Leviticus 3 and 7:11-21 are devoted to the Peace Offering. The peace offering could be for three reasons: thanksgiving, fulfilling a vow or as a voluntary offering. This would seem to be similar to what is called a fellowship meal in today’s churches. The thanksgiving offering might be for any reason: a financial blessing from a good harvest, the birth of a new baby, the marriage of children or relatives. These offerings were also different because like the burnt offering some of the animal was placed on the altar to be burned up, like the grain offering the priest received some of the animal for food, but unlike the others, the person making the offering was able to enjoy much of the food for himself, his family, and friends, whoever he wanted to share with. It was a time of joy and celebration.
The symbolism of peace is found throughout the Bible pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the birth of Jesus, angels appeared to shepherds at night “praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased’.” Luke 2:13-14 (NLT). During the last supper, John records the words of Jesus: “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Paul tells us, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:1-2 (NLT). And Paul says that there is no place for discrimination because of race, religion or anything else when he says, “For Christ Himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in His own body on the cross, He broke down the wall of hostility that separates us.” Ephesians 2:14 (NLT).