Leviticus 3

 

Introduction to
Leviticus 3

Leviticus 3 is part of the laws given to the Israelites by God through Moses concerning sacrificial offerings. This chapter specifically deals with the peace offering, a voluntary sacrifice that symbolizes fellowship with God. Unlike the burnt offering (Leviticus 1) and grain offering (Leviticus 2), the peace offering allows the worshiper to partake in eating a portion of the sacrifice, signifying communion with God.

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Breakdown of Leviticus 3

1. The Purpose of the Peace Offering (Leviticus 3:1-5)

"If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offers it of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD." (Leviticus 3:1, NKJV)

The peace offering is unique because it can be a male or female animal, unlike the burnt offering, which required only a male. However, like all offerings, the animal must be without blemish—representing moral and spiritual purity. The peace offering expresses:

• Thanksgiving for God’s blessings (Leviticus 7:12-15)

• A vow or a freewill offering (Leviticus 7:16-18)

• Communion with God, as part of the offering is eaten

The person making the offering places their hand on the animal’s head (Leviticus 3:2), symbolizing identification with the sacrifice. This act demonstrates that the animal is a substitute for the worshiper.

After this, the animal is slaughtered at the entrance of the tabernacle, and the priests sprinkle its blood on all sides of the altar (Leviticus 3:2). Blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11) and serves as atonement for sin. The blood is a sacred element that signifies reconciliation with God.

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2. The Parts Burned on the Altar (Leviticus 3:3-5)

"Then he shall offer from the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire to the LORD. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails..." (Leviticus 3:3, NKJV)

The specific parts of the animal burned on the altar include:

1. The fat covering the entrails

2. The two kidneys and the fat on them

3. The lobe of the liver

These portions were considered the richest and best parts of the animal. Burning them was an act of honoring God by giving Him the best portions.

Fire in the Bible often represents God's presence and purification (Exodus 3:2, Malachi 3:2-3). The offering is a “pleasing aroma to the LORD” (Leviticus 3:5), meaning it is acceptable and delightful to God.

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3. The Peace Offering from the Flock (Leviticus 3:6-11)

"If his offering as a sacrifice of a peace offering to the LORD is of the flock, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish." (Leviticus 3:6, NKJV)

A peace offering can also be a lamb or a goat from the flock. The procedure is similar:

1. The worshiper lays their hand on the animal’s head.

2. The animal is slaughtered at the entrance of the tabernacle.

3. The priest sprinkles its blood on the altar.

4. The best fat portions are burned as an offering to God.

For lambs, the fat tail is also included in the offering (Leviticus 3:9). This detail is significant because fat was considered a luxury in the ancient world.

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4. The Peace Offering from Goats (Leviticus 3:12-16)

"If his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD." (Leviticus 3:12, NKJV)

The procedure for goats follows the same pattern:

1. The worshiper lays their hand on the goat.

2. The goat is slaughtered before the LORD.

3. The blood is sprinkled on the altar.

4. The fat portions (kidneys, liver, and entrails) are burned.

This repetition shows that anyone, regardless of wealth, could bring a peace offering—whether from the herd (cattle), flock (sheep), or goats.

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5. The Prohibition Against Eating Fat and Blood (Leviticus 3:17)

"This shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings: you shall eat neither fat nor blood." (Leviticus 3:17, NKJV)

This verse establishes a lasting commandment for the Israelites:

1. No one should eat the fat of the sacrificial animals. The fat belongs to the LORD.

2. No one should consume blood. Blood represents life, and life belongs to God (Leviticus 17:10-14).

These commands emphasize respect for life and God’s holiness. Even today, Jewish dietary laws prohibit consuming blood (kosher laws).

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Theological and Spiritual Lessons from Leviticus 3

1. Peace with God is Through Sacrifice

The peace offering symbolizes reconciliation and fellowship with God. It reminds believers that true peace comes only through sacrifice—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, Ephesians 2:14-16).

In the New Testament, Jesus is our perfect sacrifice, making peace between humanity and God (Romans 5:1). Just as the Israelites offered sacrifices, we must approach God through Christ’s atonement.

2. The Best Belongs to God

The requirement to burn the best portions of the sacrifice teaches that God deserves our best—not leftovers. This applies to:

• Our time (giving God priority)

• Our talents (serving Him wholeheartedly)

• Our resources (giving generously)

Jesus affirmed this when He said to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30).

3. Worship Involves Thanksgiving and Celebration

Unlike the burnt offering (which was completely consumed), the peace offering allowed the worshiper to eat a portion of the sacrifice. This act represented fellowship with God and joyful communion.

Psalm 50:14 says:

"Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High."

As believers, we should cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude, recognizing God’s goodness in our lives.

4. Blood Represents Life and Atonement

The command to avoid consuming blood reinforces the sacredness of life. The Bible states:

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls." (Leviticus 17:11)

Jesus' shed blood on the cross is the ultimate fulfillment of this principle:

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Ephesians 1:7)

Therefore, Christians recognize Jesus' blood as the means of atonement, bringing eternal peace with God.

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Conclusion

Leviticus 3 teaches that peace with God requires sacrifice, obedience, and a willingness to give our best to Him. The peace offering foreshadows Jesus Christ, our ultimate sacrifice, who brings reconciliation between God and humanity.

Through Christ, we can experience true peace, worship God with gratitude, and live in fellowship with Him.