Grain Offering Instructions
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The Grain Offering, also known as the "meal offering" or "cereal offering," is a significant component of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Leviticus. It is a non-blood offering, distinct from animal sacrifices, and serves as an expression of devotion, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God's provision.

Biblical Foundation

The primary instructions for the Grain Offering are found in Leviticus 2 and Leviticus 6:14-23. The offering is presented as a gift to the LORD, symbolizing the fruits of human labor and the acknowledgment of God's sustenance.

Ingredients and Preparation

The Grain Offering consists of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Leviticus 2:1-2 states: "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He is to pour oil on it, put frankincense on it, and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of fine flour and oil, together with all its frankincense, and burn this memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

The offering could be presented in various forms, including uncooked flour, baked cakes, or wafers. Each form required specific preparation methods, such as baking in an oven, cooking on a griddle, or frying in a pan (Leviticus 2:4-7).

Prohibitions and Requirements

Certain prohibitions and requirements are associated with the Grain Offering. Leviticus 2:11 instructs, "No grain offering that you present to the LORD shall be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as an offering made by fire to the LORD." The absence of leaven symbolizes purity and the avoidance of corruption, while the exclusion of honey may relate to its fermenting properties.

Additionally, every Grain Offering must be seasoned with salt, as stated in Leviticus 2:13 : "You must season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offering. You are to add salt to each of your offerings." Salt represents the covenant between God and His people, signifying preservation and loyalty.

Portions and Consumption

The Grain Offering is divided into two portions: the memorial portion and the remainder. The memorial portion, consisting of a handful of flour, oil, and all the frankincense, is burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. The remainder is given to Aaron and his sons, the priests, as their portion (Leviticus 2:3, 10).

Leviticus 6:16-18 further clarifies, "Aaron and his sons are to eat the remainder. It must be eaten as unleavened bread in a holy place; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. It must not be baked with leaven; I have given it as their share of My offerings made by fire. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering."

Symbolism and Significance

The Grain Offering holds deep symbolic meaning. It represents the dedication of one's labor and sustenance to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. The use of fine flour signifies the best of what one has to offer, while the oil and frankincense add elements of richness and fragrance, enhancing the offering's value.

In the broader context of the sacrificial system, the Grain Offering complements the burnt offering, which atones for sin. Together, they reflect a holistic approach to worship, encompassing both atonement and thanksgiving.

New Testament Reflection

While the New Testament does not prescribe the continuation of the Grain Offering, its principles are reflected in the Christian life. Believers are encouraged to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The Grain Offering's emphasis on dedication, purity, and thanksgiving continues to inspire Christian worship and devotion.
Grain Offering as a Gift to God
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