Numbers 7:65
And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.
NUMBERS 7:65
Verse 65 declares the peace offering: “two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year.” The peace offering, or fellowship offering, celebrates restored relationship and communal harmony with God and one another. It acknowledges God’s blessing, gratitude, and mutual generosity among the people. The quantity assigned to Abidan mirrors the day’s preceding offerings, forming a tableau of lavish praise and shared sustenance. The peace offering often included portions given to the priest, the altar, and the worshiper, symbolizing communal participation in worship and blessing.
The peace offering expresses fellowship with God and neighbor. It communicates that worship is not only about ritual purity but about joyful relationship—sharing a meal, giving thanks, and extending hospitality. It also reinforces the idea that faith is lived in community; blessings are enjoyed together, and generosity binds the people to their God and to each other. The diversity of animals signals abundance and gratitude, pointing to the fullness of life God intends for his people.
Today, the equivalent of a peace offering is acts of communal worship and generosity: sharing meals after church, hosting or supporting gatherings, and contributing to community programs. It invites you to cultivate hospitality: invite a neighbor to share a meal after worship, participate in a church project, or open your home to someone in need. Embrace gratitude in tangible ways—offer thanks to God in meals, prayers, and daily routines, and extend blessings to others through practical generosity.
Cross-References: Leviticus 7:11-18; Romans 12:13; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Acts 2:44-47