Leviticus 3:6-11 meaning

Leviticus 3:6-11 expands the instructions for a sacrifice of peace offerings to include offerings from the flock (a lamb). This section continues to detail the sacrificial procedures, giving a breadth of options for worshipers to express their devotion and thankfulness to the LORD through these sacrificial acts.

The text begins by stating, But if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD is from the flock (v. 6). The reference to the flock indicates that lambs are valid animals for peace offerings, in addition to the cows and oxen described in Leviticus 3:1-5, as well as goats (described in Leviticus 3:12-17). All of these are acceptable peace offerings, providing flexibility and accessibility for the offeror.

The animal, whether male or female, is again required to be without defect (v. 6b), emphasizing the consistent theme of presenting the best and unblemished to God as a reflection of the offeror’s sincerity and reverence. This is also a foreshadowing of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross; Jesus had committed no sin and none of His bones were broken (2 Corinthians 5:21, John 19:36).

When offering a lamb, the worshiper must offer it before the LORD which signifies the individual’s need to present their peace offerings directly to God, without intermediaries, except for the priestly role in completing the ritual. The act of laying hands on the offering remains a central theme, as the worshiper shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and slay it before the tent of meeting (v. 8).

The laying on of hands is a gesture signifying identification, confession, and the transference of self onto the sacrifice. The death of the animal is in place of the offeror. Following this, Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar (v. 8), which consecrates the offering by the blood, a sacred substance that symbolizes life itself (Leviticus 17:11).

The description of the offering’s parts is particularly detailed; the worshiper is to offer its fat (the suet), and the entire fat tail which he shall remove close to the backbone (v. 9). The fat tail was a distinctive feature of Near Eastern sheep that was especially valued as a delicacy. This fat tail symbolizes abundance and richness, further denoting that the very best is given to God.

In addition, the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, as well as the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, which is on the loins, and the lobe of the liver (vs. 9-10) are also offered as an offering by fire on the bronze altar located at the doorway to the tent of meeting which is also near where the worshipper would slay it (v. 8).

This means these parts were to be burned. The Hebrew word translated fat is also translated “best” (see Numbers 18:29). Fat in animals indicates they have an abundance of food. There is in this offering an acknowledgment of giving back abundance to God.

The rest of the peace offering (i.e. the edible parts), would be cooked and eaten within 2 days. But if any edible meat was left until the third day it was to be burned with fire (Leviticus 7:15-18).

The priest's role is to offer it up in smoke on the altar as food, an offering by fire to the LORD (v. 11). The language here depicts the altar as a divine dining table where God is satisfied with the food, symbolizing His acceptance of the worshiper's gift and the communion shared between them. Eating together is a recurrent image of intimate spiritual fellowship. An example is Revelation 3:20, where Jesus likens those who hear and follow His voice as being like someone having an intimate meal with Him.

These verses not only provide the practical steps of the sacrifice, but also invite the worshiper to engage in a profound spiritual exercise. The sacrifice of peace offerings is a means of maintaining and expressing peace with God and fellow man, a ritual that encapsulates thanksgiving, harmony, and a desire to commune with God.

This sacrifice of peace offerings underscores the pastoral life of the Israelites.  Raising animals was a common trade in their society, connecting their daily labor with their spiritual commitments. They provide the basic attitude necessary to obey the two greatest commandments, to love God and love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40).

These offerings are precursors and shadows of the ultimate sacrifice of peace offerings, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the need for all such offerings (Hebrews 10:12). He also established a new covenant that writes God’s instructions on our hearts and invites all into eternal peace with God (Hebrews 10:15-17). Jesus took on the sin of the world (John 3:16, Colossians 2:14). We can be justified by faith through His death (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Peace offerings also teach the importance of our own sanctification, the process of learning to live as dedicated unto God. To be separated from the world and live unto God is at the very core of God’s will for believers (1 Thessalonians 4:3).  New Testament believers are called to live life as a “living sacrifice” which is our reasonable service to God (Romans 12:1).

The instructions in Leviticus for the sanctifying of the people and the tabernacle provide an example for modern believers. Believers in Jesus are to similarly be set apart from the world. Rather than be conformed to the world, we are to be transformed to the image of Christ through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2).

New Testament believers should live the reality that we are a tabernacle for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). We obtain the gift of eternal life when we believe in Jesus Christ and are justified in His sight (John 3:14-15). We receive the prize— the experience and the reward—of eternal life through the obedience of faith. When we persevere in doing good works toward God and others, we are promised we will reap positive consequences (Galatians 6:8-9).

To learn more about the gift and prize of eternal life, see our article, “Eternal Life: Receiving the Gift vs. Inheriting the Prize. ”