Leviticus 2:8

When 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.

Study Bible

And you are to bring
This phrase emphasizes the personal responsibility and active participation of the worshiper in the sacrificial system. The Hebrew root for "bring" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which means to come or to enter. This action signifies an intentional approach to God, highlighting the importance of willingly offering one's best to the Lord. It reflects a heart posture of obedience and reverence, acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision.

the grain offering
The grain offering, or "מִנְחָה" (minchah) in Hebrew, was a tribute to God, often consisting of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It symbolizes the fruit of human labor and the dedication of one's sustenance to God. Historically, this offering was a non-blood sacrifice, representing thanksgiving and devotion. It underscores the principle that all provisions come from God and should be offered back to Him in gratitude.

made of these things
This phrase refers to the specific ingredients prescribed for the grain offering. The use of fine flour, oil, and frankincense was not arbitrary but carried significant meaning. Fine flour represented purity and the best of one's produce, oil symbolized the Holy Spirit and anointing, and frankincense was a symbol of prayer and worship. Together, they illustrate a holistic offering of one's life and resources to God.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" indicates the ultimate recipient of the offering. The Hebrew name used here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with His people. This offering was not merely a ritualistic act but a relational one, acknowledging God's lordship and expressing worship and allegiance to Him.

Present it to the priest
The priest acted as a mediator between the people and God. The Hebrew word for priest is "כֹּהֵן" (kohen), which denotes one who serves in sacred duties. By presenting the offering to the priest, the worshiper engaged in the divinely ordained system of mediation, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant.

who shall bring it to the altar
The altar was the sacred place where offerings were made to God. The Hebrew word for altar is "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), meaning a place of sacrifice. The act of bringing the offering to the altar signifies the transition from the earthly to the divine, where human offerings are consecrated and accepted by God. It is a powerful reminder of the need for atonement and the sanctification of one's gifts and life before the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The central figure to whom the offerings are made, representing God's holiness and the covenant relationship with Israel.

2. The Priest
The mediator between the people and God, responsible for presenting offerings at the altar.

3. The Altar
The sacred place where offerings are made, symbolizing God's presence and the place of atonement and worship.

4. The Grain Offering
A voluntary offering made from fine flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God.

5. Israelites
The people of God who are commanded to bring offerings as part of their worship and covenant relationship with Him.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Offering
The grain offering represents a heart of gratitude and dedication to God. Believers today are called to offer their lives and resources in service to God.

Role of the Priest
Just as the priest mediated the offerings, Jesus is our High Priest who mediates our relationship with God. We are also called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar is a place of meeting with God. In our lives, we must have a 'spiritual altar' where we regularly meet with God in prayer and worship.

Holiness and Dedication
The offering had to be pure and without defect, symbolizing the holiness required in our lives. We are called to live lives set apart for God.

Thanksgiving and Worship
The grain offering was a way to express thanksgiving. Our lives should be marked by gratitude and worship, acknowledging God's provision and grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the grain offering in Leviticus 2:8 help us understand the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we, as believers, act as a 'royal priesthood' in our daily lives, according to 1 Peter 2:5?

3. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 2:8 foreshadow the work of Jesus as our High Priest, as described in Hebrews 10:1-10?

4. What are some practical ways we can create a 'spiritual altar' in our lives to regularly meet with God?

5. How can Romans 12:1 inspire us to live lives of dedication and sacrifice in our modern context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:38-42
Describes the daily offerings, highlighting the importance of regular sacrifices and offerings in maintaining a relationship with God.

Hebrews 10:1-10
Discusses the limitations of Old Testament sacrifices and the fulfillment in Christ, emphasizing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the dedication symbolized by the grain offering.

Psalm 141:2
Compares prayer to an offering, suggesting that our prayers and worship are like incense before God.

1 Peter 2:5
Describes believers as a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices, connecting the role of the priest to the New Testament believer.