Leviticus 3 outlines the regulations for the peace offering, a voluntary sacrifice expressing gratitude or fellowship with God. Key points:
- Animals: The offering can be from cattle, sheep, or goats, male or female, but must be without defect.
- Procedure: The offerer lays hands on the animal’s head, slaughters it at the tabernacle entrance, and the priest sprinkles the blood on the altar. Specific fat portions (around the kidneys, liver, and entrails) and the fat tail (for sheep) are burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to God.
- Types: Includes thanksgiving, vow, or freewill offerings.
- Rules: The meat is shared between the priests, the offerer, and their family, eaten on the day of the offering (or the next day for some types). No fat or blood may be consumed; these belong to God.
- Purpose: Symbolizes peace, reconciliation, and communion with God.
The chapter emphasizes proper worship through careful adherence to God’s instructions.
