Leviticus 7:11-21 – Appreciate God for His goodness

The peace offering had been discussed in Leviticus 3 but here in Leviticus 7:11-21, the priests were instructed on how it ought to be presented to the Lord. The reasons for this offering were three essentially. Firstly, it was presented as a thanksgiving; secondly, as a votive offering. This offering was usually prompted because of a fulfilled vow that one had made. Thirdly, the reason could be a freewill offering just as a spontaneous response to God out of gratitude.

Along with the bull, goat or sheep to be offered to God would also include unleavened pancakes mixed with pure oil. The reason why it was unleavened is obvious. They were made to God. However, the portion given to the priests could be leavened. Note that those that were offered to God would be burnt on the altar.

The thanksgiving offering must be eaten on the same day that the offering was made. Whereas the votive and freewill peace offering may be eaten on the second day but was never the third. Any leftover to the third day must be burnt. It appears that priests could also partake of the offering. However, only those who were ceremonially clean could eat of it. Those who violate this instruction would be cut off or excommunicated from the community.

These instructions on the peace offering stress the importance of our action in the act of thanksgiving. While words of thanksgiving to show our appreciation to God are well and good, but we all know that a life lived out in thankfulness to God would be more judicious. Thanksgiving is good but thanks-living is better. The Bible encourages us to be grateful people. We must not approach God with a spirit of entitlement. Remember we should not be anxious about anything. But in everything, we are to come to God in prayers and supplication, but always with thanksgiving. And as we rise from our prayers, remember to live a life of thankfulness to God.