Why is the choice of "male or female" significant in Leviticus 3:6? The text at a glance “ ‘If his offering as a fellowship offering to the LORD is from the flock, he shall present it—male or female—without blemish.’ ” (Leviticus 3:6) Comparison with other sacrifices • Burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3): only a male without blemish • Sin offering for a leader (Leviticus 4:22-23): a male goat • Sin offering for the common person (Leviticus 4:27-28): a female goat • Peace/fellowship offering (Leviticus 3): male or female Why allow both male and female? • Wholeness of fellowship – The peace offering celebrated restored harmony with God (Leviticus 7:11-15). – Including both sexes symbolizes the fullness of Israel—every household member represented before the LORD (cf. Genesis 1:27). • Accessibility for worshipers – Families owned males and females in different proportions; giving either made the voluntary offering possible for rich or poor alike (cf. Leviticus 22:21). – God asked for the best animal “without blemish,” not the most economically costly one. • Distinction from atonement sacrifices – In a burnt offering, the whole animal was consumed, prefiguring total consecration and the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:10); the male requirement accentuated a single, specific type. – The peace offering, by contrast, was shared: part burned, part eaten by priests and worshipers (Leviticus 7:15). Permitting either sex underscored that fellowship is a shared joy open to all. • Picture of completeness pointing to Christ – Jesus is “our peace” who “has made both one” (Ephesians 2:14), embracing male and female in His reconciling work (Galatians 3:26-28). – The peace offering’s flexibility foreshadows the inclusive scope of salvation while still insisting on perfection—“without blemish”—fulfilled in the sinless Lamb of God (1 Peter 1:18-19). Practical takeaway • God values the heart’s gratitude over outward status; He invites every believer, regardless of position, to share table fellowship with Him. • Worship that brings peace rests on a perfect sacrifice already provided in Christ; our role is joyful participation, bringing our best without reservation. |
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