AT PEACE WITH GOD, SELF, AND THE WORLD

THE PEACE OFFERING (Leviticus 3:1-17)

The Name Of The Offering Reveals Its Significance

The Hebrew term is zebah š^elāmîm. Allen Ross[1] explains the meaning of the words.

   At the heart of Israelite worship was the zebah š^elāmîm, variously translated ‘peace offering’ or ‘fellowship offering’ in the English versions. Zebah (‘offering, sacrifice’), related to the verb zābah (‘to slaughter’), refers to an ancient type of sacrifice whose essential rite was the eating of the meat of the offering at a feast. The term zebah is used primarily in Leviticus in conjunction with š^elāmîm, which describes a certain kind of zebah. This is a sacrifice of š^elāmîm, a ‘sacrifice of peace’ or a ‘sacrifice of well being.’

   Š^elāmîm, is a plural noun (abstract or intensified) related to šālēm (‘to have peace, be in a covenant of peace, be whole, be complete’), which in turn is related to šālôm (‘peace’). In this context, š^elāmîm, has proven very difficult to translate; various suggestions are based on contextual or related ideas.[2] But as many commentators conclude, the best understanding of š^elāmîm, coincides with the normal meanings of šālôm: health, prosperity, and peace with God, which are all characteristic of salvation in its fullest sense. So ‘peace’ or ‘well being’ reflect what this sacrifice was celebrating.

The significance then, of the peace offering, is that it celebrated the sense of well being enjoyed by the worshipers as a result of the forgiveness their sins. Accompanied by the acceptance of the Lord and the dedication of the life to him. The peace offering could only follow the presentation of the required offerings. As F. Duane Lindsey[3] explains,

   … the presentation of a fellowship offering was conditioned on a worshiper’s having first met the requirements of expiation (through a sin or guilt offering) and dedication (through burnt and grain offerings). 

As with the burnt and grain offerings each person was free to choose the kind of offering except that it ‘must have no physical defects.’ (vs. 1). It could be ‘from the herd’ (vs. 1), ‘from the flock’ (vs. 6), or ‘a goat’ (vs. 12) . The way the presentation of the offering was conducted was also similar to that of the burnt and grain offerings. But there was another aspect to the peace offering.

It Took The Form Of A Communal Meal

Further instructions concerning the peace offering point us to this aspect. “The animal’s meat must be eaten on the same day it is offered”. (Leviticus 7:15). Allen Ross[4] writes …

   Leviticus 7 will emphasize that the worshiper and the congregation ate part of the sacrifice; so this sacrifice, the celebration of being at peace with God, was considered a communal meal eaten in the presence of the Lord.

   All of this ritual was one of the greatest expressions of communion with God. That the communal meal was received from the sacrifice is striking. In almost all other sacrifices it was the offerer giving to God; but here it is as if God was returning a portion of the sacrifice for the faithful to eat in his presence. This indicates the Lord’s gracious bounty to his people and the peaceful relationship that existed within the covenant.

Considered as a communal meal the peace offering adds to the picture of the Lord’s supper drawn for us in the grain offering. There the ‘token portion’ drew our attention to the memorial aspect of the communion service. But now in the symbolism found in the peace offering, the prominent feature is fellowship. F. Duane Lindsay[5] prefers the NIV translation as the name of the offering when he writes …

   The typology of the fellowship offering pictures the fellowship that the New Testament believer has with God and with other believers on the basis of Christ’s death on the cross. (1 John 1:3). This is one phase of Christ’s ‘making peace through his blood, shed on the cross’ (Colossians 1:20). In fact, ‘He himself is our peace.’ (Ephesians 2:14).

Alfred Edersheim[6] also writes of this aspect …

   The most joyous of all sacrifices was the peace offering, or, as from its derivation it might also be rendered, the offering of completion.[7] This was indeed, a season of happy fellowship with God, in which he condescended to become Israel’s Guest at the sacrificial meal, even as He was always their Host. Thus it symbolised the spiritual truth expressed in Revelation 3:20[8], “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.” In peace offerings the sacrificial meal was the point of main importance. Hence the name ‘Sevach,’ by which it is designated in the Pentateuch, and which means ‘slaying,’ in reference to a meal. It is this sacrifice which is so frequently referred to in the Book of Psalms as the grateful homage of a soul justified and accepted before God.[9]

With this picture in mind the communion service becomes for us not only a memorial of  Christ’s sacrificial death but a special time of fellowship with him and with each other. John’s words come to mind.

   We are telling you about what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.   

   We are writing these things so that our joy will be complete.

   This is the message he has given us to announce to you: God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness. We are not living in the truth. But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin. (1 John 1:3-7).

The service also looks forward to that heavenly banquet being prepared for God’s people. It was this that Jesus was referring to when he said to his disciples during that first Lord’s Supper he hosted with his disciples.

   He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfilment in the Kingdom of God.”

   After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes.” (Luke 22:15-18 NIV).

Presented When A Celebration Was Called For

We too may want to celebrate at such times with a communion service in which we remember that it is all made possible by the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ. The service becomes for us a time of thanksgiving and fellowship with the Lord and each other. A time to make a fresh commitment to the Lord.

The people of Israel shared in the communal meal of the peace offering on many different occasions. They were times of great joy when the people came together to celebrate, for example  …

The acceptance of the Scriptures

After Moses passed on to the people the teaching he had received from the Lord, their acceptance of it, in both the spoken and written form, was celebrated in the communal meal of the peace offering.

   When Moses had announced to the people all the teachings and regulations the LORD had given him, they answered in unison, “We will do everything the LORD has told us to do.”   

   Then Moses carefully wrote down all the LORD’s instructions. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He also set up twelve pillars around the altar, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent some of the young men to sacrifice young bulls as burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD …

   Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They all responded again, “We will do everything the LORD has told us to do.” (Exodus 24:3-5, 7).

Moses and the nation’s leaders took the celebration to another level as they were given a special audience with the Lord in the person of a pre-incarnation appearance of Christ. His divinity is confirmed as he is referred to as the God of Israel.

   Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the leaders of Israel went up the mountain. There they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a pavement of brilliant sapphire, as clear as the heavens. And though Israel’s leaders saw God, he did not destroy them. In fact, they shared a meal together in God’s presence! (Exodus 24:9-11).

The first believers on the day of Pentecost celebrated their acceptance of the Christian message by sharing together in the Lord’s Supper. Dr Luke tells us …

   Those who believed what Peter said were baptised and added to the church—about three thousand in all. They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer …

   A deep sense of awe came over them all … They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved. (Acts 2:41-42, 43a, 46-47).

The people also came together to share in the communal meal of the peace offering  …

To celebrate the completion of a project

After many years of hard work the temple David longed to build for the Lord was finally completed by his son Solomon. After his prayer of dedication Solomon called on all people to praise the Lord with him. He reminds the people of Israel in particular, of all that the Lord has done for them, then invites them to celebrate the occasion with him as the burnt offering, grain offering, and the communal meal of the peace offering were presented to the Lord.

   When Solomon finished making these prayers and requests to the LORD, he stood up in front of the altar of the LORD, where he had been kneeling with his hands raised toward heaven. He stood there and shouted this blessing over the entire community of Israel: “Praise the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses … May people all over the earth know that the LORD is God and that there is no other God. And may you, his people, always be faithful to the LORD our God. May you always obey his laws and commands, just as you are doing today.”

   Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices to the LORD. Solomon offered peace offerings to the LORD numbering 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. And so the king and all Israel dedicated the Temple of the LORD. (1 Kings 8:54-56, 60-61).

What a joyous time of celebration that must have been for the people, followed in the second week with the Festival of Shelters,[10] then continuing in their homes.

   After the festival was over, Solomon sent the people home. They blessed the king as they went, and they were all joyful and happy because the LORD had been good to his servant David and to his people Israel. (1 Kings 8:66).

It may be appropriate for us today to celebrate the completion of a special project with a communion service, thanking the Lord once again for the sacrificial death of his son which has made it all possible. Projects such as the planting of a new church or the translation of the Scriptures into another language.

Another time the people came together to share in the peace offering was …

To celebrate a great victory

King Saul was furious when he heard that the Ammonites were threatening the people of Jabesh-gilead, for he had ancestral ties there. He immediately called together an armed force of over three hundred thousand men to move against them. They were soon defeated, and ‘the remnant of their army was so badly scattered that no two of them were left together.’[11] After the battle was won Samuel called the people together to offer their thanks to the Lord and to confirm Saul’s leadership.

   Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us all go to Gilgal to reaffirm Saul’s kingship.” So they went to Gilgal, and in a solemn ceremony  before the LORD they crowned him king. Then they offered peace offerings to the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites were very happy. (1 Samuel 11:14-15).

Many are the battles faced by God’s people. Victory comes only from the Lord. David was confident of this as he faced the giant Goliath. As Goliath greeted him with contempt,

   David shouted in reply, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD Almighty—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied … Today the LORD will conquer you … And everyone will know that the LORD does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours. The LORD will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:45-46a, 47).

Jehoshaphat was reminded of this when he too was confronted by an invasion force.

   As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, “Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” (2 Chronicles 20:13-17).

There may be many occasions when it is appropriate for God’s people to offering thanksgiving and praise to the Lord in a communion service, for some specific victory he has given. For it was by Christ’s death on the cross that the battle has been won for us. Paul mentions this aspect of his death when he writes …

   You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He cancelled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross. In this way God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross of Christ. (Colossians 2:13-15).

John also saw the cross of Christ as the place where the battle has been won for us. 

   Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has happened at last—the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ! For the Accuser has been thrown down to earth—the one who accused our brothers and sisters before our God day and night. And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:10-11).

Other occasions may arise when it may be appropriate for Christians to share in a communion service. Acknowledging that Christ’s death on the cross has made it all possible—the bountiful harvest, the appointment of leaders, a time of spiritual renewal, or perhaps in the home, in celebration of a special family occasion.

Allen Ross[12] writes … 

   For Christians the great joy of being at peace with God through Jesus Christ is captured by the celebration of the communal meal of the new covenant, the Lord’s Supper, which is rightly called Eucharist—thanksgiving. But this is not common food—it is the body and blood of the Lamb of God (John 6:51-58). The wine is the blood of the covenant; and the bread is the body of our Lord broken for us. When we ‘eat his body’ and ‘drink his blood’ (using the spiritual expression of our Lord in John 6:54), we are in a sense doing what the Israelites did—eating the food that represented in prophetic form the sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah.

   Israelites ate food from their offering (and drank wine in the case of Passover); and Christians eat food and drink wine in their holy communion. Both the animal of the peace offering and the elements of communion represent the true sacrifice, Jesus the Messiah, the eternal Son of God. The language of eating is applied to appropriating him by faith (John 6:51; Revelation 3:20). To eat this holy food is a celebration and a witness of our faith that we have been justified by his sacrificed body and blood.

   One could apply this passage in several ways. At the heart of it is the principle that those who have been redeemed and who have given their lives to the LORD will spontaneously participate in communal acts of worship—holy communion or otherwise—on occasions of praise, vows, or freewill offerings (stressed in Leviticus 7). To them, the Lord’s Table will be a wonderful experience of celebration by which they attest that they are at peace with God.

I have always enjoyed visiting a country church near Mount Gambier in South Australia. As people from the surrounding farms meet together on Sundays,  first comes the worship service. This is followed by a meal together and then the communion service.

   It is always a time of wonderful fellowship and thanksgiving to the Lord as we listen first to helpful teaching from the Scriptures and then share in the communal meal together with our risen Lord.
 

An Offering Made By Fire

The phrase occurs several times in the descriptions of the offerings we have been exploring but it was in the account of the peace offering that I noticed it particularly.

   Part of this peace offering must be presented to the LORD as an offering made by fire … The priest will burn them on the altar as food, an offering given to the LORD by fire. (Leviticus 3:5, 9, 11, 14, 16).

The expression ‘an offering made by fire’ reminded me of something Jesus said to his disciples …

   “For everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.” (Mark 9:49 KJV).

   “Everyone will be salted with fire.” (NIV).

   “For everyone will be purified with fire.” (NLT).

As other Scriptures came to mind I came to see that while we celebrate with great joy all that the Lord has done for us, we need to keep in mind that a refining process is going on in our lives. Paul explains to his readers that everything the Lord allows to come into our lives is part of this refining process.

   And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory. (Romans 8:28-29).

God’s purpose is that we may become increasingly like Christ. The process will not be completed however, until his return. Peter writes …

   Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. (1 Peter 3:2).

The means God frequently uses in this process are the refining fires of trouble and persecution, as he explains to Isaiah.

   “Yes, I will tell you of things that are entirely new, for I know so well what traitors you are. You have been rebels from your earliest childhood, rotten through and through. Yet for my own sake and for the honour of my name, I will hold back my anger and not wipe you out. I have refined you but not in the way silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.” (Isaiah 48:8-10).

Peter mentions this fiery furnace as he writes encouragingly …

   For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.

   These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world … don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world. (1 Peter 1:4-7, 4:12-13).

William Lane[13] writes of the ‘offering made by fire’ …

   The salt-sacrifice metaphor is appropriate to a situation of suffering and trial, in which the principle of sacrifice cultivated with respect to the individual members of the body is now severely tested. The disciples must be seasoned with salt, like the sacrifice. This will take place through fiery trials, through which God will purge away everything contrary to his will.