“And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Leviticus that deals with the regulations for grain offerings, also known as the “meat offerings” in some translations. The grain offering was one of the five main types of sacrifices prescribed by God to the Israelites in the Mosaic Law.
Here are a few key points to consider in understanding Leviticus 2:16:
- Nature of the Offering: The verse describes the process and components of the grain offering. The offering consisted of fine flour or crushed grain mixed with oil and frankincense. The priest would take a portion of the mixture, including some of the grains, oil, and frankincense, and burn it as a memorial portion on the altar.
- Burning as an Offering: The burning of the memorial portion on the altar was symbolic. Fire was often associated with purification and consecration. By offering a portion of the grain offering to the Lord through fire, it signified the worshipper’s dedication and surrender to God.
- The Role of the Priest: The priest played a significant role in offering sacrifices on behalf of the people. In this case, the priest would perform the act of burning the memorial portion on the altar. The involvement of the priest in the sacrificial process emphasized the intermediary role they played between the people and God.
- Offering to the Lord: The grain offering was considered a gift or offering to the Lord. It was a way for the Israelites to express their gratitude, devotion, and dependence on God. It served as a means of worship and a way to seek God’s favor and forgiveness.
While the laws and regulations regarding sacrifices in the book of Leviticus may seem unfamiliar and distant to us today, they held great significance in the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel. The grain offering, including the act of burning a memorial portion, demonstrated the Israelites’ commitment to honoring God and seeking His presence.
It is important to note that with the coming of Jesus Christ and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the need for animal and grain offerings as prescribed in the Mosaic Law was fulfilled. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, offering Himself once and for all for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 10:10). As Christians, we no longer need to perform these physical sacrifices but can approach God through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
