Font Size
The Hebrew term for the sacrifice is zeb̠aḥ shelāmîm. The basic idea in the word shelāmîm, from which the name of the offering is derived, is “prosperous, well-being.” The condition of blessedness that the term describes comes to the individual through his or her covenant relationship with God. The purpose of this offering was to give God praise for some specific blessing, to fulfill a vow, or simply to express one’s love for God (cf. 7:11-18; 22:18-21). The peace offering took the form of a festive meal with the offerer’s family, the priest, and invited guests participating.
Regulations for the peace offering are divided into three sections: (1) the offering of cattle (vv.1-5), (2) an offering from the flock (vv.6-16), and (3) an appendix that forbids the eating of fat or blood (v.17).