What is the meaning of Leviticus 3:3? From the peace offering The peace (or fellowship) offering was the voluntary sacrifice that celebrated restored relationship between worshiper and God (Leviticus 7:11-15). Its very name points to harmony after sin had been covered by the earlier burnt or sin offerings (Romans 5:1). In this verse Moses reminds Israel that the material for the next action—the fat portion—comes “from” that peace sacrifice. It underlines that peace with God is costly; it flows out of shed blood (Leviticus 17:11) and anticipates the greater sacrifice that would reconcile all things to God through Christ’s cross (Colossians 1:20). he is to bring a food offering to the LORD Though the worshiper and his family would eventually share a meal from the peace offering (Leviticus 7:15), the choicest part was brought to God first. Scripture consistently emphasizes giving the best, not the leftovers (Proverbs 3:9-10). The phrase “food offering” (Leviticus 2:3) signals something pleasing to God’s “nostrils,” pointing ahead to Christ, whose self-giving was “a fragrant offering” (Ephesians 5:2). Our fellowship with the LORD today still begins with offering ourselves wholly to Him (Romans 12:1). the fat that covers the entrails Ancient people viewed fat as the richest, most luxurious part of an animal (Deuteronomy 32:14). The layer over the inner organs was particularly prized, so surrendering it acknowledged God’s ownership of the very best. Leviticus later forbids Israel to eat any fat (Leviticus 7:23), reserving it solely for His altar. The inward location of this fat also whispers that true worship reaches the innermost parts of life (Psalm 51:6), not merely outward gestures. all the fat that is on them In case someone might keep a portion back, God asks for “all” the fat (Leviticus 3:16). Complete devotion is the pattern throughout Scripture—Abraham’s willingness with Isaac (Genesis 22:12), Elijah’s call to wholehearted loyalty (1 Kings 18:21), and Jesus’ demand to love God with “all” heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). Holding nothing back in sacrifice pictures the believer’s call to hold nothing back in obedience. summary Leviticus 3:3 teaches that peace with God rests on a sacrifice whose choicest, hidden, and entire portion belongs to Him. By giving the richest fat from the peace offering, Israel affirmed that the best comes from the LORD and returns to Him. In Christ, the ultimate peace offering, God has given His best for us; our fitting response is to offer every “fat” portion of life back in grateful devotion. |
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