Peace Offering
Summary
The peace offering was a voluntary Levitical sacrifice expressing thanksgiving and fellowship, unique in that portions were shared between God, the priests, and the offerer.
☩Nature of the Offering
The peace offering (Hebrew shelamim) was a voluntary sacrifice that could be presented for thanksgiving, to fulfill a vow, or as a freewill expression of devotion. Unlike burnt offerings which were wholly consumed, the peace offering was shared—the fat was burned to God, the breast and right thigh went to the priests, and the remainder was eaten by the offerer and his household in a communal meal.
☩Occasions for Offering
Peace offerings were presented at significant moments throughout Israel's history. Joshua offered peace offerings at Mount Ebal. David offered them when the ark was brought to Jerusalem and when he built an altar to stop the plague. Solomon offered vast numbers at the temple dedication. The offering represented joyful communion with God.
Related Verses84 mentions
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Peace offering," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.George Morrish, "Peace Offering," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).