Leviticus 2:6

Crumble it and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering.

Study Bible

Crumble it
The act of crumbling the grain offering signifies the preparation and dedication of the offering to God. In ancient Israel, this process involved breaking down the grain into smaller pieces, symbolizing humility and submission. This act can be seen as a representation of the believer's heart being broken and contrite before God, as seen in Psalm 51:17, where a broken spirit and contrite heart are described as sacrifices pleasing to God.

and pour oil on it;
Oil in the Bible often symbolizes the Holy Spirit and anointing. Pouring oil on the grain offering signifies consecration and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This act of anointing the offering with oil can be seen as a foreshadowing of the anointing of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, who was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18). The use of oil also highlights the richness and dedication of the offering, setting it apart for sacred use.

it is a grain offering.
The grain offering, or "minchah" in Hebrew, was a voluntary offering made to express gratitude and devotion to God. It was distinct from animal sacrifices and often accompanied burnt offerings. The grain offering represents the fruit of human labor and is a reminder of God's provision. It points to the ultimate offering of Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), fulfilling the spiritual nourishment and sustenance that the grain offering symbolized. The grain offering also emphasizes the importance of offering the best of one's resources to God, reflecting a life dedicated to His service.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws and instructions were given, as they were forming a covenant community under God’s guidance.

3. Tabernacle
The place where offerings, including grain offerings, were presented to God as part of worship and atonement practices.

4. Priests
The descendants of Aaron who were responsible for performing the rituals and offerings, including the grain offering, on behalf of the people.

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

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Grain Offering
The grain offering represents dedication and thanksgiving to God. It is a reminder of God’s provision and the need for believers to offer their best to Him.

The Role of Oil
Oil in the offering symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Just as oil was poured over the grain, believers are to be filled with the Spirit in their daily walk with God.

Crumbling the Offering
The act of crumbling the grain signifies humility and brokenness before God. It teaches believers the importance of approaching God with a contrite heart.

Community and Worship
The grain offering was a communal act of worship, reminding believers of the importance of coming together as a community to worship and serve God.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The grain offering, like other Old Testament sacrifices, points to Christ, who is the ultimate offering. Believers are called to live lives of gratitude and service in response to His sacrifice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the grain offering in Leviticus 2:6 reflect the Israelites' relationship with God, and what can we learn from this about our own relationship with Him?

2. In what ways does the use of oil in the grain offering symbolize the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer?

3. How can the act of crumbling the grain offering teach us about humility and brokenness in our spiritual lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can offer our "best" to God in our daily lives, similar to the grain offering?

5. How does understanding the grain offering enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice as described in the New Testament, and how should this impact our worship and service?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Discusses the consecration of the priests and the offerings required, including grain offerings, highlighting the importance of offerings in the worship and service of God.

Numbers 15
Provides further instructions on grain offerings, emphasizing their role in the sacrificial system and the community's relationship with God.

Hebrews 10
Reflects on the sacrificial system, including offerings, and how they point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the law.