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Leviticus 3

World English Bible

WEB

1“‘If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he offers it from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before Yahweh. 2He shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood around on the altar. 3He shall offer of the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to Yahweh. The fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 4and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 5Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh. 6“‘If his offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh is from the flock, either male or female, he shall offer it without defect. 7If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before Yahweh; 8and he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 9He shall offer from the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to Yahweh; its fat, the entire tail fat, he shall take away close to the backbone; and the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on the entrails, 10and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 11The priest shall burn it on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire to Yahweh. 12“‘If his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before Yahweh. 13He shall lay his hand on its head, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting; and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 14He shall offer from it as his offering, an offering made by fire to Yahweh; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 15and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 16The priest shall burn them on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma; all the fat is Yahweh’s. 17“‘It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings, that you shall eat neither fat nor blood.’”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Leviticus Chapter 3 details the laws concerning the peace offerings, which are a significant aspect of the sacrificial system established for the Israelites. This chapter outlines the various types of peace offerings that can be presented to the Lord, including offerings from the herd (cattle) and from the flock (sheep or goats). The peace offering is unique because it represents a communal meal shared between God, the priest, and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship and gratitude. The chapter emphasizes that the animal must be without blemish, reflecting the importance of offering the best to God, as seen in verses 1-5. This requirement underscores the holiness of God and the need for purity in worship (#sacrifice, #peaceoffering).

The chapter also specifies the procedures for the offering, including the laying of hands on the animal, the slaughtering process, and the presentation of specific fat portions to the Lord. The fat is considered a symbol of richness and is to be burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to God (verses 16-17). This act of offering fat and blood signifies the life of the animal being dedicated to God, reinforcing the sacredness of life and the seriousness of sin. The concluding verses reiterate the importance of these laws, emphasizing that they are to be observed by the Israelites throughout their generations. This chapter serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the themes of atonement, gratitude, and communal worship (#Leviticus, #Israel).

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Referenced by

  1. Leviticus 7:11v1Leviticus 7:11 introduces the law of the peace offering, which is further detailed in Leviticus 3:1-17. Both passages describe the peace offering as a voluntary act of worship and thanksgiving to God.
  2. Leviticus 7:23v17Leviticus 7:23 prohibits the consumption of fat, reiterating the command found in Leviticus 3:17, which states that fat and blood are not to be eaten.

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