Leviticus 3:1

Peace offering. Heb. shelem, from a root word meaning “to make peace” (Joshua 10:4) or “to be at peace” (Job 22:21), “to make restitution” (Ex. 22:5), “to make complete [pay]” (Ps. 50:14). The distinguishing feature of the peace offering was the communal meal held within the precincts of the sanctuary, in which joy and happiness prevailed and in which people and priests held converse. This was not an occasion where peace was effected, but a feast of rejoicing that peace existed. It was generally preceded by a sin offering and a burnt offering. The blood had been sprinkled, atonement had been made, forgiveness extended, and justification assured. In celebration of this experience the offerer invited his near of kin, the servants, and the Levites to eat with him. The whole family assembled in the court of the congregation to celebrate the fact that peace had been effected between God and man, and between man and man.

There is no higher joy conceivable than that of being at peace with God (see Rom. 5:1). It is the legacy Christ left when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27). Christ’s peace is that quiet assurance that comes from confidence in God.

Christ spoke these words of peace in the very shadow of Gethsemane and Golgotha. He knew what awaited Him, but He did not shrink from it. His heart was filled with peace and love. He knew in whom He trusted, and rested in the assurance that the Father loved Him. He might not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope might not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror, nor tell Him of the Father’s acceptance of the sacrifice. But by faith He was victor. He knew whom He believed, and was assured that all would come out well. It is this peace He bequeaths to us. It means oneness with the Father; it means quiet, rest, joy, and contentment; it means love, faith, fellowship, communion; it means freedom from worry, fear, and anxiety. The Christian who enjoys this peace has a source of strength not dependent on circumstances. He is in tune with God.

As noted before, the various sacrifices of the OT were embodied prayers. They combined faith and works. They expressed man’s need of and relation to God. The people might not offer up incense with their prayers, but they might provide the incense. They might not minister the blood, but they might provide the sacrifice. They might not enter the sanctuary, but they might provide the gifts and offerings that made the service possible. They might not eat the shewbread, but they might provide “the food of the offering made by fire unto the Lord” (v. 11).

“Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1), “for he is our peace” (Eph. 2:14). Israel of old was invited to celebrate the fact that they were at peace with God and man, that their sins were forgiven, that they were restored to favor with Heaven. These were occasions of joy and thankfulness, when misunderstandings had been cleared up and peace and good fellowship prevailed. Sons and daughters, manservants and maidservants, and invited Levites were to participate. All sat down at the table of the Lord and rejoiced together “in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2). It might be well for the people of God today to celebrate feasts of rejoicing over the fact that they are at peace with God (see Additional Note at close of chapter).