1. quod si hostia pacificorum fuerit ejus oblatio et de bubus voluerit offerre marem sive feminam inmaculata offeret coram Domino
2. ponetque manum super caput victimæ suæ quæ immolabitur in introitu tabernaculi fundentque filii Aaron sacerdotes sanguinem per circuitum altaris
3. et offerent de hostia pacificorum in oblationem Domini adipem qui operit vitalia et quicquid pinguedinis intrinsecus est
4. duos renes cum adipe quo teguntur ilia et reticulum jecoris cum renunculis
5. adolebuntque ea super altare in holocaustum lignis igne subposito in oblationem suavissimi odoris Domino
6. si vero de ovibus fuerit ejus oblatio et pacificorum hostia sive masculum sive feminam obtulerit inmaculata erunt
7. si agnum obtulerit coram Domino
8. ponet manum super caput victimæ suæ quæ immolabitur in vestibulo tabernaculi testimonii fundentque filii Aaron sanguinem ejus per altaris circuitum
9. et offerent de pacificorum hostia sacrificium Domino adipem et caudam totam
10. cum renibus et pinguedinem quæ operit ventrem atque universa vitalia et utrumque renunculum cum adipe qui est juxta ilia reticulumque jecoris cum renunculis
11. et adolebit ea sacerdos super altare in pabulum ignis et oblationis Domini
12. si capra fuerit ejus oblatio et obtulerit eam Domino
13. ponet manum suam super caput ejus immolabitque eam in introitu tabernaculi testimonii et fundent filii Aaron sanguinem ejus per altaris circuitum
14. tollentque ex ea in pastum ignis dominici adipem qui operit ventrem et qui tegit universa vitalia
15. duos renunculos cum reticulo qui est super eos juxta ilia et arvinam jecoris cum renunculis
16. adolebitque ea sacerdos super altare in alimoniam ignis et suavissimi odoris omnis adeps Domini erit
17. jure perpetuo in generationibus et cunctis habitaculis vestris nec adipes nec sanguinem omnino comedetis
Footnotes:
3:1-5 - The peace offering was a sacrifice of communion, celebrating peace between God and man. The blood, which represented life, was to be poured around the altar as a sign of atonement (see also Romans 5:1 and Ephesians 2:14-15).
3:6-11 - As with the burnt offering, the animal offered had to be without defect. This emphasizes the need for purity and integrity in worship, reflecting God's holiness (see also 1 Peter 1:18-19 and Malachi 1:14).
3:12-16 - The fat of the animal, considered the best part, was to be offered to the Lord. This reflects the principle that the best of our lives and offerings belongs to God (see also Proverbs 3:9-10 and 1 Samuel 15:22).
03:17 - God forbids the consumption of fat and blood, indicating the sanctity of these elements in the sacrificial context. Blood is life, and life belongs to God and is consecrated to Him (see also Leviticus 17:11 and Acts 15:29).
03:16 - The fire on the altar burns continually, consuming the fat of the peace offering, representing the perpetual commitment to worship and fellowship with God (see also Leviticus 6:13 and Revelation 8:3-4).
Verses related to Liber Leviticus, 3:
Leviticus chapter 3 explains the peace offering. How does this sacrifice promote communion with God? This detailed text describes the procedures for peace offerings of cattle, sheep, and goats. The chapter emphasizes the participation of the offerer, the sprinkling of the blood, and the burning of the fat as God's part. Leviticus 3 presents the peace offering as a means of expressing gratitude and seeking communion with the Divine. Ponder with us five biblical passages that reveal the deep meaning of this act of worship and reconciliation.
Hebrews 13:15: "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that confess his name." - This verse reinterprets the peace sacrifice of Leviticus 3 as a sacrifice of spiritual praise.
1 John 1:3: "We announce to you what we saw and heard so that you too may have communion with us. Our communion is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." - The idea of fellowship in this verse reflects the purpose of the peace sacrifice in Leviticus 3, which was shared between the offerer, the priest, and God.
Romans 5:1: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." - Paul speaks of peace with God, which was symbolized by the peace sacrifice in Leviticus 3.
Colossians 1:20: "and through him reconcile to himself all things, both things on earth and things in heaven, making peace through his blood shed on the cross." - This verse presents Christ's sacrifice as the supreme fulfillment of the peace sacrifice of Leviticus 3.
Ephesians 2:14: "For he is our peace, who made the two one and destroyed the barrier, the wall of hostility," - Paul describes Christ as our peace, echoing the purpose of the peace sacrifice in Leviticus 3.
FAQ:
What was the peace offering mentioned in Leviticus 3?
The peace offering was a voluntary fellowship sacrifice, symbolizing harmony between God and the offerer, with part of the sacrifice being consumed as a meal. (Leviticus 3:1)
What animals were allowed for the peace offering?
The permitted animals included oxen, sheep, and goats, but, as with other offerings, they had to be without defect and sacrificed according to the regulations. (Leviticus 3:1, 6, 12)
What was the role of fat in the peace offering?
The fat, considered the richest part of the animal, was offered to God on the altar, symbolizing that the best of the sacrifice belonged to the Lord. (Leviticus 3:3-5)
What was the meaning of the peace offering?
The peace offering symbolized fellowship and gratitude, representing the harmony between God, the priest, and the offerer in a sacred meal. (Leviticus 3:1-5)
Why was communion important in the peace offering?
The peace offering reflected the importance of fellowship between God and His people, symbolizing the unity and gratitude shared in a sacred meal. (Leviticus 3:1-17)
