Bible Commentaries

CHAP. III. The peace-offering of the herd is instituted; as also that of the flock, which might be either a lamb, or a goat.

Before Christ 1490.

Leviticus 3:1. A sacrifice of peace-offering— שׁלמים shelamim; so called, as eminently typifying the peace and reconciliation of God with man, through the death of Him who is our Peace: for it should be particularly observed, that of these sacrifices both priest and people, and, therefore, in some sense, both God and man, were to partake; see ch. Leviticus 7:11, and following verses. Romans 5:10. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. Dr. Beaumont observes, that the original signifies a sacrifice of payments or pacifications, whereby men returned to God confession, and thanks for peace and prosperity, and for his performing of mercies and pacifications; and paid their vows: Compare Psalms 56:13 and Proverbs 7:14. This peace-offering figured both Christ's oblation of himself, whereby he became our Peace and Salvation; (Ephesians 2:14-16. Acts 13:47. Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 9:28.) and also our oblation, of praise, thanksgiving, and prayer unto God: and the ministry of this sacrifice is opened in Hosea 14:2. Take away [Lord] all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips; which the apostle, Hebrews 13:15 translates, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.

Leviticus 3:2. He shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering— "This laying on of hands," says Conradus, "signifies devotion and faith, with acknowledgment of the Divine benefits, for which we can offer nothing of our own, but only return to God what we have received; so that we may understand gratitude and thanksgiving to be the most valuable of sacrifices;" see ch. Leviticus 1:4. It is well known, how great an abomination the sacrifice of a cow, the symbol of Isis, was held in Egypt; and, consequently, this permission of offering a male or female from the herd, shews a manifest opposition to the religious rites, of the Egyptians.

Leviticus 3:3. The fat— i.e. What we call the suet.

REFLECTIONS.—Peace-offerings were either to express their grateful acknowledgments for mercies received, or to second their prayers for some good which was desired. Note; Christ is our Peace; and it is through him that we may make our requests with confidence of being heard, and offer our praises, assured that they will please God.

The same formalities were observed as before. Two things are here to be noted. 1. The fat was to be burned upon the altar: Leviticus 3:5. So should every corrupt affection of our hearts be consumed by the fire of Divine love. 2. It was burned upon the daily burnt-offering: for it is only with a constant eye to the Lamb that was slain, that we can hope to keep up any peaceful intercourse and communion with the holy God.

Leviticus 3:11. It is the food of the offering made by fire— "The food or bread," says Dr. Beaumont, i.e. "the flesh, which the fire on the altar was to eat up and consume." In the same idiom of speech, the gods of the heathens are said, Deuteronomy 32:38 to eat the fat and drink the wine, which was consumed upon their altars.

Leviticus 3:13. Before the tabernacle— At the door of the tabernacle, as Leviticus 3:2. Dr. Beaumont. Leviticus 3:16. All the fat is the Lord's] Not strictly all the fat, but that which lay upon the flesh, and might be separated from it; what we call the suet; see Deuteronomy 32:14. Dr. Church justly observes, that all the fat within the flesh might lawfully be eaten.