Leviticus 2:2

and bring it to Aaron's sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Study Bible

and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests.
In the Levitical system, the priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron, were designated as mediators between God and the people. This phrase emphasizes the role of the priesthood in the sacrificial system, highlighting their responsibility to perform the rituals correctly. The priesthood was established in Exodus 28-29, where Aaron and his sons were consecrated for this sacred duty. This lineage underscores the importance of maintaining a holy and set-apart priesthood, which is a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament.

The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil,
The act of taking a handful signifies the portion of the offering that is dedicated to God. Flour and oil were common elements in ancient Near Eastern offerings, symbolizing sustenance and the richness of life. The use of these elements in offerings reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where such produce was a staple. This act of taking a portion also foreshadows the concept of firstfruits, where the best of what one has is given to God.

together with all the frankincense,
Frankincense, a valuable resin, was used in worship for its fragrance and as a symbol of prayer rising to God. Its inclusion in the offering signifies the importance of a pleasing aroma, which is a recurring theme in sacrificial language. Frankincense was also one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Magi (Matthew 2:11), symbolizing His priestly role and the sweet savor of His life and sacrifice.

and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar,
The burning of the offering on the altar serves as a memorial before God, a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The altar, central to the tabernacle and later the temple, was the place where sacrifices were made, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation. This act of burning signifies the transformation of the offering into something that ascends to God, akin to prayers and intercessions.

a food offering,
The term "food offering" indicates that the sacrifice is seen as a meal shared with God, symbolizing fellowship and communion. This concept is foundational in understanding the sacrificial system as a means of maintaining a relationship with God. It also prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who referred to Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35), offering Himself for the sustenance of humanity.

a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
The idea of a "pleasing aroma" signifies God's acceptance of the offering. This phrase is used throughout the Old Testament to describe sacrifices that are offered with the right heart and intention. It points to the necessity of sincerity in worship and obedience. In the New Testament, Christ's sacrifice is described as a "fragrant offering" (Ephesians 5:2), fulfilling the typology of the Old Testament sacrifices and demonstrating the ultimate act of love and obedience to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron's Sons (Priests)
The descendants of Aaron, who were appointed as priests to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple, performing sacrifices and rituals as mediators between God and the Israelites.

2. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings and sacrifices were made to God. It symbolizes the place of divine-human interaction and worship.

3. The Memorial Portion
A part of the grain offering that is burned on the altar, representing the whole offering and serving as a reminder of the worshiper's dedication to God.

4. Offering Made by Fire
A sacrificial act involving burning, which signifies purification and dedication to God, producing a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the recipient of the offerings and the one who establishes the covenant with Israel.

Teaching Points

The Role of Priests
The priests served as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the importance of intercession and spiritual leadership in the community of faith.

Symbolism of the Offering
The grain offering, with its fine flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizes dedication, purity, and the pleasing nature of worship when offered sincerely to God.

The Pleasing Aroma
The concept of a "pleasing aroma" signifies that God delights in sincere worship and obedience, encouraging believers to examine the motives behind their acts of worship.

Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice
The sacrificial system points to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross fulfills the need for offerings, inviting believers to rest in His completed work.

Living Sacrifices
Believers are called to live lives of worship, offering themselves wholly to God in service and obedience, reflecting the principles of the sacrificial system in daily life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron's sons as priests in Leviticus 2:2 relate to the concept of the priesthood of all believers in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the grain offering in Leviticus 2:2 symbolize aspects of our spiritual worship today?

3. How can understanding the "pleasing aroma" of the offering help us evaluate our own acts of worship and service to God?

4. What parallels can we draw between the sacrificial system in Leviticus and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?

5. How can we apply the concept of being a "living sacrifice" from Romans 12 in our daily lives, in light of the teachings in Leviticus 2:2?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing their role in offering sacrifices.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Psalm 141
Compares prayer to incense, highlighting the symbolic nature of offerings as a form of worship and communication with God.

Romans 12
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial system as a form of spiritual worship.