◄ Leviticus 6:23 ►
Every grain offering for a priest shall be burned completely; it is not to be eaten."
Study Bible
Every grain offering
The Hebrew term for "grain offering" is "minchah," which signifies a gift or tribute. In the context of Leviticus, it represents an offering of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing the fruits of human labor dedicated to God. This offering is a reminder of the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, emphasizing the importance of dedicating one's work and sustenance to the Lord.

of a priest
The priests, descendants of Aaron, held a unique position in Israelite society as mediators between God and the people. Their offerings were distinct from those of the laypeople, reflecting their consecrated status. This phrase underscores the special responsibilities and privileges of the priesthood, as well as the higher standard of holiness required of them.

shall be burned completely
The Hebrew word for "burned" is "saraph," which means to consume by fire. This complete burning signifies total dedication to God, leaving nothing for personal use. It symbolizes the idea of offering one's entire self to God, holding nothing back. The act of burning also purifies and sanctifies, representing the priest's need for purity in service.

it must not be eaten
This prohibition highlights the sacredness of the offering. Unlike other grain offerings that could be partially consumed by the priests, this offering was entirely for God. It serves as a reminder of the holiness required in approaching God and the need for the priests to maintain a clear distinction between what is sacred and what is common. This command underscores the principle that certain things are reserved solely for God, reflecting His ultimate authority and holiness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priests
The descendants of Aaron, chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple, performing sacrifices and rituals on behalf of the people.

2. Grain Offering
A type of offering made from fine flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness.

4. Burnt Offering
A sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God, including the instructions for offerings.
Teaching Points
Total Dedication to God
The complete burning of the priest's grain offering symbolizes total dedication and surrender to God. As believers, we are called to offer our lives wholly to God, holding nothing back.

Role of the Priesthood
The priest's offering being entirely burned signifies the unique role and responsibility of the priesthood. In the New Covenant, all believers are called to be a royal priesthood, dedicated to serving God and others.

Sacrificial Living
Just as the grain offering was not to be eaten, our lives should be a sacrifice that is not consumed by worldly desires but wholly devoted to God's purposes.

Symbolism of Fire
Fire in the Bible often represents purification and the presence of God. The burning of the offering signifies the purifying work of God in our lives as we dedicate ourselves to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the complete burning of the priest's grain offering in Leviticus 6:23 reflect the concept of total dedication to God in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we, as a "royal priesthood," offer our lives as living sacrifices, as described in Romans 12:1?

3. How does the role of the Old Testament priesthood inform our understanding of Jesus' priesthood as described in Hebrews 7?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our lives are not consumed by worldly desires but are wholly devoted to God's purposes?

5. How can the symbolism of fire in the Bible help us understand the process of purification and dedication in our spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 2
Provides detailed instructions on the grain offering, emphasizing its role in worship and dedication.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and Christ's eternal priesthood.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical offerings of the Old Testament.
Sermons
Instructions on the Offerings for the PriestsR.A. Redford Leviticus 6:8-30
Quench not the SpiritR.M. Edgar Leviticus 6:8-30
The Law of the Meat OfferingJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 6:14-23
Ministerial Function, and ObligationW. Clarkson Leviticus 6:19-23
The High Priest's Offering in the Day When He is AnointedR.A. Redford Leviticus 6:19-23
People
Aaron, Ephah, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Cereal, Completely, Eaten, Entirely, Grain, Meal, Meal-offering, Meat, Meat-offering, Nothing, Oblation, Offered, Offering, Present, Priest, Smoke, Wholly
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 6:14-23

     4404   food
     4456   grain
     7422   ritual

Leviticus 6:14-29

     4476   meals

Leviticus 6:19-23

     7368   grain offering

Library
Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
It has been said that Mary understood, and yet did not understand Jesus. And of this there seems fresh evidence in the circumstance that, immediately after the marriage of Cana, she and the brethren of Jesus' went with Him, or followed Him, to Capernaum, which henceforth became His own city,' [1774] during His stay by the Lake of Galilee. The question, whether He had first returned to Nazareth, seems almost trifling. It may have been so, and it may be that His brothers had joined Him there, while …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
^A Matt. XXIV. 1-28; ^B Mark XIII. 1-23; ^C Luke XXI. 5-24. ^a 1 And Jesus went out from the temple [leaving it to return no more], and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him ^b as he went forth ^a to show him the buildings of the temple. ^b one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! ^c 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said [The strength and wealth of the temple roused …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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