Lev 3:1 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Lev 3:1-17: 3:1-17 The peace offering (Hebrew shelem ) expressed worship through fellowship with the Lord and with others. The Hebrew word is from the same root as shalom , which speaks of wholeness, well-being, harmony, and peace. Shalom means more than a cessation of hostilities between God and the worshiper; it implies a bond of harmonious fellowship. The peace offering was therefore a shared meal celebrating fellowship with God and others (cp. Exod 18:12 ; 24:9-11 ; 1 Sam 9:15-24 ). It could be presented as an expression of thanks (Lev 7:12-15 ), as a voluntary offering, or in fulfillment of a vow (7:16-18 ; 22:21 ). Peace offerings often followed whole burnt offerings (e.g., 1 Kgs 9:25 ), showing that fellowship with God follows atonement. When we have experienced atonement through Christ, we are able to be at peace with God and with each other (see Acts 2:42 ; 10:36 ; Rom 5:1 ; 1 Cor 10:16 ; 11:17-34 ; 2 Cor 5:18-21 ). 3:1 a male or a female: The whole burnt offering allowed only the use of male animals because it made atonement (1:3 , 10 ). The less formal peace offering permitted both male and female animals (see also 4:28 , 32 ). • no defects: The sacrificial animals had to be healthy. The only exception was the voluntary offering, for which a slight blemish was permissible (22:23 ).

Summary for Lev 3:1-17: 3:1-17 ^a The peace offering (Hebrew shelem) expressed worship through fellowship with the Lord and with others. The Hebrew word is from the same root as shalom, which speaks of wholeness, well-being, harmony, and peace. Shalom means more than a cessation of hostilities between God and the worshiper; it implies a bond of harmonious fellowship. The peace offering was therefore a shared meal celebrating fellowship with God and others (cp. Exod 18:12 ^b; 24:9-11 ^c; 1 Sam 9:15-24 ^d). It could be presented as an expression of thanks (Lev 7:12-15 ^e), as a voluntary offering, or in fulfillment of a vow (7:16-18 ^f; 22:21 ^g). Peace offerings often followed whole burnt offerings (e.g., 1 Kgs 9:25 ^h), showing that fellowship with God follows atonement. When we have experienced atonement through Christ, we are able to be at peace with God and with each other (see Acts 2:42 ⁱ; 10:36 ^j; Rom 5:1 ^k; 1 Cor 10:16 ^l; 11:17-34 ^m; 2 Cor 5:18-21 ⁿ). 3:1 ^o a male or a female: The whole burnt offering allowed only the use of male animals because it made atonement (1:3 ^p, 10 ^q). The less formal peace offering permitted both male and female animals (see also 4:28 ^r, 32 ^s).

• no defects: The sacrificial animals had to be healthy. The only exception was the voluntary offering, for which a slight blemish was permissible (22:23 ^t).