◄ Leviticus 2 ►
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Laws for Grain Offerings (Leviticus 6:14–23) 1“When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering must consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, 2and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 3The remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the food offerings to the LORD. 4Now if you bring an offering of grain baked in an oven, it must consist of fine flour, either unleavened cakes mixed with oil or unleavened wafers coated with oil. 5If your offering is a grain offering prepared on a griddle,a it must be unleavened bread made of fine flour mixed with oil. 6Crumble it and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering. 7If your offering is a grain offering cooked in a pan,b it must consist of fine flour with oil. 8When you bring to the LORD the grain offering made in any of these ways, it is to be presented to the priest, and he shall take it to the altar. 9The priest is to remove the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 10But the remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the food offerings to the LORD. 11No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD. 12You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of firstfruits, but they must not go up on the altar as a pleasing aroma. 13And you shall season each of your grain offerings with salt. You must not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offering; you are to add salt to each of your offerings. 14If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, you shall offer crushed heads of new grain roasted on the fire. 15And you are to put oil and frankincense on it; it is a grain offering. 16The priest shall then burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all its frankincense, as a food offering to the LORD. Footnotes: 5 a That is, a shallow pan for baking or frying 7 b That is, a deep pan or stew pan Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Leviticus 2 Summary Laws for Grain Offerings Verses 1–3 – The Basic Grain Offering The worshiper brings “fine flour” mixed with oil and topped with frankincense. The priest burns a handful—the “memorial portion”—on the altar, and the rest becomes food for the priests. Verses 4–10 – Baked or Fried Options Whether oven-baked loaves, griddle-cakes, or pan-fried morsels, the offering must be made without leaven and kept moist with oil. A portion is burned; the remainder again feeds the priestly family. Verses 11–13 – No Leaven, Add Salt Leaven and honey may not go on the altar, but every grain offering must be seasoned: “You are to season every one of your grain offerings with salt… it is the salt of the covenant of your God.” (v. 13) Verses 14–16 – Grain of Firstfruits Early heads of barley are roasted, then crushed, mixed with oil and frankincense, and a memorial portion is burned before the LORD. This passage outlines the specific instructions given by God regarding grain offerings. It provides a detailed look at the preparation and presentation, emphasizes the importance of adhering to the prescribed rituals, and underscores the significance of the offerings as a symbol of a holy covenant with God. Historical Background Grain was the heartbeat of ancient Israel’s diet. An open field meant survival; a failed harvest spelled disaster. Offering part of that staple to God acknowledged His hand in every loaf they baked. Leviticus 2 sits in the middle of Moses’ instructions at Sinai (around 1445 BC) when Israel was learning how to live as a newly freed nation under God’s rule. Purpose and Spiritual Significance of the Grain Offering 1. Thanksgiving: It was the only regular offering without blood, emphasizing gratitude more than atonement. 2. Recognition of Provision: Handing over daily bread confessed, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). 3. Fellowship: Sharing the remainder with priests wove worship and community together. Ingredients Explained • Fine flour – sifted wheat or barley; purity and quality mattered (Malachi 1:8). • Oil – life-giving in a dry land, symbolizing blessing and joy (Psalm 23:5). • Frankincense – costly resin that released fragrance as it burned, showing the offering rising pleasingly to God (Revelation 8:3–4). Preparation Styles • Oven loaves (v. 4) resembled small flatbreads. • Griddle cakes (v. 5) were thin, quickly baked, good for travelers (cf. 1 Kings 17:12-13). • Pan-fried pieces (v. 7) likely used a clay pot resembling today’s tagine. Variety allowed rich or poor, settled or nomadic, to offer what fit their setting. Salt, Leaven, and Honey • Salt – covenant durability; in Numbers 18:19 God calls His promise to the priesthood “a covenant of salt.” Salt keeps food from spoiling, picturing a relationship that endures. • Leaven – in Scripture often pictures decay or spreading corruption (Exodus 12:15; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Omitting it kept the altar from any symbol of moral rot. • Honey – natural sweetener but it ferments quickly under heat; leaving it out preserved purity on the altar. God still welcomed honey in firstfruits gifts (Proverbs 24:13) but not in the fire. Priestly Portion and Community Provision “The remainder of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD.” (v. 10) • The priestly family depended on these gifts (Deuteronomy 18:1-5). • Worshipers saw their own food feed God’s servants, reinforcing mutual care (1 Corinthians 9:13). Archaeological Insights • Excavations at Tel Beersheba and Shiloh uncover grindstones and ovens matching the Leviticus descriptions. • Storage jars holding up to 50 liters of grain remind us how valuable a handful would be to a desert-dwelling family. • Incense altars found in Judah from the 8th-7th centuries BC bear traces of resin resembling frankincense. Connections to Christ and the New Testament • Jesus called Himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35). Like the grain offering, His sinless life (no leaven) was offered up for others. • Oil often points to the Holy Spirit; Jesus was anointed “with the oil of joy” (Hebrews 1:9). • The Church is urged to be “a pleasing aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15), echoing the burning frankincense. • At the Last Supper, Jesus broke unleavened bread, fulfilling the picture of pure grain given to God and shared with His people (Luke 22:19). Scripture Cross-References • Gratitude offerings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 50:14 • “Without leaven” theme: Exodus 12:17-20; Luke 12:1 • Salt of the covenant: 2 Chronicles 13:5; Mark 9:49-50 • Firstfruits principle: Proverbs 3:9; James 1:18 Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Give God the first and the best, not the leftovers. • Keep worship simple, sincere, and free from “leaven”—anything that corrupts. • Season every act of service with the “salt” of covenant loyalty, ensuring relationships stay preserved. • Remember that God delights in everyday gifts—your work, meals, and resources offered back to Him with thankful hearts. Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. This verse echoes the call to present ourselves wholly to God. Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth. This passage connects the symbolism of salt in Leviticus to our role as preservers of God's truth in the world. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. This reinforces the call to holiness and purity. Teaching Points The Nature of the Offering Leviticus 2:1 states, When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. The use of fine flour signifies purity and quality, reminding us that our offerings to God should be our best. Inclusion of Oil and Frankincense Verse 2 mentions, He is to pour oil on it, put frankincense on it, and take it to Aaron’s sons the priests. Oil represents the Holy Spirit, and frankincense symbolizes prayer and worship, indicating that our offerings should be accompanied by the Spirit and prayerful devotion. Absence of Leaven and Honey Verse 11 instructs, No grain offering that you present to the LORD shall be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as an offering made by fire to the LORD. Leaven often symbolizes sin, and its absence in the offering underscores the call to holiness. The Role of Salt Verse 13 emphasizes, You must season all your grain offerings with salt. Salt is a preservative and symbolizes the enduring nature of God's covenant, reminding us of the lasting relationship we have with Him. Practical Applications Offer Your Best Just as the Israelites were instructed to offer fine flour, we are called to give God our best in all areas of life, whether it be our time, talents, or resources. Incorporate Prayer and the Spirit Like the oil and frankincense, ensure that your daily life is infused with prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit. Pursue Holiness Avoid the leaven of sin in your life. Strive for purity in your thoughts, words, and actions. Remember the Covenant Let the salt of God's covenant remind you of His faithfulness and your commitment to live according to His Word. People 1. The Offerer This is the individual who brings the grain offering to the LORD. The offerer is responsible for preparing the offering according to the specified instructions, which include using fine flour, oil, and frankincense. 2. The Priest The priest acts as the intermediary between the offerer and God. The priest takes a portion of the grain offering, known as the memorial portion, and burns it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. The remaining portion of the offering is for the priests. In the original Hebrew text, the term for "priest" is כֹּהֵן (kohen), which refers to a member of the priestly class responsible for performing sacrifices and rituals in the Tabernacle or Temple. The offerer is not given a specific Hebrew term in this context, as it generally refers to any member of the Israelite community bringing an offering. Places 1. The Tabernacle The central place of worship for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The grain offerings described in Leviticus 2 would have been brought to the Tabernacle, where the priests performed their duties. The Hebrew term "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan) refers to this dwelling place of God among His people. 2. The Altar Located within the Tabernacle courtyard, the altar is where offerings were made to God. In Leviticus 2, the grain offering is described as being presented at the altar. The Hebrew word "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach) is used for the altar, signifying a place of sacrifice and worship. 3. The Holy Place Part of the Tabernacle where priests would enter to perform various rituals. While not explicitly mentioned in Leviticus 2, the Holy Place is relevant as the location where priests would handle offerings and incense, as described in the broader context of Levitical laws. Events 1. Presentation of the Grain Offering The chapter begins with instructions for presenting a grain offering to the LORD. The Hebrew term for grain offering is "מִנְחָה" (minchah), which signifies a gift or tribute. The offering is to be of fine flour, symbolizing purity and quality. 2. Inclusion of Oil and Frankincense The grain offering must include oil and frankincense. Oil, "שֶׁמֶן" (shemen), represents richness and the Holy Spirit, while frankincense, "לְבוֹנָה" (levonah), is associated with prayer and worship. 3. Portion for the LORD A portion of the grain offering, along with all the frankincense, is to be burned on the altar as a memorial portion, "אַזְכָּרָה" (azkarah), which means a reminder or remembrance, signifying the offering's dedication to God. 4. Portion for Aaron and His Sons The remainder of the grain offering is given to Aaron and his sons. This portion is described as "most holy" among the offerings made by fire to the LORD, emphasizing its sacredness. 5. Unleavened Bread Requirement If the grain offering is baked, it must be unleavened, "מַצָּה" (matzah), symbolizing purity and the absence of sin. It can be in the form of cakes or wafers, mixed or anointed with oil. 6. Fried Grain Offering Instructions are given for a grain offering prepared on a griddle. It must also be unleavened and mixed with oil, maintaining the same standards of purity and dedication. 7. Crumbled Offering The offering can be crumbled and poured with oil, ensuring that the oil permeates the entire offering, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence throughout. 8. Prohibition of Leaven and Honey Leaven, "שְׂאֹר" (se'or), and honey, "דְּבַשׁ" (devash), are prohibited in offerings made by fire. Leaven often symbolizes corruption or sin, while honey, though sweet, can ferment and spoil. 9. Inclusion of Salt Every grain offering must be seasoned with salt, "מֶלַח" (melach), representing the covenant of salt, which signifies preservation and the enduring nature of God's covenant. 10. Firstfruits Offering Instructions are given for offering the firstfruits, "בִּכּוּרִים" (bikkurim), which are to be fresh heads of grain roasted with fire, crushed new grain, and oil. This offering acknowledges God's provision and the first yield of the harvest. Lessons from Leviticus 2 1. The Importance of Offering Our Best In Leviticus 2, we see the Israelites instructed to bring the finest flour as a grain offering. This teaches us the importance of offering our best to God. Just as the Israelites were to present their finest, we too should strive to give God our best in all areas of life, whether it be our time, talents, or resources. "You are to present an offering of the finest flour" (Leviticus 2:1). This act of giving reflects our gratitude and reverence for the Creator. 2. The Role of Oil and Frankincense The grain offering was to be mixed with oil and frankincense, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and prayer. Oil, often a symbol of the Holy Spirit, reminds us of the need for His presence in our lives. Frankincense, used in worship, signifies our prayers rising to God. "Pour oil on it and put frankincense on it" (Leviticus 2:1). This combination encourages us to live Spirit-filled lives, continually communicating with God. 3. The Significance of Salt Salt was a crucial component of the grain offering, symbolizing the covenant between God and His people. "You are to season each of your grain offerings with salt" (Leviticus 2:13). Salt preserves and purifies, reminding us of our call to be the salt of the earth, preserving God’s truth and living lives that reflect His purity and holiness. 4. Avoiding Leaven and Honey Leaven and honey were prohibited in the grain offerings, symbolizing sin and corruption. "You must not include any leaven or honey in an offering made by fire to the LORD" (Leviticus 2:11). This teaches us to avoid anything that might corrupt our relationship with God. Just as leaven spreads through dough, sin can spread through our lives if not addressed. 5. The Memorial Portion A portion of the grain offering was burned as a memorial, a pleasing aroma to the Lord. "The priest shall burn the memorial portion on the altar" (Leviticus 2:2). This act reminds us that our lives should be a living sacrifice, a pleasing aroma to God, as we remember His faithfulness and grace in our lives. 6. The Offering of Firstfruits The offering of firstfruits was a way to honor God with the first and best of the harvest. "If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD" (Leviticus 2:14). This principle encourages us to prioritize God in our lives, giving Him the first and best of what we have, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. 7. The Role of the Priests The priests played a crucial role in presenting the offerings, symbolizing the need for mediation between God and man. "The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil" (Leviticus 2:2). This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates on our behalf, bridging the gap between us and God. 8. The Grain Offering as a Voluntary Act The grain offering was a voluntary act of worship, reflecting a heart of gratitude and devotion. "When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD" (Leviticus 2:1). This teaches us that our worship should be a willing expression of love and thankfulness, not out of obligation but out of a genuine desire to honor God. 9. The Symbolism of Fire Fire was used to consume the offerings, symbolizing God’s presence and purification. "The priest shall burn the memorial portion on the altar" (Leviticus 2:2). This reminds us of the refining work of God in our lives, purifying us and making us more like Christ through the trials and challenges we face. 10. The Call to Holiness Leviticus 2, like the rest of the book, calls us to holiness. The detailed instructions for offerings remind us that God cares about the details of our lives and desires us to live set apart for Him. "Be holy, because I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44). This call to holiness is a reminder of our identity as God’s people, set apart to reflect His character in the world. Topics 1. Grain Offering Instructions Leviticus 2 begins with instructions for presenting a grain offering to the LORD. The offering is to be made of fine flour, with oil and frankincense added. The Hebrew word for grain offering is "מִנְחָה" (minchah), which signifies a gift or tribute. 2. Portion for the Priests A portion of the grain offering, specifically a memorial portion, is to be burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. The rest of the offering belongs to Aaron and his sons. This highlights the provision for the priests from the offerings of the people. 3. Unleavened Bread Requirement The grain offering must be unleavened, made into cakes or wafers mixed with oil. The Hebrew word "חָמֵץ" (chametz) refers to leaven, which is prohibited in these offerings, symbolizing purity and separation from sin. 4. Offering of Firstfruits The chapter also addresses the offering of firstfruits, which involves fresh heads of grain roasted with fire. This offering is a way to honor God with the first and best of the harvest, acknowledging His provision. 5. Prohibition of Honey and Leaven Honey and leaven are explicitly prohibited in grain offerings. The absence of leaven and honey, which can ferment, symbolizes the need for purity and sincerity in worship. 6. Salt of the Covenant Every grain offering must be seasoned with salt, referred to as the "salt of the covenant" (Leviticus 2:13). Salt symbolizes preservation and the enduring nature of the covenant between God and His people. The Hebrew word "בְּרִית" (berit) means covenant, emphasizing the sacred agreement. 7. Burning of the Memorial Portion The memorial portion of the grain offering is burned on the altar, serving as a reminder of the worshiper's dedication to God. This act of burning signifies the complete surrender and devotion of the offering to the LORD. Themes 1. Grain Offering as a Gift to God Leviticus 2 describes the grain offering, which is a voluntary act of worship and devotion to God. The Hebrew term for grain offering is "מִנְחָה" (minchah), which signifies a gift or tribute. This offering symbolizes the worshiper's dedication and gratitude to God. 2. Use of Fine Flour The offering is to be made of fine flour, as stated in Leviticus 2:1: "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour." The Hebrew word for fine flour is "סֹלֶת" (solet), indicating the purity and quality of the offering, reflecting the worshiper's desire to give their best to God. 3. Inclusion of Oil and Frankincense The grain offering is to be mixed with oil and frankincense (Leviticus 2:1-2). Oil, "שֶׁמֶן" (shemen), represents the Holy Spirit and anointing, while frankincense, "לְבוֹנָה" (levonah), symbolizes prayer and worship. Together, they enhance the offering, making it a fragrant aroma to the Lord. 4. Memorial Portion Burned on the Altar A portion of the grain offering is to be burned on the altar as a "memorial portion" (Leviticus 2:2). The Hebrew word "אַזְכָּרָה" (azkarah) means a remembrance, signifying that the offering serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. 5. Prohibition of Leaven and Honey Leviticus 2:11 states, "No grain offering that you present to the LORD shall be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as an offering made by fire to the LORD." Leaven, "שְׂאֹר" (se'or), often symbolizes sin and corruption, while honey, "דְּבַשׁ" (devash), can ferment and spoil. Their exclusion emphasizes the need for purity and sincerity in worship. 6. Seasoning with Salt The grain offering must be seasoned with salt, as commanded in Leviticus 2:13: "You must season all your grain offerings with salt." Salt, "מֶלַח" (melach), is a preservative and symbolizes the enduring nature of the covenant, often referred to as the "salt of the covenant." 7. Offerings from the Firstfruits Leviticus 2:14-16 discusses offerings from the firstfruits, which are to be presented as a sign of trust and reliance on God's provision. The Hebrew term "בִּכּוּרִים" (bikkurim) refers to the first and best portion of the harvest, acknowledging God's sovereignty and blessing. Prayer Points Gratitude Thank God for the opportunity to offer our lives as a living sacrifice and for His provision in our lives. Dedication Pray for the strength to give God our best in every aspect of our lives. Holiness Ask for the Holy Spirit's help in identifying and removing any leaven of sin. Faithfulness Seek God's guidance in living out His covenant and being a salt and light in the world. Answering Tough Questions 1. Leviticus 2:1–2: How could ancient Israelites realistically acquire frankincense in the wilderness if it primarily originated far to the south? 2. Leviticus 2:4–5: Why forbid leaven in grain offerings, given that leaven was common in ancient Near Eastern bread-making? 3. Leviticus 2:11: Why prohibit honey in offerings, considering it was a widely available sweetener and valued commodity in that region? 4. Leviticus 2:12–13: How consistent is the requirement to add salt with other scriptural instances that list different mandatory ingredients? 5. Leviticus 2:14: Is there historical or archeological evidence of firstfruits rituals precisely matching these detailed instructions? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think the grain offering was made with such specific guidelines? 2. What is the significance of using fine flour, oil, and frankincense in the offerings? 3. How does the practice of offering the firstfruits reflect our attitude towards giving to God? 4. How does the prohibition of leaven and honey in the offerings connect with the wider context of Israelite laws and customs? 5. What does the memorial portion signify in the overall process of the offering? 6. What might be the symbolic meaning of salt in the covenant with God? 7. In what ways might we offer our "grain offerings" to God in modern times? 8. How can we incorporate the principles outlined in these rituals into our daily lives? 9. How does this passage highlight the role of the priest in ancient Israel? 10. What does the repeated phrase "a pleasing aroma to the LORD" tell us about God's perception of obedience? 11. How does the detailed nature of these instructions affect your understanding of God's character? 12. Why do you think the remainder of the grain offering was given to Aaron and his sons? 13. How do you understand the term "most holy part" in the context of these offerings? 14. What could the "crushed heads of new grain" symbolize in the firstfruits offering? 15. How does this chapter provide insight into the Israelites' understanding of worship and devotion? 16. Can these offerings be seen as acts of gratitude or thanksgiving? Why or why not? 17. How can we apply the importance of offering the "firstfruits" in our contemporary lives? 18. How do the different cooking methods relate to the type of offerings being presented? 19. How does the use of olive oil in all offerings speak to the significance of olive oil in the Israelite culture? 20. In the modern context, how might the concept of "burning as an offering made by fire to the LORD" translate to our spiritual practices or life choices? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions