Leviticus 3

Peace offering without blemish

And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. Leviticus 3:1

The peace offering celebrated being at peace with God, and the animal had to be perfect. Jesus is the flawless offering whose blood makes real peace between us and the Father.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him · a traditional type, cited

• a type of what is in Colossians 1:20 — Christ made peace through the blood of his cross.
• a type of what is in 1 Peter 1:19 — Redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Laying hands on the substitute

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. Leviticus 3:2

The offerer put his hand on the animal, identifying himself with it before it died in his place (repeated in verses 8 and 13). Christ is the substitute who takes our place.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him · a traditional type, cited

• a type of what is in 2 Corinthians 5:21 — He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.

Sweet savour offering

And Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is upon the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD. Leviticus 3:5

A sweet savour means the offering pleased God (again in verse 16). Paul uses this very language for Christ giving Himself for us.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him

• alluded to by Ephesians 5:2 — Christ gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Lamb of God

And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish. Leviticus 3:6–7

A lamb without blemish offered before the LORD anticipates Jesus, the Lamb of God, holy and undefiled, whose sacrifice all the lambs of the law pointed to.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a traditional type, cited · another scripture interprets it of Him

• a type of what is in John 1:29 — Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
• a type of what is in 1 Peter 1:19 — The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
• a type of what is in Hebrews 7:26 — Such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled.

Jehovah

Jehovah — the LORD, the eternal I AM

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the LORD’s. Leviticus 3:16

The LORD who received these offerings is Jehovah, the premortal Jesus Christ. After His resurrection He said He was the one who gave the law, and that the Nephites should offer 'unto me' no more blood sacrifices.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · another scripture interprets it of Him

• interpreted by 3 Nephi 15:5 — Behold, I am he that gave the law.
• interpreted by 3 Nephi 9:19-20 — The risen Christ says 'ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood', showing the offerings had been made to Him.