‘When his offering is a sacrifice of a peace offering, if he offers it of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of meeting; and Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood all around on the altar. (vv.1-3)
In contrast to the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3), the sacrifice of a peace offering could be either a male or female animal. However, the animal still had to be without blemish. Of all the offerings, the most joyous and most flexible was the “peace” or “fellowship” offering. It was a voluntary sacrifice, except on a few very special occasions, where God wanted the people of Israel to use every expression of worship.
The peace offering was used to; 1) show the worshiper's devotion and commitment to the Lord in a vow, 2) to freely offer praise and thanksgiving, or 3) to express gratefulness for His goodness and answered prayer. The emphasis in this offering is primarily on the communion. Thus, it rejoiced in the peace that comes from God and celebrated that wonderful fellowship with God.
An important part of this celebration was a fellowship meal. This is where the worshiper ate with other family members (after offering the prescribed portion to God) the rest of the sacrifice. Thus some call this a "fellowship offering," as it was the only offering from which the worshiper could eat.
The Lord’s Table or Communion, is in large measure the New Testament version of the Peace Offering festive meal. In the communion service we are joined as a body in the fellowship of His great sacrifice for us. We are reminded of our unity with others, as well as our unity with God. And we say Amen, and rejoice for He is our Peace.
The Truth: “Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread, which we break, a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread”. ( 1 Cor.10:16-17)
