Leviticus 3: The Peace Offering – Fellowship with God

Key Verse: Leviticus 3:16 "All the fat belongs to the Lord."

After the burnt offering (total surrender) and the grain offering (thanksgiving), Leviticus 3 introduces the peace offering—a sacrifice that symbolizes fellowship with God and communion with others.

Unlike the burnt offering, which was entirely consumed, the peace offering was shared—part was burned on the altar, part was given to the priests, and the rest was eaten by the worshiper and their family in a meal of celebration.

The Purpose of the Peace Offering

The peace offering was a joyful sacrifice, representing:

• Fellowship with God – It was an act of worship, expressing harmony between the worshiper and the Lord.

• Fellowship with Others – The meal that followed symbolized unity among the people of God.

• Thanksgiving and Vows – Sometimes, it was given as an act of gratitude or to fulfill a promise made to God.

The Elements of the Offering

Like the burnt offering, the worshiper could bring:

• A bull or cow

• A lamb or goat

The key parts of the offering were:

1. The Blood Was Sprinkled on the Altar – Blood represented life given in worship to God. (Leviticus 3:2)

2. The Fat Was Burned to the Lord – The fat, considered the richest and best part, belonged to God alone. (Leviticus 3:16)

3. The Meat Was Shared – The remaining portion was enjoyed in a communal meal, symbolizing peace and joy in God’s presence.

Jesus: Our Perfect Peace Offering

The peace offering points to Jesus, who brings us into perfect fellowship with God.

• Jesus is our Peace – He has reconciled us to God through His blood. (Ephesians 2:14-16)

• Through Him, we have fellowship with God and each other – Just as the Israelites shared a meal, we partake in the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)

• His sacrifice was the ultimate offering of peace – The cross made a way for sinners to be in communion with God. (Colossians 1:20)

A Lesson for Us

• Are we at peace with God, trusting in Jesus as our mediator?

• Are we living in unity with others, as an extension of our peace with God?

• Are we offering the “best” of our lives to the Lord, just as the fat was given to Him?

Leviticus 3 reminds us that true peace comes from God—and through Jesus, we are invited to the ultimate table of fellowship with Him.

Are we walking in His peace today?