Leviticus 2:13

And 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.

Study Bible

You must season
The Hebrew word for "season" is "מָלַח" (malach), which means to salt or to season. In ancient times, seasoning with salt was not only a method of enhancing flavor but also a means of preservation. This command signifies the importance of making offerings pleasing and enduring before God. Salt, as a preservative, symbolizes the eternal nature of God's covenant with His people.

your whole grain offering
The grain offering, or "מִנְחָה" (minchah) in Hebrew, was a tribute to God, representing the fruits of human labor. It was an acknowledgment of God's provision and a symbol of dedication. The grain offering was a non-blood sacrifice, emphasizing the worshiper's devotion and gratitude.

with salt
Salt, or "מֶלַח" (melach) in Hebrew, was a valuable commodity in the ancient Near East. It was used in various religious and cultural contexts. In the Bible, salt often symbolizes purity, preservation, and covenant. The use of salt in offerings underscores the purity and enduring nature of the worshiper's relationship with God.

You must not leave the salt of the covenant
The phrase "salt of the covenant" refers to the binding and enduring nature of God's promises. In ancient cultures, salt was a symbol of loyalty and fidelity. The "salt of the covenant" implies that the covenant between God and His people is unbreakable and everlasting. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the expected faithfulness of His people.

of your God
This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship between the Israelites and Yahweh. The use of "your God" highlights the covenantal relationship, where God is not a distant deity but a personal and involved God who desires a relationship with His people.

out of your grain offering
The grain offering was a significant part of the sacrificial system, representing the worshiper's dedication and reliance on God. By including salt, the offering becomes a symbol of the covenant, reminding the Israelites of their commitment to God and His enduring promises.

you are to add salt
The act of adding salt is a deliberate and conscious action, symbolizing the worshiper's intentional commitment to uphold the covenant with God. It reflects the importance of maintaining the purity and integrity of one's relationship with the Divine.

to each of your offerings
This command extends beyond the grain offering to all sacrifices, indicating that every act of worship should be seasoned with the covenantal salt. It serves as a reminder that every aspect of life and worship is under the covenant with God, and each offering is an opportunity to reaffirm that relationship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The author of Leviticus, who received the laws and instructions from God to give to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
- The recipients of the laws, who were to follow these instructions as part of their covenant relationship with God.

3. Grain Offering
- A type of offering made to God, consisting of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving.

4. Salt
- A crucial element in the offerings, symbolizing preservation, purity, and the enduring nature of the covenant with God.

5. Covenant
- The sacred agreement between God and the Israelites, of which the salt is a symbol, representing its perpetual and unbreakable nature.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Salt
Salt in the grain offering symbolizes the enduring and preserving nature of God's covenant with His people. It reminds believers of the importance of faithfulness and purity in their relationship with God.

Covenant Faithfulness
The inclusion of salt in offerings underscores the seriousness of the covenant. Believers are called to uphold their commitments to God with integrity and dedication.

Spiritual Preservation
Just as salt preserves food, believers are to act as preservers of God's truth and righteousness in the world, maintaining their distinctiveness and influence.

Holiness in Worship
The command to include salt in offerings highlights the need for holiness and reverence in worship. Believers should approach God with sincere hearts and pure intentions.

Practical Application of Salt
In daily life, Christians are encouraged to be "salt" in their communities, influencing others positively and upholding the values of the Kingdom of God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the use of salt in the grain offering teach us about the nature of God's covenant with His people?

2. How can we apply the symbolism of salt in our daily lives as followers of Christ?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and offerings to God are seasoned with "salt"?

4. How does the concept of being the "salt of the earth" challenge us in our interactions with others?

5. What are some practical steps we can take to preserve and uphold God's truth in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 18:19
- This verse also refers to the "salt of the covenant," emphasizing the perpetual nature of God's promises.

Matthew 5:13
- Jesus calls His followers the "salt of the earth," connecting the idea of salt as a preservative and a symbol of covenant faithfulness.

Colossians 4:6
- Paul instructs believers to let their speech be "seasoned with salt," indicating wisdom and grace in communication.

Mark 9:49-50
- Jesus speaks about everyone being "salted with fire," linking the concept of purification and sacrifice.