Topical Bible: Idolatry: Other Customs of Peace offerings

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In the context of biblical teachings, idolatry is the worship of idols or the elevation of anything above the one true God. The Bible consistently condemns idolatry as a grave sin, as it leads individuals away from the worship and service of God. Within the broader discussion of idolatry, the customs surrounding peace offerings in ancient Israel provide insight into the proper worship practices that were often contrasted with idolatrous rituals.

Peace Offerings in Israelite Worship

Peace offerings, also known as fellowship offerings, were a significant aspect of Israelite worship as outlined in the Mosaic Law. These offerings were voluntary and symbolized reconciliation and fellowship with God. The peace offering was unique in that it was shared among the offerer, the priests, and God, with portions of the sacrifice being consumed by each party. This communal aspect underscored the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The instructions for peace offerings are detailed in Leviticus 3 and Leviticus 7. The offering could be from the herd or flock, and it was to be without blemish, symbolizing the purity and perfection required in approaching God. The fat and certain internal organs were burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, while the breast and right thigh were given to the priests, and the remaining meat was consumed by the offerer and their family in a communal meal.

Contrasts with Idolatrous Practices

In contrast to the peace offerings prescribed by God, idolatrous practices often involved rituals that were abominable in the sight of the Lord. These included offerings to false gods, which were strictly forbidden. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the customs of the surrounding nations, which often included idolatrous sacrifices and rituals.

For instance, in Deuteronomy 12:31 , God commands, "You must not worship the LORD your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the LORD hates." This highlights the stark difference between the God-ordained peace offerings and the idolatrous practices that were prevalent among pagan nations.

Theological Significance

The peace offering held deep theological significance, as it was a tangible expression of peace and communion with God. It was a celebration of the covenant relationship and a reminder of God's provision and blessing. In contrast, idolatrous practices were seen as a breach of this covenant, leading to spiritual adultery and estrangement from God.

The prophets frequently called the people back to true worship, emphasizing that God desired obedience and a contrite heart over mere ritualistic offerings. In 1 Samuel 15:22 , Samuel declares, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of peace offerings is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is seen as the ultimate peace offering, reconciling humanity to God through His sacrificial death on the cross. Ephesians 2:14 states, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility."

The early church faced challenges with idolatry, particularly as Gentile converts brought with them customs from their former pagan practices. The apostles addressed these issues, urging believers to abstain from idolatry and to live lives that reflected their new identity in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 10:14 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."

In summary, the customs of peace offerings in Israelite worship serve as a profound contrast to idolatrous practices, highlighting the importance of true worship and the dangers of idolatry. Through the lens of Scripture, believers are called to maintain fidelity to God, rejecting all forms of idolatry and embracing the peace offered through Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 32:6
And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
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Library

The Greater Prophets.
... of heathen monarchs for their pride, idolatry, and profanation ... His Hebrew, on the
other hand, agrees in ... historical relations, manners, and customs belonging to ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Preacher as a Patriot.
... Idolatry in Israel was never due to theoretic changes of ... rarely, if ever, been bestowed
on any other country or ... it is embodied also in evil customs and unjust ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iii the preacher as.htm

In Judaea
... very legal observances, as certainly social customs, were different ... those in regard
to idolatry, incest, and ... in Gospel history; among other things representing ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

The Waldenses.
... steadfastly replied that they knew no other master than ... the dust, while the traditions
and customs of men ... Rome, who rejected image worship as idolatry, and who ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /4 the waldenses.htm

The Waldenses
... steadfastly replied that they knew no other master than ... the dust, while the traditions
and customs of men ... Rome, who rejected image worship as idolatry, and who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 4 the waldenses.htm

Acts XVII
... by Paul, and the laws and customs of the ... philosophy, and the debasement of refined
idolatry had overpowered ... to establish his superiority to all other gods in ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvii.htm

Smith -- Assurance in God
... of the powers of nature, to break with customs and with ... But you have only to see
idolatry at work, and at ... nor by any marvelous signs; on the other hand, he ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/smith assurance in god.htm

First Sunday after Epiphany
... Paul (Galatians 5, 20) terms idolatry and heresies works ... careful, then, to follow
neither the customs of the ... and spirit are contrary to each other (Galatians 5 ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday after epiphany.htm

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... with troubling the city, and teaching customs, which were ... of profaneness, and the
invocations of idolatry, were heard ... shall escape, we have no other answer to ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

The Evolution of Early Congregationalism the Stone which the ...
... the abolishment of "Popish Canons, Courts, Classes, Customs or any ... Common Prayer,
and "all Monuments of Idolatry in garments or in other things, and ...
/.../chapter i the evolution of.htm