Leviticus 6:17

It must not be baked with leaven; I have assigned it as their portion of My offerings made by fire. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering.

Study Bible

It must not be baked with leaven
The prohibition against leaven in offerings is significant in the Hebrew context. The Hebrew word for leaven is "se'or," which symbolizes corruption and sin due to its fermenting nature. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, leaven was often associated with decay and impurity. By excluding leaven, the offering remains pure and untainted, reflecting the holiness required in worship. This command underscores the need for purity in approaching God, reminding believers of the call to live lives free from the corruption of sin.

I have given it as their share
This phrase highlights God's provision for the priests. The Hebrew word "natan" (given) indicates a deliberate act of bestowing or granting. In the context of the Levitical priesthood, God provides for those who serve Him, ensuring their needs are met through the offerings of the people. This reflects a broader biblical principle of God's provision for those who dedicate their lives to His service, emphasizing His faithfulness and care.

of My offerings made by fire
The offerings made by fire, or "ishsheh" in Hebrew, refer to sacrifices that are wholly or partially burned on the altar. These offerings symbolize the complete dedication and surrender to God. The fire represents God's presence and His consuming holiness. By designating these offerings as "My offerings," God asserts His ownership and the sacredness of the sacrifices, reminding the Israelites that their worship is directed to Him alone.

It is most holy
The term "most holy" (Hebrew: "qodesh qodashim") signifies the highest degree of sanctity. This designation is reserved for items or offerings that are set apart for God in a special way. The most holy offerings are to be treated with the utmost reverence and respect, reflecting the holiness of God Himself. This phrase serves as a reminder of the sacredness of worship and the need for reverence in approaching God.

like the sin offering and the guilt offering
The sin offering ("chatat") and the guilt offering ("asham") are both sacrifices that deal with atonement and reconciliation with God. These offerings underscore the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. By comparing the grain offering to these, the text emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in all aspects of worship. It highlights the comprehensive nature of God's provision for sin and the means by which His people can maintain a right relationship with Him. This comparison serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin and the grace of God in providing a way for atonement.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, through whom God delivered the laws and commandments, including those in Leviticus.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The priests who were given specific instructions on how to conduct offerings and sacrifices, including the grain offering mentioned in this verse.

3. The Tabernacle
The sacred place where the Israelites worshiped and where offerings were made to God.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given the Law to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

5. Offerings Made by Fire
Sacrificial offerings that were burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

Teaching Points

Holiness of Offerings
The grain offering, like the sin and guilt offerings, is described as "most holy." This underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity.

Symbolism of Leaven
Leaven often symbolizes sin and corruption in Scripture. The prohibition of leaven in offerings serves as a reminder to remove sin from our lives and approach God with sincerity.

God's Provision for Priests
The grain offering was given as a share to the priests, highlighting God's provision for those who serve Him. This can remind us of the importance of supporting those in ministry.

Continuity and Fulfillment
The sacrificial system points forward to Christ, who fulfills the law and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice. This encourages us to see the Old Testament laws as part of God's redemptive plan.

Living Sacrifices
As believers, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This involves daily surrender and commitment to living according to His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the prohibition of leaven in the grain offering teach us about the nature of sin and purity in our relationship with God?

2. How does the concept of offerings being "most holy" influence our understanding of worship and service to God today?

3. In what ways can we support those who are called to serve in ministry, reflecting the provision given to the priests in Leviticus?

4. How does the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ impact our view of the Old Testament laws and their relevance to our faith?

5. What practical steps can we take to live as "living sacrifices" in our daily lives, in light of the teachings in Leviticus and the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12:15
This verse connects to the prohibition of leaven, as it was also forbidden during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, symbolizing purity and separation from sin.

Leviticus 2:11
This verse reiterates the prohibition of leaven in grain offerings, emphasizing the importance of purity in offerings to God.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to describe sin and its corrupting influence, urging believers to live in sincerity and truth.

Hebrews 10:1-10
This passage discusses the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ, who is the ultimate offering for sin.