Leviticus 2:2

and 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, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Study Bible

and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests
In the context of ancient Israel, the priesthood was established through Aaron and his descendants, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for "priests" is "kohanim," which signifies those who are set apart for sacred duties. This phrase underscores the importance of the priestly role as mediators between God and the people. The act of bringing the offering to the priests symbolizes the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's holiness and their need for intercession.

The priest shall take a handful of the fine flour and oil
The "fine flour" represents the best of the grain, signifying purity and dedication. In Hebrew, "solet" refers to finely milled flour, indicating the care and effort put into the offering. The "oil" is often associated with anointing and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Together, they symbolize the offering of one's best to God, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture as a call to give God our first and finest.

together with all the frankincense
Frankincense, known in Hebrew as "lebonah," was a valuable resin used in worship and offerings. Its inclusion in the grain offering highlights the element of prayer and worship, as frankincense was often used in incense. This aromatic substance represents the prayers of the people rising to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2, where prayer is likened to incense.

and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar
The "memorial portion" (Hebrew: "azkarah") serves as a reminder before God of the covenant relationship with His people. Burning it on the altar signifies the complete dedication and surrender of the offering to God. This act of burning transforms the physical into the spiritual, symbolizing the worshiper's desire to be wholly consumed by devotion to God.

an offering made by fire
Fire in the Bible often represents God's presence and purification. The Hebrew word "isheh" refers to offerings made by fire, emphasizing the transformative power of God's holiness. This phrase reminds believers of the refining process that occurs when they offer themselves to God, allowing His holy fire to purify and sanctify.

a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The concept of a "pleasing aroma" (Hebrew: "reyach nichoach") is a recurring theme in sacrificial language, indicating God's acceptance and satisfaction with the offering. It reflects the idea that sincere worship and obedience are delightful to God. This phrase encourages believers to live lives that are a "pleasing aroma" to God, echoing the New Testament call in Romans 12:1 to present our bodies as living sacrifices.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron's Sons (Priests)
The descendants of Aaron, who were appointed as priests to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple, performing sacrifices and rituals as mediators between God and the Israelites.

2. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings and sacrifices were made to God. It symbolizes the place of divine-human interaction and worship.

3. The Memorial Portion
A part of the grain offering that is burned on the altar, representing the whole offering and serving as a reminder of the worshiper's dedication to God.

4. Offering Made by Fire
A sacrificial act involving burning, which signifies purification and dedication to God, producing a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the recipient of the offerings and the one who establishes the covenant with Israel.

Teaching Points

The Role of Priests
The priests served as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the importance of intercession and spiritual leadership in the community of faith.

Symbolism of the Offering
The grain offering, with its fine flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizes dedication, purity, and the pleasing nature of worship when offered sincerely to God.

The Pleasing Aroma
The concept of a "pleasing aroma" signifies that God delights in sincere worship and obedience, encouraging believers to examine the motives behind their acts of worship.

Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice
The sacrificial system points to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross fulfills the need for offerings, inviting believers to rest in His completed work.

Living Sacrifices
Believers are called to live lives of worship, offering themselves wholly to God in service and obedience, reflecting the principles of the sacrificial system in daily life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron's sons as priests in Leviticus 2:2 relate to the concept of the priesthood of all believers in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the grain offering in Leviticus 2:2 symbolize aspects of our spiritual worship today?

3. How can understanding the "pleasing aroma" of the offering help us evaluate our own acts of worship and service to God?

4. What parallels can we draw between the sacrificial system in Leviticus and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?

5. How can we apply the concept of being a "living sacrifice" from Romans 12 in our daily lives, in light of the teachings in Leviticus 2:2?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing their role in offering sacrifices.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Psalm 141
Compares prayer to incense, highlighting the symbolic nature of offerings as a form of worship and communication with God.

Romans 12
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial system as a form of spiritual worship.