The peace offering was done “to make restitution” with God and man (Ex. 22:5; Ps. 50:14). The Lord called the Israelites to celebrate the fact that they have received peace with Him and that their sins were forgiven and were granted favor with God. These were times of joy and thankfulness, after clearing all misdeeds and making things right.
During these feasts a meal was offered in the court of the congregation on the sanctuary grounds. This meal was done after a sin offering and a burnt offering were carried out. After the blood of the sacrifice has been sprinkled, and atonement had been made, people rejoiced in the forgiveness and justification they received from the Lord.
In this celebration, the offerer invited his whole family and the Levites to eat with him. Sons and daughters, manservants and maidservants were to participate. All sat down at the table of the Lord and rejoiced together “in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2).
The ultimate kind of joy anyone can experiences is that when a person receives peace from His Creator. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1), “for he is our peace” (Eph. 2:14).
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27). Christ spoke these words Just before He offered Himself at Golgotha. By faith He was victor. He knew whom He believed. It is this peace that He wants to bestow on His children.
This peace means quiet, rest and joy; it means freedom from worry and fear. The Christian who enjoys this peace has a source of strength not dependent on the circumstances of life. It might a good idea for the people of God today to celebrate feasts of rejoicing over the fact that they are at peace with God.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
