Grain offerings, also known as "meal offerings" or "cereal offerings," are a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. These offerings are primarily detailed in the book of Leviticus, where they are presented as a means for the Israelites to express devotion, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God's provision.

Biblical Instructions and Purpose

The primary instructions for grain offerings are found in Leviticus 2. The offering consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. The worshiper was to bring the offering to the priests, who would then take a portion of it, known as the "memorial portion," and burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. The remainder of the offering was given to the priests for their sustenance (Leviticus 2:2-3).

Grain offerings could be presented in various forms, including uncooked fine flour, baked cakes, or wafers. Regardless of the form, the offering was to be made without yeast or honey, symbolizing purity and sincerity (Leviticus 2:11). Salt was to be included in every grain offering, representing the covenant of salt, a symbol of the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people (Leviticus 2:13).

The grain offering served multiple purposes. It was an act of worship and dedication, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty. It also symbolized the offerer's desire to live a life pleasing to God, as the offering was a representation of the work of human hands, sanctified and offered back to the Creator.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The grain offering holds rich symbolic meaning. The use of fine flour, oil, and frankincense points to the purity, richness, and fragrance of a life dedicated to God. The absence of yeast signifies the removal of sin and corruption, while the inclusion of salt underscores the lasting nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

In a broader theological context, grain offerings foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the grain offering was a pleasing aroma to the LORD, Christ's sacrifice is described as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2). The grain offering, therefore, points to the perfect life and atoning work of Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system and establishes a new covenant with His people.

Incense

Incense in the Bible is closely associated with worship and the presence of God. It is often mentioned in conjunction with sacrifices and offerings, serving as a symbol of prayer and divine communication.

Biblical Usage and Instructions

The use of incense is detailed in the instructions for the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In Exodus 30, God commands Moses to make an altar of incense, where Aaron is to burn fragrant incense every morning and evening as a perpetual incense before the LORD (Exodus 30:7-8). The incense was to be made from a specific blend of spices, including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, and was considered holy (Exodus 30:34-37).

Incense was also used in the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, where the high priest would burn incense before the mercy seat, creating a cloud of smoke that covered the ark of the covenant (Leviticus 16:12-13).

Symbolism and Theological Significance

Incense symbolizes the prayers of the saints ascending to God. In Psalm 141:2, David prays, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering" . This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense before the throne of God (Revelation 5:8).

Theologically, incense represents the intercessory work of Christ, who mediates between God and humanity. Just as incense was a pleasing aroma that filled the sanctuary, the prayers of believers, offered in the name of Jesus, are pleasing to God. The use of incense in worship underscores the holiness of God and the reverence with which His people are to approach Him.

In summary, both grain offerings and incense play vital roles in the worship practices of ancient Israel, pointing to deeper spiritual truths and foreshadowing the redemptive work of Christ.