Leviticus 2:16

The priest shall then burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all its frankincense, as an offering made by fire to the LORD.

Study Bible

The priest shall then burn the memorial portion
In the Levitical system, the priest acts as a mediator between God and the people. The burning of the memorial portion signifies the offering being set apart for God. This act of burning is a symbolic gesture of dedication and remembrance, highlighting the importance of offering the first and best to God. The memorial portion represents a token of the whole, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty.

of the crushed grain and the oil
Crushed grain, often barley or wheat, was a staple in the ancient Near Eastern diet, symbolizing sustenance and life. The inclusion of oil, a valuable commodity, signifies richness and blessing. Together, they represent the basic elements of life and God's provision. This offering is a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God for their daily needs, echoing the prayer for "daily bread" in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:11).

together with all its frankincense
Frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin, was used in worship and symbolized prayer and praise ascending to God. Its inclusion in the offering elevates the act of giving, transforming a simple grain offering into a fragrant sacrifice pleasing to the Lord. This mirrors the New Testament concept of believers' prayers being like incense before God (Revelation 5:8).

as a food offering to the LORD
The term "food offering" underscores the idea of fellowship and communion with God. While God does not need physical sustenance, the offering represents the worshiper's desire to honor and please Him. This act of offering is a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is the "bread of life" (John 6:35), fulfilling the spiritual nourishment symbolized by the grain offering.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the ritual duties required by the Law.

2. Memorial Portion
This refers to a part of the grain offering that is burned on the altar as a remembrance before God.

3. Crushed Grain
Represents the offering of the firstfruits of the harvest, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God.

4. Oil
Used in offerings to signify richness and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

5. Frankincense
A fragrant resin used in offerings, symbolizing prayer and worship ascending to God.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Offerings
The grain offering symbolizes dedication and thanksgiving. As believers, we are called to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, dedicating our actions and resources to God.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role in offering the memorial portion points to Christ as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf. We can approach God with confidence through Jesus.

Spiritual Fragrance
Just as frankincense creates a pleasing aroma, our prayers and acts of worship should rise to God as a sweet fragrance. This calls us to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

Holistic Worship
The combination of grain, oil, and frankincense in the offering teaches us that worship involves all aspects of our lives—our work (grain), our anointing (oil), and our prayers (frankincense).

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 2:16 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways can we offer our own "memorial portions" to God in our daily lives?

3. How does the use of frankincense in the offering relate to the concept of prayer in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our lives are a "pleasing aroma" to God?

5. How can the principles of the grain offering in Leviticus 2:16 be applied to our understanding of worship today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Hebrews 13:15-16
Encourages believers to offer sacrifices of praise and good deeds, drawing a parallel to the offerings in Leviticus.

Psalm 141:2
Compares prayer to incense, emphasizing the symbolic nature of offerings as acts of worship.

Romans 12:1
Calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, connecting the physical offerings of the Old Testament to spiritual acts of worship in the New Testament.