Leviticus 2:15

And you are to put oil and frankincense on it; it is a grain offering.

Study Bible

And you are to put oil and frankincense on it;
In the context of Leviticus, oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit and anointing. The use of oil in offerings signifies consecration and dedication to God. Frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin, represents prayer and worship, as seen in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3-4. The combination of oil and frankincense in the grain offering highlights the importance of both the Spirit and prayer in worship. Frankincense was also one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi (Matthew 2:11), symbolizing His priestly role.

it is a grain offering.
The grain offering, or "minchah" in Hebrew, was a voluntary act of worship, expressing devotion and thanksgiving to God. Unlike animal sacrifices, grain offerings were bloodless, emphasizing the dedication of one's labor and sustenance to the Lord. This offering consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, and was often accompanied by a drink offering. The grain offering foreshadows Christ as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), who provides spiritual sustenance. It also reflects the believer's call to offer their lives as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the laws, who were to follow these instructions as part of their covenant relationship with God.

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

4. Oil
Represents the Holy Spirit and anointing, used in offerings to signify consecration and sanctification.

5. Frankincense
A fragrant resin used in worship, symbolizing prayer and the pleasing aroma of a life dedicated to God.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Offering
The grain offering represents our dedication and thanksgiving to God. Just as the Israelites added oil and frankincense, we are to offer our lives with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the fragrance of prayer.

Role of the Holy Spirit
The oil in the offering signifies the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. We are called to live Spirit-filled lives, allowing His presence to consecrate our actions and thoughts.

Prayer as a Fragrant Offering
Frankincense symbolizes prayer. Our prayers should rise to God as a pleasing aroma, reflecting a heart fully devoted to Him.

Living Sacrifices
As believers, we are to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This involves daily dedication and a lifestyle of worship.

Thanksgiving and Worship
The grain offering was an act of thanksgiving. We are encouraged to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing God's provision and grace in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the inclusion of oil and frankincense in the grain offering enhance its significance in worship?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the symbolism of the grain offering into our daily lives as living sacrifices?

3. How does the role of the Holy Spirit, represented by the oil, influence our understanding of consecration and sanctification?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our prayers are like the fragrant incense described in the Bible?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of thanksgiving and worship in response to God's provision, as exemplified by the grain offering?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:34-38
Discusses the use of frankincense in the holy incense, highlighting its role in worship and prayer.

Psalm 141:2
Compares prayer to incense, connecting the offering's aroma to the prayers of the faithful.

Matthew 2:11
The Magi's gifts to Jesus included frankincense, symbolizing His priestly role and the worship due to Him.

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

Hebrews 13:15-16
Speaks of offering a sacrifice of praise and doing good, reflecting the spirit of the grain offering.