What is the meaning of Leviticus 7:15? The meat of the sacrifice of his peace offering of thanksgiving • In Leviticus 7:15 the focus is not on sin but on fellowship; the worshiper is bringing a “peace offering of thanksgiving.” This is a voluntary gift, expressing gratitude for God’s goodness (see Leviticus 3:1-17 and Leviticus 22:29-30). • The word “peace” (or “fellowship”) stresses restored relationship. By laying a portion on the altar and sharing the rest as a meal, the offerer, the priests, and the Lord all participate together, portraying communion with God. • Thanksgiving is at the heart of worship: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Psalm 50:14). Hebrews 13:15 carries the principle forward: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” • Because Christ is our ultimate peace offering (Ephesians 2:14-16), every act of thanks now flows from His completed work. must be eaten on the day he offers it • Immediate consumption underscores urgency and freshness. The fellowship meal is meant to be enjoyed in the same joyful moment the worshiper brings the sacrifice. • The same principle appears in the Passover: “Do not leave any of it until morning” (Exodus 12:10). God invites His people to experience deliverance and gratitude without delay. • Spiritually, delaying gratitude dulls our sense of dependence. Second Corinthians 6:2 reminds us, “Now is the acceptable time.” We respond promptly to God’s grace and enjoy His presence today, not later. • Practically, fresh meat guards against corruption in the ancient climate. God’s commands protect both worship and health. none of it may be left until morning • Nothing left over means nothing withheld. The entire portion assigned to the worshiper must be enjoyed or disposed of that day—no hoarding, no profiting, no casual leftovers. • This keeps the act purely worshipful. The offering cannot slide into a commercial resource or a mundane meal the next day (compare Deuteronomy 12:7; 1 Samuel 1:4-5). • The rule points ahead to Christ, whose body “did not see decay” (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31). His sacrifice was complete—fully given, never diminished, never reused for lesser purposes. • For believers, it urges wholehearted response. God invites us to consume the grace He supplies, rather than saving it for a more convenient moment. summary Leviticus 7:15 teaches that a thanksgiving peace offering is a shared meal of grateful fellowship. Its meat must be eaten the same day—no delay, no leftovers—emphasizing immediacy, purity, and wholehearted response to God’s goodness. The regulation protects reverence, fosters joyful communion, and foreshadows the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who calls us to receive and celebrate His grace without hesitation. |
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