Why is obedience in sacrificial offerings emphasized in Leviticus 3:12? The setting of Leviticus 3:12 Leviticus 3 describes the peace (fellowship) offering. Verses 1–11 cover cattle and sheep; verse 12 turns to goats, showing that every acceptable animal—whether bull, sheep, or goat—had to be presented exactly as God directed. The verse itself “If one’s offering is a goat, he shall present it before the LORD.” (Leviticus 3:12) Why is obedience emphasized? • God sets the terms of access – He alone decides what is “before the LORD” (compare Leviticus 10:1-2). – The offerer submits to His revealed order, acknowledging God’s holiness. • Covenant faithfulness is demonstrated in details – Obedience in “small things” reflected loyalty to the whole covenant (Deuteronomy 29:29). – Precise instructions kept Israel distinct from surrounding nations’ pagan rites. • Sacrifice without obedience is rejected – “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? … To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) – Empty ritual grieves God (Isaiah 1:11-15; Psalm 51:16-17). • Foreshadowing perfect obedience in Christ – Hebrews 10:5-7 quotes Psalm 40 to show Messiah saying, “Here I am … I have come to do Your will.” – Every flawless animal previewed the sinless, obedient Son whose self-offering secures true peace. What obedience looked like in practice 1. Choose an unblemished goat from the flock (Leviticus 3:12; 22:21). 2. Bring it “before the LORD” at the entrance of the tent (3:2). 3. Lay hands on the animal—identification and surrender (3:13). 4. The priest sprinkles the blood, offers specified fat portions (3:13-16). 5. A shared meal follows: part burned, part eaten in God’s presence—symbol of fellowship (7:15). Lessons for today • God still calls for heartfelt obedience, not token gestures (John 14:15). • Worship that ignores His Word is self-made and unacceptable (Colossians 2:23). • Our “sacrifice” now is ourselves—living, holy, pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). • Giving, serving, and praising flow from thankful submission, never from mere duty (2 Corinthians 9:7). |
    |