Topical Encyclopedia The concept of meat-offerings, also known as grain offerings, is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. These offerings were an integral part of the worship practices of the Israelites and were often presented alongside burnt offerings. The term "meat" in this context is derived from the older English usage, meaning "food" or "meal," and does not refer to animal flesh. Instead, meat-offerings consisted primarily of fine flour, oil, and frankincense.Biblical Foundation The instructions for meat-offerings are primarily found in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 2 provides detailed guidelines on how these offerings were to be prepared and presented. The offering was to be made of fine flour, mixed with oil, and topped with frankincense. A portion of the offering was to be burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, while the remainder was given to the priests as their portion (Leviticus 2:1-3). Association with Burnt Offerings Meat-offerings were often presented in conjunction with burnt offerings, which were offerings of animals completely consumed by fire on the altar. This combination is seen in several passages throughout the Old Testament. For instance, in Numbers 28:3-8, the daily burnt offering is accompanied by a grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil. The text states, "With the burnt offering, you are to offer a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives" (Numbers 28:5). Symbolism and Purpose The meat-offering symbolized the dedication of the fruits of human labor to God. It represented the offerer's gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. The use of fine flour, oil, and frankincense highlighted the quality and value of the offering, signifying that only the best was to be given to God. The inclusion of oil and frankincense added a fragrant aroma, enhancing the offering's acceptability. The meat-offering also served as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. By offering the first fruits of their labor, the Israelites demonstrated their reliance on God for sustenance and their commitment to His commandments. Regulations and Variations While the basic components of the meat-offering were consistent, there were variations depending on the occasion and the individual's circumstances. Leviticus 2 outlines different methods of preparation, including offerings baked in an oven, cooked on a griddle, or fried in a pan (Leviticus 2:4-7). Each method required the absence of leaven and honey, symbolizing purity and the avoidance of corruption. Additionally, the meat-offering was to be seasoned with salt, a symbol of the covenant between God and Israel. Leviticus 2:13 states, "You must season all your grain offerings with salt. You must not omit from your grain offering the salt of the covenant of your God. You are to add salt to each of your offerings" . Conclusion The meat-offering, as a companion to the burnt offering, played a crucial role in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel. It was a tangible expression of worship, gratitude, and covenant faithfulness, reflecting the heart of the worshiper and the holiness of God. Through these offerings, the Israelites were continually reminded of their dependence on God and their duty to honor Him with the best of their resources. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 15:3-12And will make an offering by fire to the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet smell to the LORD, of the herd or of the flock: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Manner of Our Offering Sacrifices. Scriptural Types. Acts XXI Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion The Best of the Best Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. The Synoptic Gospels What did Moses Write? The Greater Prophets. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources What is a wave offering? | GotQuestions.orgWhy would the aroma of a sacrifice be important to God? | GotQuestions.org What is a sin offering? | 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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