Leviticus 2:16

The priest shall then burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all its frankincense, as an offering made by fire to the LORD.

Study Bible

The priest
In the context of ancient Israel, the priest served as a mediator between God and the people. The Hebrew word for priest is "kohen," which signifies someone who is set apart for sacred duties. The role of the priest was crucial in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of holiness and obedience in worship.

shall then burn
The act of burning in sacrificial rituals symbolizes the complete surrender and dedication of the offering to God. The Hebrew word "qatar" is used here, which means to make smoke or to offer up in smoke. This act represents the transformation of the physical into the spiritual, as the offering ascends to God.

the memorial portion
This phrase refers to a part of the grain offering that is set aside to be burned on the altar. The Hebrew word "azkarah" is used, which means a remembrance or memorial. This portion serves as a reminder of the covenant and the worshiper's dedication to God, symbolizing the perpetual remembrance of God's faithfulness and provision.

of the crushed grain
The grain offering, or "minchah" in Hebrew, was made from fine flour, symbolizing the fruit of human labor and the sustenance provided by God. The crushing of the grain signifies the breaking down of the self, humility, and the offering of one's best to God.

and the oil
Oil, often olive oil, was a valuable commodity in ancient Israel, used for anointing, cooking, and lighting. In offerings, oil symbolizes richness, the Holy Spirit, and the anointing presence of God. It represents the consecration and sanctification of the offering.

together with all its incense
Incense, or "lebonah" in Hebrew, was a fragrant substance burned to produce a pleasing aroma. It symbolizes prayer, worship, and the desire for the offering to be acceptable to God. The inclusion of incense highlights the importance of a heart attitude that seeks to please God.

as an offering made by fire
The phrase "offering made by fire" indicates a sacrifice that is wholly consumed by flames, signifying total dedication to God. The Hebrew word "ishsheh" is used, which means a fire offering. This act of burning represents purification and the transformation of the offering into a spiritual act of worship.

to the LORD
The offering is directed to "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing the personal and relational aspect of worship. It underscores the idea that all offerings and acts of worship are ultimately for God's glory and honor, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the ritual duties required by the Law.

2. Memorial Portion
This refers to a part of the grain offering that is burned on the altar as a remembrance before God.

3. Crushed Grain
Represents the offering of the firstfruits of the harvest, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God.

4. Oil
Used in offerings to signify richness and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

5. Frankincense
A fragrant resin used in offerings, symbolizing prayer and worship ascending to God.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Offerings
The grain offering symbolizes dedication and thanksgiving. As believers, we are called to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, dedicating our actions and resources to God.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role in offering the memorial portion points to Christ as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf. We can approach God with confidence through Jesus.

Spiritual Fragrance
Just as frankincense creates a pleasing aroma, our prayers and acts of worship should rise to God as a sweet fragrance. This calls us to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

Holistic Worship
The combination of grain, oil, and frankincense in the offering teaches us that worship involves all aspects of our lives—our work (grain), our anointing (oil), and our prayers (frankincense).

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 2:16 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways can we offer our own "memorial portions" to God in our daily lives?

3. How does the use of frankincense in the offering relate to the concept of prayer in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our lives are a "pleasing aroma" to God?

5. How can the principles of the grain offering in Leviticus 2:16 be applied to our understanding of worship today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:34-38
Discusses the use of frankincense in the holy incense, highlighting its role in worship and prayer.

Hebrews 13:15-16
Encourages believers to offer sacrifices of praise and good deeds, drawing a parallel to the offerings in Leviticus.

Psalm 141:2
Compares prayer to incense, emphasizing the symbolic nature of offerings as acts of worship.

Romans 12:1
Calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, connecting the physical offerings of the Old Testament to spiritual acts of worship in the New Testament.