Along with his peace offering of thanksgivingThe peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, was a voluntary sacrifice made by the Israelites to express gratitude and maintain a harmonious relationship with God. This offering was distinct from sin and guilt offerings, which were mandatory. The peace offering could be given for thanksgiving, fulfilling a vow, or as a freewill offering. In this context, the thanksgiving aspect highlights the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's provision and blessings. The peace offering is a communal meal shared between the offerer, the priests, and God, symbolizing fellowship and reconciliation. This offering foreshadows the ultimate peace and reconciliation brought by Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Prince of Peace" (
Isaiah 9:6).
he is to present an offering
The act of presenting an offering signifies the worshiper's active participation in the sacrificial system, which was central to Israelite worship. This system was established to maintain the covenant relationship between God and His people. The presentation of offerings was a tangible expression of faith and obedience, reflecting the worshiper's devotion and reverence for God. The requirement to present offerings underscores the importance of approaching God with intentionality and sincerity, a principle echoed in the New Testament where believers are encouraged to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
with cakes of leavened bread
Unlike most offerings, which required unleavened bread, the inclusion of leavened bread in the peace offering of thanksgiving is unique. Leaven, or yeast, typically symbolizes sin and corruption in biblical texts (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). However, in this context, the use of leavened bread may represent the fullness and abundance of God's blessings, acknowledging that even in a fallen world, God's grace is sufficient. The presence of leavened bread in this offering highlights the comprehensive nature of thanksgiving, encompassing all aspects of life. This inclusion can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, though sinless, took on the sin of the world to bring about reconciliation and peace (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions for offerings.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, to whom the laws and instructions for offerings were given.
3.
TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God and performed sacrifices during their journey in the wilderness.
4.
Peace OfferingA type of sacrifice in the Levitical system, symbolizing fellowship and thanksgiving to God.
5.
Leavened BreadBread made with yeast, which is unusual in offerings as most were unleavened, symbolizing the inclusion of everyday life in worship.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of LeavenWhile leaven often symbolizes sin, its inclusion here represents the fullness of life and the everyday aspects of human experience being offered to God.
Thanksgiving in WorshipThe peace offering of thanksgiving emphasizes the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. It reminds us to acknowledge His provision and blessings.
Holistic WorshipThe combination of unleavened and leavened bread in offerings suggests that worship should encompass all aspects of life, both sacred and secular.
Community and FellowshipPeace offerings were often shared meals, symbolizing community and fellowship among believers and with God.
Christ as Our Peace OfferingIn the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the ultimate peace offering, reconciling us to God and inviting us into a life of gratitude and fellowship.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 7:13?
2.How does Leviticus 7:13 emphasize the importance of gratitude in worship practices?
3.What role does the "unleavened bread" play in the peace offering ritual?
4.How can we incorporate thankfulness into our daily spiritual practices today?
5.How does Leviticus 7:13 connect to New Testament teachings on thanksgiving?
6.What lessons on community and fellowship can be drawn from Leviticus 7:13?
7.What is the significance of including leavened bread in Leviticus 7:13?
8.How does Leviticus 7:13 relate to the concept of thanksgiving offerings?
9.Why is leaven, typically avoided, allowed in Leviticus 7:13 offerings?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 7?
11.How can we express gratitude according to the Bible?
12.What is the purpose of a peace offering?
13.What is the purpose of a wave offering?
14.Leviticus 7:15-18: Why is there a strict time limit for eating the peace offering, and how do we reconcile this directive with other cultures' preservation or consumption methods?What Does Leviticus 7:13 Mean
Along with his peace offering of thanksgiving- The verse opens by connecting leavened bread to the “peace offering of thanksgiving.” The peace (or fellowship) offering celebrated restored relationship with God and often included a meal shared by priest, worshiper, and family (Leviticus 3:1–5).
- “Thanksgiving” highlights gratitude for specific mercies received.Psalm 50:14 calls, “Sacrifice a thank offering to God,” underscoring that gratitude is not merely felt—it is offered.
- Because the worshiper actually ate part of this sacrifice (Leviticus 7:15), the scene pictures joyful communion. In the New Testament, believers likewise enjoy peace with God through Christ, “our peace” (Ephesians 2:14), and respond “in everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
He is to present an offering- The worshiper “is to present”—a personal, deliberate act.Exodus 23:15 reminds Israel not to appear before the Lord empty-handed. Worship always costs something (2 Samuel 24:24).
- Presentation is God-ward.Romans 12:1 builds on the sacrificial pattern: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”. The priest facilitated, but the worshiper’s heart and obedience remained central.
- The offering also provided for the priesthood (Leviticus 7:14). God’s design intertwines worship, fellowship, and practical support for those who serve (1 Corinthians 9:13–14).
With cakes of leavened bread- Grain offerings elsewhere were strictly unleavened (Leviticus 2:11), yet here leaven is commanded. The inclusion signals that this is not a sin offering—no symbol of corruption is being placed on the altar. Instead, the bread will be eaten, representing everyday, ordinary life permeated by gratitude.
- Two loaves were given to the priest as a “heave offering” (Leviticus 7:14), illustrating that even what seems common belongs first to God.Amos 4:5 notes Israel’s practice of offering leavened bread with praise; the act was already familiar.
- Leaven can picture growth and gladness as well (Matthew 13:33). God welcomes a celebratory meal in His presence. Fellowship with Him is not austere; it is richly flavored by His goodness.
summaryLeviticus 7:13 teaches that thanksgiving is never silent; it takes tangible form. The worshiper, enjoying peace with God, personally brings both the sacrificial animal and leavened bread, sharing a festive meal that honors the Lord, supports His servants, and sanctifies daily life. In Christ, the ultimate peace offering, we continue the pattern—presenting ourselves and our resources with grateful hearts, confident that God delights in fellowship with His people.
(13)
Besides the cakes.--That is, the thirty un leavened cakes which were made of half of the quantity of the flour brought by the offerer, as described in the previous verse, the ten leavened cakes made of the other half of the flour are to be brought. These had all to be baked before the victim was slaughtered. The only other occasion when leavened bread formed part of the offering was on Pentecost (
Leviticus 23:17); but no portion of it was burnt on the altar as a memorial, for leaven was forbidden to be on the altar. (See
Leviticus 2:11-12.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Alongעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstwithעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis peace offeringשְׁלָמָֽיו׃(šə·lā·māw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8002:A sacrifice for alliance or friendship, peace offeringof thanksgiving,תּוֹדַ֥ת(tō·w·ḏaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8426:An extension of the hand, avowal, adoration, a choir of worshippershe is to presentיַקְרִ֖יב(yaq·rîḇ)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachan offeringקָרְבָּנ֑וֹ(qā·rə·bā·nōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7133:Something brought near the altar, a sacrificial presentwith cakesחַלֹּת֙(ḥal·lōṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2471:A cake (a type used in offerings)of leavenedחָמֵ֔ץ(ḥā·mêṣ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2557:That which is leavenedbread.לֶ֣חֶם(le·ḥem)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3899:Food, bread, grain
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 7:13 With cakes of leavened bread he shall (Le Lv Lev.) 
