And if his offering, for a sacrifice of peace offering unto Lord, be of the flock ,.... As it might be: and be either male or female; which he pleased: he shall offer it without blemish ; See Gill on Leviticus 3:1 . read more
The foundation of fellowship with God. The "sacrifice of peace offering" was one of fellowship. Its distinctive features are brought out in chapter 7 . (see Homily there). The sacrifice enjoined in this (third) chapter is preliminary to the sacred feast which was to follow. Its significance is found in the fact that the act of communion with God could only come after the oblation had been presented. We learn, therefore— I. THAT SACRED JOY BEFORE GOD CAN ONLY FOLLOW ... read more
The peace offering was not a sacrifice denoting self-devotion like the burnt-offering, nor a tender of homage like the meat offering, but a feast upon a sacrifice, which God and man symbolically joined in partaking of. The offering consisted of an animal and unleavened cakes and (generally) leavened bread, of which a share was given to God's altar and priests on the one hand, and to the offerer and his friends on the other. It represented the blessedness and joyousness of communion between... read more
Fellowship with God and man as illustrated in the peace offering also Leviticus 7:11-21 , Leviticus 7:28-34 ; Leviticus 19:6-8 ; Leviticus 22:29 , Leviticus 22:30 ; of 1 John 1:6 , 1 John 1:7 ; John 6:33 . We have found in the burnt offering the principle of entire personal consecration, and in the meat offering that of consecrated life-work. We have seen how these have their perfect fulfillment only in the case of Jesus Christ, while in other cases they are preceded by... read more
The peace offerings, also called thank offerings or salvation offerings. The twofold object—to acknowledge salvation received, to supplicate salvation desired. Three kinds—praise offerings, vow offerings, free-will offerings. Considerable freedom permitted in them, though still restrictions observed. Male and female victims, of the herd and flock, but only those without blemish. No pigeons permitted, because a pair of pigeons insufficient for the sacrificial meal, which was so... read more
Varieties in the offerings-unity in the sacrifice. Whether from the herd or from the flock, an offering of larger or smaller value, the same principle applies—the unblemished gift, the separation of the fat and of the blood, the observance of all prescribed order and detail I. Here is the TRUE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY . Obedience according to ability, "doing the will of God from the heart." The variety which is necessitated in God's children by their different capabilities and... read more
The peace offering of the flock. The ceremony in relation to this is almost identical with that of the herd already described. Nevertheless, there are a few expressions in the course of the description which are not found in the former paragraph. We call attention to— 1. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAT OF THE LAMB . Leviticus 3:8-10 . 1 . Note the expression, "The fat thereof, and the whole rump." The "and" here is expletive rather than copulative, thus, "The fat... read more
The peace offering (3:1-17)Among Israelites in general, the most popular of the offerings was the peace offering (GNB: fellowship offering). The characteristic feature of this offering was the feast for the worshippers that followed the sacrifice (1 Samuel 9:12-13). First, however, the animal was sacrificed with blood ritual the same as that of the burnt offering. Then the Lord’s portion, consisting of the richest and most vital parts of the animal, was burnt upon the altar, probably to... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Leviticus 3:6-17
Directions are here given concerning the peace-offering, if it was a sheep or a goat. Turtle-doves or young pigeons, which might be brought for whole burnt offerings, were not allowed for peace-offerings, because they have no fat considerable enough to be burnt upon the altar; and they would be next to nothing if they were to be divided according to the law of the peace-offerings. The laws concerning a lamb or goat offered for a peace offering are much the same with those concerning a bullock,... read more