Leviticus 3
Leviticus 3:1: Law of the Peace-Offering This passage introduces the rules for the peace-offering. Unlike burnt-offerings, which are completely burned to honor God’s perfection, peace-offerings are shared between God, the priests, and the worshipper. The peace-offering shows friendship and fellowship between God and His people. It can be given as a prayer for blessings or as a thank-you for good things received. Through the peace-offering, people celebrate their relationship with God and thank Him for His kindness. The offering also points to Jesus Christ, who is our true peace and brings us close to God.v. 1: If the peace-offering is from the herd, the animal must be without blemish. It can be male or female, unlike the burnt-offering, because God looks at the heart, not gender (v. 1; Galatians 3:28 a). v. 2: The person bringing the offering must put his hand on the animal’s head to show he is giving it to God. This act can be a way to say thanks for blessings or to pray for something needed. The animal is killed at the door of the tabernacle, showing that all prayers and thanks go to God through His chosen way. This points to Jesus, who said, “I am the door” (John 10:9 b). The priest then sprinkles the blood on the altar, because blood is needed to make peace with God. Even when giving thanks, people must remember to seek forgiveness for their sins (Hosea 14:2 c). v. 3-5: The fat parts of the animal—the fat inside, the kidneys, and the fat covering them—are removed and burned on the altar as an offering to God (v. 3-5 d). This burning is done on top of the daily burnt-offering, showing that peace with God comes after forgiveness. The fat represents the best and most valuable part, showing that our best feelings and thoughts should be given to God. It also teaches that we must let go of sinful desires and let God’s grace clean our hearts (Colossians 3:5; Isaiah 4:4 e). The rest of the animal is shared with the priests and the worshippers, as explained later in Leviticus 7:11-34 f. – – Leviticus 3:6: Peace-Offering—Sheep or Goat This passage gives specific rules for peace-offerings when a sheep or a goat is used. Birds like turtle-doves or pigeons, which were allowed for burnt-offerings, could not be used for peace-offerings because they do not have enough fat to burn on the altar. The instructions for offering a lamb or goat are very similar to those given for a bull. There are a few differences and lessons about what parts belong to God and what this teaches about honoring Him. – – v. 9: When a sheep is used for a peace-offering, the whole fat tail (the rump) and the fat from inside the animal must be burned on the altar (v. 9 g). In that region, sheep had very large and fatty tails. Even something that may seem unimportant, like the rump, can become special when it is given to God. This is a reminder that God honors what is dedicated to Him, just as He gives more honor to less important parts of the body (1 Corinthians 12:23-24 h). – v. 11, 16: The fat burned on the altar is called the "food of the offering" (v. 11, 16 i). It feeds the holy fire, and is pleasing to God, just as food is pleasing to us. The offerings on the altar are like a table where God receives gifts from His people, similar to how King Solomon provided food for his court (1 Kings 4:22-28 j). – – – – v. 16: There is a general rule that "all the fat is the Lord's" (v. 16 k). This means the special fat from sacrifices always belongs to God. People must not eat this fat, even at home, to show respect for what is holy. v. 17: The people are told not to eat fat or blood anywhere, not even in their own houses (v. 17 l). The fat that is mixed with meat, which people normally eat, is allowed (Nehemiah 8:10 m), but the special fat from the inwards is always for God. This rule keeps the altar special, so God's table is not treated as ordinary (Malachi 1:7, 12 n).Blood is also never to be eaten. This is because blood makes atonement and belongs to God. Pagan nations drank blood in their sacrifices (Psalm 16:4 o), but God’s people must not treat blood as a common thing (Hebrews 10:29 p). Only God receives the honor for making atonement. All praise for forgiveness and peace goes to Him alone.
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