Peace offerings, also called fellowship offerings, were one of the five main types of sacrifices in the Levitical system. Detailed in Leviticus 3 and 7, peace offerings expressed thanksgiving, fulfilled a vow, or celebrated a restored relationship with God. Unlike sin offerings, they were not required for atonement but were voluntary and joyful.
“This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which he shall offer to the Lord…”
(Leviticus 7:11)
There were three types of peace offerings:
Thanksgiving offering (Leviticus 7:12–15): Given in gratitude for God’s blessings.
Votive offering (Leviticus 7:16): Offered in fulfillment of a vow.
Freewill offering (Leviticus 7:16): Given spontaneously as an act of worship.
A unique aspect of peace offerings was that they were shared. The fat was burned on the altar for God, the priest received a portion, and the offerer and his family would eat the rest in God’s presence. It was a communal meal symbolizing fellowship with the Lord.
“The priest shall burn the fat on the altar as an offering made by fire to the Lord. The breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’.”
(Leviticus 7:31)
The peace offering foreshadowed the reconciliation and communion believers now enjoy with God through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 says:
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Christ is our peace offering, making fellowship with God possible through His blood. Ephesians 2:14–16 confirms that He broke down the wall of separation and reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God.
In the New Covenant, we no longer offer animal sacrifices, but we offer spiritual sacrifices: thanksgiving, praise, and lives of obedience. Hebrews 13:15 says:
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
Peace offerings remind us that God desires not only to forgive us but to dwell with us in fellowship. They celebrate harmony with Him and with others, made possible through faith in His Son.
