Definition and Purpose:
The meal-offering, also known as the grain offering, is a significant component of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. It is primarily described in the book of Leviticus and serves as an offering of dedication and thanksgiving to God. Unlike burnt offerings, which involve the sacrifice of animals, meal-offerings consist of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. These offerings symbolize the worshiper's dedication of their labor and sustenance to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.

Biblical Instructions:
The primary instructions for meal-offerings are found in Leviticus 2. The offering is to be made of fine flour, mixed with oil, and topped with frankincense. A portion of the offering, known as the memorial portion, is burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, while the remainder is given to the priests as their portion. Leviticus 2:1-3 states: "When anyone presents a grain offering 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 the frankincense, and burn this memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. The remainder of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD."

Types of Meal-Offerings:
1. Unleavened Cakes or Wafers: These are made with fine flour and oil, without leaven, symbolizing purity and sincerity (Leviticus 2:4-5).
2. Grain Offering of Firstfruits: This offering includes fresh heads of grain roasted in the fire, crushed grain, and oil, representing the first yield of the harvest dedicated to God (Leviticus 2:14-16).
3. Offering with Salt: All meal-offerings are to be seasoned with salt, symbolizing the covenant of God’s enduring faithfulness (Leviticus 2:13).

Prohibitions:
Leaven and honey are explicitly prohibited in meal-offerings. Leviticus 2:11 states: "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." Leaven often symbolizes sin and corruption, while honey, though sweet, can ferment and spoil, thus both are excluded to maintain the purity of the offering.

Theological Significance:
The meal-offering represents the fruit of human labor and the sustenance provided by God. It is an act of worship that acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all blessings. The use of fine flour, oil, and frankincense signifies the best of what one has to offer, reflecting a heart of gratitude and devotion. The absence of leaven underscores the call to holiness and purity in the life of the believer.

New Testament Reflection:
While the New Testament does not prescribe meal-offerings, the principles of dedication, thanksgiving, and purity continue to resonate. Believers are encouraged to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The meal-offering foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who is the Bread of Life, providing spiritual sustenance and eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 6:35).

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, the meal-offering was a vital part of the communal and religious life, reflecting the agrarian society's dependence on the land and God's provision. It was a tangible expression of faith and trust in God's continued blessing and favor. The offering also served to support the Levitical priesthood, ensuring that those who ministered before the LORD were sustained by the offerings of the people.4503. minchah -- a gift, tribute, offering
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a gift, tribute, offering NASB Word Usage
gift (5), gifts (2), meal offering (7), meal offerings (1), offering (152 ...
/hebrew/4503.htm - 6k

Chapter iv
... spirit. The law of Moses specifies many different kinds of vegetable or meal
offerings as the natural offering of a grateful people. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

Meal-offerings (9 Occurrences)
Meal-offerings. Meal-offering, Meal-offerings. Meals . Multi-Version
Concordance Meal-offerings (9 Occurrences). Numbers ...
/m/meal-offerings.htm - 9k

Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences)
... ye shall offer unto Jehovah in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your
freewill-offerings, for your burnt-offerings, and for your meal-offerings, and for ...
/d/drink-offerings.htm - 18k

Frankincense (22 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 13:5 had prepared for him a great chamber, where before they laid the meal
offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the grain ...
/f/frankincense.htm - 19k

Day (17670 Occurrences)
... offering, which is brought for the purpose of atonement for sin, and in addition
to the regular burnt offerings and the accompanying mealofferings and drink ...
/d/day.htm - 70k

Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences)
... ye shall offer unto Jehovah in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your
freewill-offerings, for your burnt-offerings, and for your meal-offerings, and for ...
/b/burnt-offerings.htm - 38k

Seasons (43 Occurrences)
... ye shall offer unto Jehovah in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your
freewill-offerings, for your burnt-offerings, and for your meal-offerings, and for ...
/s/seasons.htm - 22k

Monthly (11 Occurrences)
... Lebhonah: "frankincense," "incense," used in combination with the mealofferings
and burnt offerings and burned also upon the altar in the holy place. ...
/m/monthly.htm - 93k

Square (94 Occurrences)
... meal offering and the fat of the peace-offerings; for there was not room on the
brass altar of the Lord for the burned offerings and the mealofferings and the ...
/s/square.htm - 39k

Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences)
... ye shall offer unto Jehovah in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your
freewill-offerings, for your burnt-offerings, and for your meal-offerings, and for ...
/p/peace-offerings.htm - 33k

Votive (13 Occurrences)
... shall offer these to Yahweh in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your freewill
offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your mealofferings, and for ...
/v/votive.htm - 10k

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