Bible Pathways 2/3/2001
February 3
Leviticus 7 -- 8
Peace is a gift that God bestows as a result of being faithful to what He requires. And this is the Law of the Sacrifice of Peace Offerings, which he shall offer to the Lord. If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried. . . . Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the Sacrifice of Peace Offerings, which pertain to the Lord, even that soul shall be cut off from his people (Leviticus 7:11-12,21).
This Peace Offering was the only offering shared by three parties. First, the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast . . . and the right shoulder you shall give to the priest (7:31-32) and all that was left was eaten by the offerer and his family. The Peace Offering took place within the court of the Tabernacle, which foreshadowed the Church, a reminder that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).
The Peace Offering could be brought for answers to prayer, in connection with a vow, or as a voluntary act of thanksgiving. Peace Offerings were always accompanied by Meat Offerings (Numbers 15:4; Deuteronomy 12:5-7). The Peace Offering was not required, but strict regulations had to be followed. To offer a Peace Offering, the offerer laid his hand upon the head of his offering, and killed it (Leviticus 3:2). The priest burned the fat on the altar as God's portion. The fat was always God's portion and was never to be eaten by man, for whoever eats the fat . . . shall be cut off from his people (7:25).
The Sacrifice for the Peace Offering was to be a bullock (Leviticus 9:3-4), ox (Exodus 20:24; 24:5), goat, or lamb, but birds were not acceptable for a Peace Offering. The animal had to be unblemished, characteristic of the perfect, sinless Christ.
In all the offerings, the Lord's portion was presented first. This points out that we are never to give the Lord whatever is left over after every other desire is met. He is to be given His tithe first from all income. Furthermore, a right relationship with God results in love and peace in fellowship with other believers. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
The Peace Offering expressed a peaceful relationship with God, as well as with others. Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, expresses even more. It also implies wholeness, health, happiness, and contentment over the wonderful blessings of God. The Peace Offering was a time of sharing, fellowship, and friendship, a perfect illustration that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed to us the Word of reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:19).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses as he consecrated the priests who were called for the work (Leviticus 8:23-24). Christ is the One who sets the believer apart for service (John 15:16).
Word Studies:
7:14 oblation means various offerings beyond obligation; 7:18 abomination means defiled, unclean, detestable to God; 8:8 Urim, Thummim now unknown objects placed in the breastplate of the high priest by which he ascertained the will of God.
Prayer:
Government Official: Sen. Paul Sarbanes (MD) · Pray for Bible Pathway International Shortwave Radio Outreach · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Bruce and Jean Rothenbuhler · Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean · Major languages: English and French patois · Religious freedom · 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your words and thoughts will be pleasing to the Lord (Psalms 19:14).
Optional Reading:
Mark 6
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 16:11
