In the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament, the "memorial portion" refers to a specific part of certain offerings that was burned on the altar as a fragrant offering to the LORD. This practice is primarily associated with grain offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings, each serving distinct purposes within the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Grain Offerings

The grain offering, or "minchah" in Hebrew, was a voluntary act of worship, often accompanying burnt offerings and peace offerings. It symbolized the dedication of the fruits of one's labor to God. Leviticus 2 provides detailed instructions for the grain offering. The offering could consist of fine flour, unleavened cakes, or wafers, often mixed with oil and frankincense. A portion of this offering, known as the "memorial portion," was burned on the altar. Leviticus 2:2 states, "The priest shall take a handful of the fine 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." The burning of the memorial portion signified the offering's acceptance by God, while the remainder was given to the priests for their sustenance.

Peace Offerings

The peace offering, or "shelamim," was a communal sacrifice expressing thanksgiving, fulfillment of a vow, or voluntary devotion. It was unique in that it was shared among the offerer, the priests, and God. The fat and certain internal organs of the animal were burned on the altar as the memorial portion. Leviticus 3:3-5 describes this process: "From the peace offering, he is to present an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." This act symbolized the peace and fellowship between the offerer and God.

Sin Offerings

The sin offering, or "chattat," was mandatory for atonement of unintentional sins and ritual impurities. The memorial portion in this context involved burning the fat and certain organs of the sacrificial animal. Leviticus 4:8-10 outlines this: "He shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys—just as the fat is removed from the ox of the peace offering. Then the priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering." The burning of the memorial portion was a crucial element in the atonement process, signifying the removal of sin and the restoration of the covenant relationship with God.

Symbolism and Significance

The memorial portion burned on the altar served as a tangible reminder of the covenant between God and Israel. It was a symbol of dedication, thanksgiving, and atonement, reflecting the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and grace. The fragrant aroma of the burning offering was seen as pleasing to the LORD, indicating His acceptance and favor. This practice underscored the holiness required in approaching God and the need for atonement and reconciliation through sacrifice.

The concept of the memorial portion also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2). In Christ, the sacrificial system finds its fulfillment, as He is the perfect and final offering for sin, reconciling humanity to God once and for all.