The Function of the Millennial Sacrifices in Ezekiel’s Temple, Part 2 -- By: Jerry M. Hullinger

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 167:666 (Apr 2010)
Article: The Function of the Millennial Sacrifices in Ezekiel’s Temple, Part 2
Author: Jerry M. Hullinger


The Function of the Millennial Sacrifices in Ezekiel’s Temple, Part 2

Jerry M. Hullinger

Jerry M. Hullinger is Professor of Bible, Piedmont Baptist College and Graduate School, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

This article concludes a two-part series on what each Old Testament offering will do when it is presented in the kingdom age. Each sacrifice is examined to see if its function is at odds with the salvation secured at the Cross. As seen in part 1, neither the burnt offering nor the grain offering would demean Christ’s sacrifice. This second article inquires as to whether the final three offerings pass the same test.

The Peace Offering

Leviticus 3:1-17

The next offering listed in Leviticus is the peace offering. The word “peace” indicates not only an absence of war but also a state of completeness, soundness, and welfare.1 This offering did not make peace with God; instead it expressed the fact that the worshipper was already at peace with God.2 Thus peace exists when this offering

is brought. Gayford notes that if “the name was used in this sense [to make peace] the Peace Offering would be beyond all others the atoning sacrifice.”3 That it was an expression of peace is confirmed by the instances in which this offering was specified.4 It was to be made during the celebration of the Feast of Weeks (Lev. 23:19-20) and in the ritual for the completion of the Nazirite vow (Num. 6:17-20). The peace offering was also given after successful military campaigns (1 Sam. 11:15), cessation of famine or pestilence (2 Sam. 24:25), at times of spiritual renewal (2 Chron. 29:31-36), and in the dedication of the tabernacle (Lev. 9:4, 18, 22) and the temple (2 Kings 8:63-64).5 Thus in many cases the peace offering expressed thanksgiving to God for His blessings that were a sign of a peaceful relationship. As Eichrodt wrote, this offering “springs spontaneously from man’s need to give public and material expression to his gratitude from some deliverance or marvelou...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()