows, and joyful fellowship with God. Unlike offerings wholly consumed on the altar, it was shared between the Lord, the priests, and the worshiper, marking peace established through sacrifice. Lev 7:11-12 Now this is the law of the peace offering… consisting of its fat: The fat was regarded as the richest and best portion of the animal and belonged exclusively to the LORD. Giving it to God acknowledged His rightful claim over the best of His provision. Exo 29:13 Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe… the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, Fat-tailed sheep were common in the region, and the tail was a valuable portion. Its complete removal showed that no prized part of the sacrifice was withheld. Exo 29:22 Take the fat from the ram, the fat tail,… the fat that covers the entrails, The inward portions of the animal were set apart for the altar, representing a sacrifice offered wholly and sincerely before God. Lev 8:16-17 Moses also took all the fat that was on the entrails,… all the fat that is on them, The repeated instruction emphasizes careful obedience and complete dedication. The choicest portions were burned to the LORD, foreshadowing the perfect and complete offering of Christ. Lev 4:8-10 Then he shall remove all the fat from the bull… both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, The kidneys and surrounding fat were reserved for the LORD as the choicest portions of the peace offering. In Scripture, the kidneys often represent a person’s hidden thoughts and inner life, while the fat represented richness and abundance. Their presentation acknowledged that the worshiper belonged wholly to God, including what was inward and unseen. Exo 29:13 Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe… and the lobe of the liver, This portion was also removed and offered on the altar with the fat. Including these vital internal parts showed the completeness and care required in the sacrifice. Nothing offered to God was treated casually or left to human preference. Lev 4:8-9 Then he shall remove all the fat from the bull… which he is to remove with the kidneys. The worshiper was to follow God’s instructions precisely, and the priest presented these designated portions on the altar. The careful separation of what belonged to the LORD emphasized His holiness and the need to approach Him according to His appointed way. Lev 7:3-4 And all the fat from it shall be offered: the fat tail… Then the priest is to burn them on the altar The priest placed the fat portions of the peace offering on the altar, where they were consumed by fire as the Lord commanded. Burning them marked their complete consecration to God and affirmed that atonement and fellowship with Him required an appointed mediator. Lev 6:12-13 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning;… as food, God did not require physical nourishment from the sacrifice. The offering was called food because it was received as His allotted portion, expressing Israel’s covenant fellowship and reverence. Num 28:2 Command the Israelites and say to them: See that… a food offering The sacrifice rose before the Lord as an offering made by fire. Its costly portions belonged to Him, acknowledging His holiness and His provision for His people. Lev 2:16 The priest shall then burn the memorial portion… to the LORD. The offering was given to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, alone. Its acceptance depended on worship being offered according to His command, pointing ultimately to Christ, whose sacrifice fully satisfied God’s righteous requirements. Exo 29:18 Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering… If one’s offering is a goat, If one’s offering was a goat, it could be brought as a peace offering. Readily available to many Israelite households, the goat could be male or female but had to be without defect, reflecting the holiness of the God to whom it was offered. Lev 4:23 When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed,… he is to present it The worshiper personally brought the animal to the sanctuary, identifying with the offering and acknowledging that fellowship with God required sacrifice. The priest then carried out the appointed rites on the worshiper’s behalf. Lev 1:3 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd,… before the LORD. The offering was made at the entrance of the tabernacle, where the LORD had placed His name among Israel. The peace offering expressed restored fellowship, thanksgiving, or a voluntary vow in the presence of God. Deu 16:16 Three times a year all your men appear before the LORD… He must lay his hand on its head The offerer identified personally with the animal presented as a peace offering, acknowledging that he approached God through the appointed sacrifice. The animal died in the worshiper’s place, demonstrating that fellowship with a holy God required the shedding of blood. Lev 1:4 He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering,… and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. The animal was killed at the entrance to the sanctuary, where Israel gathered before the Lord. The public act showed that sacrifice was not a private matter but part of God’s covenant worship and provision for reconciliation. Exo 29:11 And you shall slaughter the bull before the LORD… Then Aaron’s sons shall splatter its blood on all sides of the altar. The priests applied the blood to the altar because blood represented life given in sacrifice. By carrying out this duty, they consecrated the offering before the Lord and upheld the order He established for worship. Lev 1:11 He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar… And from his offering he shall present a food offering to the LORD: From the peace offering, the worshiper presented the portions God had appointed as a food offering for the altar. The sacrifice expressed fellowship with the LORD, and its burning acknowledged that He alone was worthy to receive the best portion. Exo 29:18 Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering… the fat that covers the entrails, The fat surrounding the internal organs belonged exclusively to the LORD. As the richest part of the animal, it was set apart for the altar rather than eaten by the worshiper or priests. Exo 29:13 Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe… all the fat that is on them, Every designated portion of fat was to be offered, leaving nothing withheld. The detailed instructions guarded Israel’s worship from personal preference and established obedience to God’s command as essential to sacrificial fellowship. Lev 7:3-4 And all the fat from it shall be offered: the fat tail… both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, The kidneys and surrounding fat were removed from the goat as portions reserved for the LORD. Fat represented the richest part of the animal and belonged exclusively to God, while the kidneys, hidden deep within the body, represented the offerer’s inward life. Lev 4:9 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins,… and the lobe of the liver, The lobe of the liver was included with the fat and kidneys as part of the offering placed on the altar. These carefully designated portions showed that the peace offering was presented according to God’s command, not human preference. Exo 29:13 Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe… which he is to remove with the kidneys. The priest removed these parts together and burned them on the altar. The prescribed act emphasized reverence, obedience, and the complete dedication of the offering to the LORD. Lev 7:4 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins,… Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar The priest placed the designated fat portions on the altar, where they were consumed by fire before the LORD. In the peace offering, the worshiper and priests received portions of the animal, but the fat belonged exclusively to God. The altar at the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, marked the appointed place where Israel approached Him through sacrifice. Lev 1:9 The entrails and legs must be washed with water,… as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. The offering was accepted when it was brought according to God’s command. Its aroma rising from the altar portrayed worship received by the LORD, not because He needed food, but because He had provided this means for fellowship and atonement among His people. Lev 2:2 and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests.… All the fat is the LORD’s. Fat represented the richest portion of the sacrifice and was reserved for God alone. Israel was not to treat what belonged to Him as common, but to honor Him with the best portion of the offering. Lev 7:25 If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which… This is a permanent statute God established this command as an enduring requirement for Israel’s worship and daily life. It reinforced His holiness and called His people to honor the boundaries He set. Lev 16:29 This is to be a permanent statute for you:… for the generations to come, Each generation was responsible to preserve and obey God’s commands, teaching them within the household and community so that Israel would remain faithful to Him. Exo 12:17 So you are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread,… wherever you live: The command applied to Israelites in every place they lived, not only at the sanctuary or within the land of Israel. Their covenant identity was to shape their conduct wherever they resided. Lev 23:21 On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly,… You must not eat any fat The fat of sacrificial animals belonged to the Lord and was burned on the altar as His portion. Reserving the richest part for God acknowledged His provision and His rightful claim over His people’s offerings. Lev 7:23 “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat… or any blood.” Blood was forbidden because it represented life and was appointed by God for atonement at the altar. Israel was to treat life as sacred and recognize that forgiveness required the giving of life. Lev 17:10 If anyone from the house of Israel or a foreigner… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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