Leviticus 3
Leviticus 3 describes the peace offering or the offering of shalom. Overall, it consists of regulations regarding how to offer animals (cattle, sheep, and goats), which parts of each animal are presented as the sacrifice, and how the fat and blood must be handled.
1verse“‘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 defect before the LORD.
2verseHe shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood around on the altar.
3verseHe shall offer of the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to the LORD. The fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards,
4verseand the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away.
5verseAaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to the LORD.
6verse“‘If his offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD is from the flock, either male or female, he shall offer it without defect.
7verseIf he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before the LORD;
8verseand he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar.
9verseHe shall offer from the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to the LORD; its fat, the entire tail fat, he shall take away close to the backbone; and the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on the entrails,
10verseand the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away.
11verseThe priest shall burn it on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire to the LORD.
12verse“‘If his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.
13verseHe shall lay his hand on its head, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting; and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar.
14verseHe shall offer from it as his offering, an offering made by fire to the LORD; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards,
15verseand the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away.
16verseThe priest shall burn them on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma; all the fat is the LORD’s.
17verse“‘It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings, that you shall eat neither fat nor blood.’”
Flow of the Passage
- Verses 1–5: These verses give regulations for offering an animal from the herd, whether male or female, as a peace offering. Certain fatty portions and internal organs, including the kidneys and the lobe of the liver, are removed and burned on the altar.
- Verses 6–11: These verses give regulations for offering a sheep. They are similar to the earlier section, but the fat tail is mentioned in detail.
- Verses 12–16: These verses explain the method for offering a goat. The procedure is similar, while still giving details suited to the animal being offered.
- Verses 16–17: The chapter concludes with the command that the fat and the blood must not be eaten. This is declared as a lasting statute to be observed throughout the generations.
The Overall Meaning of Leviticus 3
The peace offering signifies reconciliation and peace with God, as well as fellowship between the worshiper, the priests, and the community. Unlike the burnt offering, in which the whole animal is burned, only certain portions such as the fat are presented to God, while other portions are shared. Through this, the peace offering carries symbolic meaning for restored relationship, gratitude, and shared fellowship.
Meditation Points
- As we come before God, let us examine whether we are approaching Him with purity and sincerity.
- Let us think about what kind of “place of peace” we are building in our relationships and community.
Applying It to Yourself
- Today, practice worship and action that offer gratitude to God and seek peace.
- Make a specific commitment about how you can practice reconciliation, peace, and sharing with others.
