The Peace-Offering
Lady Beaujolois Dent. Leviticus 3:1-17 And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female… I. IN THE PEACE-OFFERING we have a beautiful type of the making and bestowing peace, and thereby admitting to "fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ"; one of the most blessed privileges resulting to the Lord's people from His death. The peace-offering being the central one of the five, as set forth in the opening chapters of Leviticus, seems to tell us that peace was the central object of the Father's loving purpose when He gave His Son. His desire and design was to give His people peace. We see it as regards Israel of old (Leviticus 26:6; Numbers 6:26; 1 Chronicles 22:9), and no less in the gospel dispensation (Luke 2:14), for "when we were enemies we were reconciled..." (Romans 5:10). In the burnt-offering His people are seen as accepted worshippers; in the peace-offering both as participating in the personal result to offerer of previous offerings, and feeding on what delights the heart of God, typified by portions consumed by fire on the altar. II. MALE OR FEMALE (Leviticus 3:1, 6) were permitted in peace-offering, not male only, as in burnt-offering, which, pertaining to God alone, must be what was esteemed the highest order of offering; while in peace-offering man had a large portion, and this may account for the distinction. Some think the alternative of "male or female" indicates greater or less appreciation, estimation, or enjoyment of Christ by the worshipper; female perhaps implying deeper love, male stronger devotion. Others take it as showing how God, in His grace and love, would give every facility for approaching Him in and through Christ. And again, as the laying on of offerer's hand (vers. 2, 8, 13) tells of identification of offerer and offering, the thoughts are led to Galatians 3:28, where we read, "There is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Jesus Christ." Under the Levitical dispensation the "males" only were to go up at stated periods to worship (Exodus 23:17; Exodus 34:23); but the mention of "male or female" in the type before us seems to point onward to this dispensation, in which such distinction no longer exists; for each one, whether "male or female," who is "justified by faith," has "peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). III. THE BLOOD SPRINKLED by Aaron's sons, the priests (vers. 2, 8, 13), tells of the worshipper approaching God on the ground of reconciliation made (Romans 5:11, mar.). Jesus "made peace..." (Colossians 1:20). God calls His people to peace (1 Corinthians 7:15). He fills with (Romans 15:13), and keeps in "perfect peace" the trusting one (Isaiah 26:30). Jesus gives peace (John 14:27), for He "gave Himself" (Titus 2:14); and if we have Christ as "our life" (Colossians 3:4), "He is our Peace" (Ephesians 2:14) likewise; and dwelling in us by His Spirit, peace is "the fruit" (Galatians 5:22). IV. THE LORD'S PORTION is — not the whole, as in burnt-offering, but — the choicest parts. "The fat" with portions of inwards (Leviticus 3:3-5, 9-11, 14-16), representing the rich excellences or preciousness of the Lord Jesus (see Psalm 37:20, mar., same word as Isaiah 43:4), His truth, purity, wisdom, &c. (Psalm 51:6; John 14:6; Job 38:36; 1 Corinthians 1:24). This was typified by the burning on the altar, called "the food of the offering made..." (Leviticus 3:5, 11, 16). The burnt-offering was "continual" (Exodus 29:42; Numbers 28:6); and the peace-offering being burnt upon it tells of virtue of former, possessed by latter. The meat-offering also was offered with peace-offering, the three sweet-savour offerings together, to the full satisfaction of the Father; and giving solid ground for — V. COMMUNION OR FELLOWSHIP, to which God calls those who are "accepted in the Beloved" (1 Corinthians 1:9; Ephesians 1:6). Fellowship signifies partnership, companionship; and what treasures and blessings does this ensure (Isaiah 45:3; Colossians 2:3), as portrayed by the portions assigned to priest and offerer, graciously permitted to partake of what delights the Father's heart! This is the striking feature of peace-offering. "Breast" waved may tell of "risen with Christ" (Colossians 3:1); "shoulder" heaved, that He, who is the strength of our life (Psalm 27:1), is on high; breast representing affection, and shoulder strength of Him whose love is strong ... which many waters cannot quench" (Song of Solomon 8:6); for He is"everlasting Strength" (Isaiah 26:4). "Upon His heart" and "shoulders" Jesus bears His people (as typified in high priest's dress, Exodus 28:12, 29), now, "in the presence of God" (Hebrews 9:24), while they feast in His banqueting house under His banner "love" (Song of Solomon 2:4), and are "strengthened with might by..." (Ephesians 3:16). VI. UNLEAVENED CAKES — offered with peace-offering when for a thanksgiving (Leviticus 7:12) — tell of holy life of Jesus as inseparably connected with His death, for had He not magnified "the law and..." (Isaiah 42:21), He could not have atoned for the sins of those who had broken it. They tell also of "holiness" needed in offerer (Hebrews 12:14), and for such holiness and "fellowship" there must be abiding and walking "in the light" (John 15:4, 6; 1 John 1:6, 7; 1 John 2:6). This is further seen in what is said of — VII. LEAVEN AND UNCLEANNESS (chap. Leviticus 7:13, 20, 21). The "leavened bread" offered "besides the cakes" betokens "sin" in the offerer, never wholly eradicated while life lasts. Our best efforts are tainted by sin (Isaiah 64:6), and need the cleansing blood; but though sin is within, it is not to reign or "have dominion" over those "under grace," who, "being justified by faith in the precious blood..." (sprinkled in type by priest, chap. Leviticus 3:13), are reckoned "dead" to sin, and risen with Christ to "newness of life" (Romans 5:1, 9; Romans 6:1, 2, 4-7, 11, 12). (Lady Beaujolois Dent.) Parallel Verses KJV: And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. WEB: "'If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings; if he offers it from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before Yahweh.