Deuteronomy 27:7
And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God.
Original Language Analysis
וְזָֽבַחְתָּ֥
And thou shalt offer
H2076
וְזָֽבַחְתָּ֥
And thou shalt offer
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
1 of 8
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
שְׁלָמִ֖ים
peace offerings
H8002
שְׁלָמִ֖ים
peace offerings
Strong's:
H8002
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
שָּׁ֑ם
H8033
וְשָׂ֣מַחְתָּ֔
there and rejoice
H8055
וְשָׂ֣מַחְתָּ֔
there and rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
5 of 8
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Isaiah 12:3Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.Acts 10:36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)Deuteronomy 12:7And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.Habakkuk 3:18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Historical Context
Peace offerings provided most of Israel's meat consumption, as daily diet consisted primarily of grains, vegetables, and dairy. These sacrificial meals became occasions for family and community celebration.
Eating in God's presence symbolized covenant fellowship - the shared meal represented mutual commitment between God and His people.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the order (burnt offerings then peace offerings) teach about worship progression?
- How do peace offerings symbolize fellowship with God and community?
- Why is rejoicing commanded as religious duty rather than optional emotion?
- How does Christ's sacrifice enable both atonement and fellowship?
- What role should celebration and joy have in Christian worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God. Peace offerings (fellowship offerings) followed burnt offerings, demonstrating the pattern of worship - first atonement and consecration, then communion and celebration. Access to joyful fellowship requires prior sacrificial atonement.
The permission to eat there distinguishes peace offerings from burnt offerings. While burnt offerings were entirely consumed on the altar, peace offerings included communal meal where worshipers ate portions, symbolizing fellowship with God and each other.
The command rejoice before the LORD makes joy a religious duty, not mere emotional preference. Worship includes celebration of God's goodness, expressing gratitude for His provision and covenant relationship. Joy is appropriate response to divine blessing.
This pattern foreshadows gospel order - Christ's complete sacrifice (burnt offering) enables believers' fellowship with God and each other (peace offering), producing joy in His presence.