This was voluntary. (Note: Entire system of God's [creation/redemption] is voluntary) Also called the Fellowship Offering, it's covered in 22:17-30 in what is and is not accepted
Could be any animal without blemish. Species varied according to the giver's economic status
Symbolized fellowship with God
1. Thankfulness for a specific blessing
2. Offers a ritual expression of a vow
3. Symbolized general thankfulness
Signified communion with God because it's the only sacrifice in which the giver ate a shared meal with the priests. This is the offering Aaron would give part of as a "wave offering" (9:18-21)
Guests of the giver, his family, Levites, the poor were part of the meal (Deuteronomy 12, 16). Shared meals were part of the early church in Acts 2:46, "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house they ate their food with gladness..."
Burnt offering was given before the Peace offering to convey the importance of atonement as the basis for fellowship with God (verses 5, 6:12)
Verses 3-4 - Fat was considered the best part of an animal and associated with power. Especially associated with this offering
Figuratively, kidneys conveyed a person's feelings and inner thoughts
Verse 9 - "Fat tail" A heavy fat organ weighing between 5-15 lbs. (30 possibly), considered a delicacy
Verses 12-17 - Same instructions except for a goat. 16 and 17 give new information: All fat is the Lord's and Israelites weren't to eat blood. "Perpetual statute throughout all your generations."
Priests Point of View
Given in conjunction with a grain offering (12-13)
The part given to the priest was to be eaten that day
The rest to be given to the worshipper
Application: "Indicated the fact that forgiveness of sins resulted in communion with God and God's people." How important is this today and how importantly do we treat it?!
Christ as our peace offering (Ephesians 2:13-18)
3 of the 5 offerings outlined are voluntary.
Time Magazine, July 17, 2017 Zurich University researchers study giving
NY Post, September 15, 2015 "People who give money to charity tend to be happier and also healthier than others..."
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