Leviticus 6:17

It must not be baked with leaven; I have assigned it as their portion of My offerings made by fire. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering.

Study Bible

It must not be baked with leaven;
Leaven, or yeast, is often symbolic of sin and corruption in the Bible. In the context of offerings, leaven is prohibited to signify purity and holiness. This requirement underscores the need for offerings to be free from impurity, reflecting the holiness of God. In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the "leaven of the Pharisees," which represents hypocrisy and false teaching (Matthew 16:6). The absence of leaven in offerings can also be seen as a type of Christ, who was without sin.

I have assigned it as their portion of My food offerings.
This phrase indicates that a portion of the offerings is designated for the priests. The priests, who serve in the temple, rely on these portions for their sustenance, as they do not have land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel (Numbers 18:20-21). This provision highlights God's care for those who serve Him and the community's responsibility to support their spiritual leaders. It also reflects the communal aspect of worship, where offerings benefit both God and His servants.

It is most holy,
The designation "most holy" signifies the highest level of sanctity. Items or offerings deemed "most holy" are set apart for God and must be handled with the utmost reverence and care. This status is reserved for offerings that are directly related to atonement and reconciliation with God. The holiness of these offerings points to the seriousness of sin and the need for a pure and acceptable sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29).

like the sin offering and the guilt offering.
The sin offering and the guilt offering are both sacrifices made for atonement, addressing different aspects of sin and guilt. The sin offering deals with unintentional sins and purification, while the guilt offering addresses specific transgressions and restitution. Both offerings emphasize the need for repentance and reconciliation with God. They prefigure the atoning work of Christ, who fulfills the requirements of both offerings through His death and resurrection, providing complete forgiveness and restoration for believers (Hebrews 10:10-12).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, through whom God delivered the laws and commandments, including those in Leviticus.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The priests who were given specific instructions on how to conduct offerings and sacrifices, including the grain offering mentioned in this verse.

3. The Tabernacle
The sacred place where the Israelites worshiped and where offerings were made to God.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given the Law to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

5. Offerings Made by Fire
Sacrificial offerings that were burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

Teaching Points

Holiness of Offerings
The grain offering, like the sin and guilt offerings, is described as "most holy." This underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity.

Symbolism of Leaven
Leaven often symbolizes sin and corruption in Scripture. The prohibition of leaven in offerings serves as a reminder to remove sin from our lives and approach God with sincerity.

God's Provision for Priests
The grain offering was given as a share to the priests, highlighting God's provision for those who serve Him. This can remind us of the importance of supporting those in ministry.

Continuity and Fulfillment
The sacrificial system points forward to Christ, who fulfills the law and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice. This encourages us to see the Old Testament laws as part of God's redemptive plan.

Living Sacrifices
As believers, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This involves daily surrender and commitment to living according to His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the prohibition of leaven in the grain offering teach us about the nature of sin and purity in our relationship with God?

2. How does the concept of offerings being "most holy" influence our understanding of worship and service to God today?

3. In what ways can we support those who are called to serve in ministry, reflecting the provision given to the priests in Leviticus?

4. How does the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ impact our view of the Old Testament laws and their relevance to our faith?

5. What practical steps can we take to live as "living sacrifices" in our daily lives, in light of the teachings in Leviticus and the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12:15
This verse connects to the prohibition of leaven, as it was also forbidden during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, symbolizing purity and separation from sin.

Leviticus 2:11
This verse reiterates the prohibition of leaven in grain offerings, emphasizing the importance of purity in offerings to God.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to describe sin and its corrupting influence, urging believers to live in sincerity and truth.

Hebrews 10:1-10
This passage discusses the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ, who is the ultimate offering for sin.