Topical Encyclopedia The term "meat-offering" in the context of the Old Testament is somewhat misleading in modern English, as it refers not to animal flesh but to offerings of grain. These offerings were a significant aspect of the sacrificial system instituted by God for the Israelites, as detailed in the Pentateuch. The meat-offering, also known as the grain offering, was a vital component of worship and devotion, symbolizing the dedication of the fruits of human labor to God.Biblical Instructions and Components The primary instructions for meat-offerings are found in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 2 provides a detailed account of how these offerings were to be prepared and presented. The offering typically consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Leviticus 2:1 states, "When anyone presents a grain offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it." The offering could be presented in various forms, including uncooked flour, baked cakes, or wafers. Each form had specific instructions regarding preparation and presentation. The inclusion of oil and frankincense was significant, symbolizing the richness and fragrance of the offering, which was to be pleasing to the Lord. Purpose and Symbolism The meat-offering was an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. It was a way for the Israelites to offer back to God a portion of what He had blessed them with, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all sustenance. The offering was also a symbol of dedication and consecration, as the finest elements of daily sustenance were set apart for God. The absence of leaven and honey in these offerings, as stipulated in Leviticus 2:11 , "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," underscores the call to purity and sincerity in worship. Leaven, often associated with sin and corruption, was excluded to maintain the sanctity of the offering. Ritual and Consumption The meat-offering was presented on the altar of burnt offering, where a portion was burned as a memorial portion, and the remainder was given to the priests. Leviticus 2:9-10 explains, "The priest shall then remove the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as an offering made by fire, 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." This division of the offering highlights the communal aspect of worship, where the offering not only honored God but also provided for the needs of the priesthood, who served as mediators between God and the people. Types of Meat-Offerings Various types of meat-offerings were prescribed for different occasions and purposes. These included: 1. The Daily Offering: Accompanying the daily burnt offerings, as described in Exodus 29:40-41 , "With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering." 2. The Sabbath Offering: A double portion of the daily offering was presented on the Sabbath, as noted in Numbers 28:9-10 . 3. The Offering of Firstfruits: Presented at the Feast of Weeks, this offering was a celebration of the harvest and God's provision, as outlined in Leviticus 23:16-17 . 4. The Offering for Personal Devotion: Individuals could present meat-offerings as a voluntary act of worship and devotion, reflecting personal gratitude and commitment to God. Conclusion The meat-offering, though not involving the sacrifice of animals, was a profound expression of worship and devotion in the Israelite sacrificial system. It underscored the principles of gratitude, purity, and communal responsibility, serving as a tangible reminder of God's provision and the believer's dedication to Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 40:29And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Manner of Our Offering Sacrifices. Scriptural Types. Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion Acts XXI The Best of the Best Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Greater Prophets. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Resources How was God Himself the inheritance of the Levites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a salt covenant? | GotQuestions.org Who were Hophni and Phinehas? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Meat-Offerings of Jealousy, Without Oil or Incense Meat-Offerings: A Small Part of, Was Consumed on the Altar for a Memorial Meat-Offerings: Always Seasoned With Salt Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Barley Meal Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Fine Flour Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Fine Flour Baked in a Frying Pan Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Fine Flour Baked in a Pan Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Green Ears of Corn Parched Meat-Offerings: Consisted of Unleavened Cakes Baked in the Oven Meat-Offerings: High Priest's Deputy had Care of Meat-Offerings: Laid up in a Chamber of the Temple Meat-Offerings: Materials for Public, often Provided by the Princes Meat-Offerings: No Leaven Used With Meat-Offerings: Not to be offered on Altar of Incense Meat-Offerings: Offered by the High Priest Every Day, Half in the Morning and Half Meat-Offerings: Offered by the Poor for a Trespass offering Meat-Offerings: Offered with all Burnt offerings Meat-Offerings: Offered with the Daily Sacrifices Meat-Offerings: Offered: On the Altar of Burnt offering Meat-Offerings: Oil and Incense Used With Meat-Offerings: The Jews: Condemned for offering, to Idols Meat-Offerings: The Jews: Often not Accepted In Meat-Offerings: The Jews: Often Prevented from offering, by Judgments Meat-Offerings: The Priest's Portion Meat-Offerings: To be Eaten by the Males of the House of Aaron Alone Meat-Offerings: To be Eaten in the Holy Place Meat-Offerings: when offered for a Priest Entirely Consumed by Fire Related Terms Meat-offering (111 Occurrences) Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences) |
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