Read Leviticus 3:1-17
This whole sacrifice system is quite interesting, probably because it is not familiar, and I like to learn new things. However, for people in Moses’ day, even people in other cultures, the idea of sacrifice would be common practice. The difference is critical, and that is that the Israelites were sacrificing to the LORD out of respect. It was also an act of communicating with the LORD, Creator of the universe.
It seems the peace offering was really another type of burnt offering. Things were getting burned with a pleasing aroma for God. The peace offering itself offered a variety of options. The bottom line was that a peace offering’s purpose was for peace and communion with God, not a cleansing of sin like the other burnt offerings of Chapter 1.
I’m not a fan of blood and guts, so these passage as a little unpleasant when imagining all this slaughter going on in front of the tabernacle. But the sacrifices were for the LORD after all, so of course this is the location that makes the most sense.
Verse 17 made me curious as it is the first of the “permanent laws” we’ll see in Leviticus. Moses is still speaking for the LORD when he said, “You must never eat any fat or blood. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation, wherever you live.” Do descendants of the Israelites still follow this law?
God knew what he was doing when he made this decree. We now know that consuming animal fat leads to health problems. Some people’s digestive systems have issues with fatty foods, too. God was trying to take care of his children by making this a permanent law. This is one law that is not hard for me to follow at all. Especially knowing it’s Biblical and healthy!
As for the blood, other pagan cultures often drank the animal’s blood in their sacrificial rituals. God wants to set his people apart from such practices. Later in Leviticus, we’ll learn more about the blood connection.
Think for a moment of the mindset of those people giving a peace offering. What would their intentions be? They were bringing a special gift to the LORD. They would want to do something to bring honor to God.
When people bring a peace offering these days to one another, it is usually as some sort of repayment of a debt or to gain favor. I can see that people would want to gain favor from God. These offerings would be a display of worship, too.
How do we make sure our relationship with God is on track? Are we listening for His voice, or do we need to change our patterns or ways of communicating with him?
Let’s pray. LORD, thank you for meeting me today in your Word. While these are practices I’ve never taken part in, it’s helpful to see what you had desired from your people. I pray that my life is a testimony to your goodness. May I stand firm in my faith as I shine for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
