In the Old Testament sacrificial system, peace offerings, also known as fellowship offerings, were a significant aspect of Israelite worship. These offerings were distinct from other sacrifices in that they symbolized reconciliation and fellowship between the offerer, the priest, and God. The peace offering was a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and communal celebration, often accompanying vows or expressions of gratitude.

Scriptural Basis

The regulations concerning peace offerings are primarily found in the book of Leviticus. According to Leviticus 3, the peace offering could be made from cattle, sheep, or goats, and it was to be without blemish. The offering was unique in that it was shared among the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing peace and fellowship.

The Priest's Portion

The priest's portion of the peace offering was specifically designated as the breast and the right shoulder of the animal. Leviticus 7:31-34 states:

"The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. You are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offerings. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion. I have taken the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution from the sons of Israel, from their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons as a perpetual portion from the Israelites."

This allocation of the breast and shoulder to the priests served several purposes. It provided sustenance for the priestly families, who did not have a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord and the offerings made by the people (Numbers 18:20-21).

Symbolism and Function

The breast, often referred to as the "wave breast," was waved before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of presenting it to God and then receiving it back as a gift. The right shoulder, or "heave shoulder," was lifted up as an offering to God. These actions underscored the idea that the priests were serving as intermediaries between God and the people, receiving their portion from the offerings made to the Lord.

The peace offering, with its shared portions, emphasized the communal aspect of worship and the peace that existed between God, the priests, and the people. It was a celebration of the covenant relationship and a reminder of God's provision and the unity of His people.

Priestly Role and Responsibility

The priests, as recipients of the shoulder and breast, were reminded of their role as mediators and servants of the Lord. Their portion from the peace offerings was not merely a right but a responsibility, as they were to lead the people in worship and maintain the sanctity of the sacrificial system. The distribution of the peace offering highlighted the interconnectedness of the community, the priesthood, and the divine presence.

In summary, the peace offering and the priest's portion of the shoulder and breast were integral to the worship and communal life of ancient Israel, reflecting the peace and fellowship between God and His people.Exodus 29:28
And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it is an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, even their heave offering to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 7:31-34
And the priest shall burn the fat on the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

High Priest
... altar; to sprinkle the blood of the peace-offerings upon the ... and in its two former
stages it had been a ... ceremonial dress peculiar to the high priest was the ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

Scriptural Types.
... priests also received specified portions from the peace-offerings of the ... the lamb
of the leper who had been healed ... oblation, was waved by the priest before the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... as king and his son Auputi as high priest of Amon ... city and took it, but the chief
citizens had taken refuge ... and took it up, and laid it on his shoulder: and he ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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