Leviticus 2:14
If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, you shall offer crushed heads of new grain roasted on the fire.
If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD
The concept of firstfruits is deeply rooted in the agricultural society of ancient Israel. Offering the first and best of the harvest to God was a way to acknowledge His provision and sovereignty. This act of giving the firstfruits was a demonstration of faith, trusting that God would continue to provide for the rest of the harvest. Biblically, firstfruits symbolize the initial and best portion dedicated to God, as seen in Proverbs 3:9-10. This offering is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of Christ as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20), indicating His preeminence and the promise of resurrection for believers.

you shall offer crushed heads of new grain
The use of "crushed heads of new grain" indicates a specific preparation method for the offering. Crushing the grain signifies the process of refinement and dedication, removing impurities and preparing it for sacrifice. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who was crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5), symbolizing His suffering and sacrifice for humanity. The "new grain" represents freshness and purity, aligning with the idea of offering the best to God.

roasted on the fire
Roasting the grain on the fire was a method of preparation that involved purification and transformation. Fire in the Bible often symbolizes God's presence and purification (Exodus 3:2, Malachi 3:2-3). This process of roasting can be seen as a metaphor for trials and refinement, much like the believer's faith being tested and purified (1 Peter 1:7). The fire also represents the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer, transforming and sanctifying them for God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The central figure to whom the offerings are made, representing the God of Israel who commands and receives worship.

2. Israelites
The people receiving the instructions for offerings, specifically the grain offering of firstfruits.

3. Firstfruits
The initial yield of the harvest, symbolizing the best and the first portion dedicated to God.

4. Grain Offering
A type of offering made to God, consisting of agricultural produce, specifically grain.

5. Tabernacle/Temple
The place where offerings were brought and presented to God.
Teaching Points
The Principle of Firstfruits
The offering of firstfruits teaches us to prioritize God in our lives, giving Him the first and best of what we have.

Symbolism of the Grain Offering
The grain offering symbolizes dedication and thanksgiving to God for His provision. It reminds us to be grateful and acknowledge God's role in our sustenance.

Holiness and Dedication
The act of offering firstfruits is a call to holiness and dedication, setting apart a portion of our resources as sacred to God.

Trust in God's Provision
By giving the firstfruits, the Israelites demonstrated trust in God's continued provision. We are encouraged to trust God with our resources, believing He will meet our needs.

Christ as the Firstfruits
Understanding Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection helps us see the fulfillment of the Old Testament offerings in the New Testament, pointing to the hope of eternal life.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the concept of firstfruits teach us about our priorities in life, and how can we apply this principle today?

2. How does the grain offering in Leviticus 2:14 relate to the broader theme of thanksgiving and worship in the Bible?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate trust in God's provision in our daily lives, similar to the Israelites offering their firstfruits?

4. How does the symbolism of the firstfruits offering connect to the New Testament understanding of Christ's resurrection?

5. Reflect on a time when you gave God the first and best of your resources. What impact did it have on your faith and relationship with Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 23:19
This verse also discusses the offering of firstfruits, emphasizing the importance of bringing the best of the firstfruits to the house of the LORD.

Proverbs 3:9
This verse encourages honoring the LORD with one's wealth and the firstfruits of all produce, highlighting the principle of giving God the first and best.

1 Corinthians 15:20
Paul refers to Christ as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, connecting the concept of firstfruits to the resurrection and new life in Christ.
All Sin Must be Excluded from Our Offerings to GodJ. Spencer.Leviticus 2:1-16
Attractive FragranceFrom Witherby's Scripture Gleanings.Leviticus 2:1-16
Christ the True Meat-OfferingF. H. White.Leviticus 2:1-16
Every Christian's Life Ought to be FragrantLeviticus 2:1-16
Fine Enough to be FragrantSarah Smiley.Leviticus 2:1-16
Firstfruits of Our Young Years to be ConsecratedJ. Spencer.Leviticus 2:1-16
Frankincense as a SymbolA. Maclaren, D. D.Leviticus 2:1-16
Homage Graced with ExcellenciesW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 2:1-16
Labour Consecrated to GodJ. Tinling.Leviticus 2:1-16
Offering God the True End of ManJ. Spencer.Leviticus 2:1-16
Offering the Best to GodLeviticus 2:1-16
Offerings to God Must be Simple and SincereLeviticus 2:1-16
Oil as a Symbol: Service Permeated by the Holy SpiritD. L. Moody.Leviticus 2:1-16
Our Recognition of the Hand of God in the Blessings of LifeW. Clarkson Leviticus 2:1-16
Self-ConsecrationH. W. Beecher.Leviticus 2:1-16
Self-DedicatedJ. Breed, D. D.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Aroma of the Christian LifeLeviticus 2:1-16
The Burnt-Offering and the Meat-Offering ContrastedB. W. Newton.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Holy Ghost NeededJ. Davidson.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meal OfferingJ. H. Kurtz, D. D.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-OfferingJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-OfferingLeviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-OfferingJ. M. Gibson, D. D.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-OfferingC. S. Taylor, M. A.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-OfferingA. Jukes.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-OfferingA. A. Bonar.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-OfferingDean Law.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-OfferingC. H. Mackintosh.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-Offering Typical of Christ and His PeopleJohn Gill, D. D.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Meat-Offering; or the Father HonouredLeviticus 2:1-16
The Offering of Consecrated LabourS. H. Kellogg, D. D.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Time of Offering the FirstfruitsLeviticus 2:1-16
We Should Offer to God What We Like Best OurselvesLeviticus 2:1-16
Why Such Varieties of Offering?J. Caroming, D. D.Leviticus 2:1-16
Youth the Time for Religious OfferingProfessor Drummond.Leviticus 2:1-16
The Various Kinds of Meat OfferingsR.A. Redford Leviticus 2:4-16
About Honouring God with Our FirstfruitsR.M. Edgar Leviticus 2:12-16
The Minchah of the FirstfruitsJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 2:14-16
People
Aaron, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Beaten, Bring, Bruised, Cereal, Corn, Crushed, Dried, Dry, Ear, Early, Ears, Field, Fire, Firstfruits, First-fruits, First-ripe, Fresh, Fruitful, Fruits, Full, Grain, Green, Grits, Groats, Growth, Heads, Meal, Meal-offering, Meat, Meat-offering, Oblation, Offer, Offering, Parched, Present, Ripened, Roasted
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 2:14

     5157   head
     5268   cooking
     5282   crushing

Leviticus 2:1-16

     4456   grain

Leviticus 2:8-16

     7422   ritual

Leviticus 2:11-16

     4442   firstfruits

Leviticus 2:13-16

     7368   grain offering

Library
The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
PHILIPPIANS iv. 10-23 The Philippian alms--His sense of their faithful love--He has received in full--A passage in the Scriptural manner--The letter closes--"Christ is preached"--"Together with them" The work of dictation is nearly done in the Roman lodging. The manuscript will soon be complete, and then soon rolled up and sealed, ready for Epaphroditus; he will place it with reverence and care in his baggage, and see it safe to Philippi. But one topic has to be handled yet before the end. "Now
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

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

Links
Leviticus 2:14 NIV
Leviticus 2:14 NLT
Leviticus 2:14 ESV
Leviticus 2:14 NASB
Leviticus 2:14 KJV

Leviticus 2:14 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Leviticus 2:13
Top of Page
Top of Page