“And he shall bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.”
Context: Leviticus is a book in the Old Testament that contains various laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 2 specifically deals with grain offerings. These offerings were a way for the Israelites to present gifts to God and express their devotion and gratitude.
Significance of the grain offering: The grain offering was a voluntary offering made by individuals as an expression of worship and thanksgiving. It consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. This particular verse outlines the process by which the offering was to be presented and how it would be offered to God.
The role of the priests: In this verse, it is mentioned that the person bringing the grain offering was to bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests. The priests played a crucial role in the religious rituals of the Israelites. They acted as intermediaries between the people and God, offering sacrifices on their behalf.
Symbolism and meaning: The offering of the grain, oil, and frankincense was symbolic in nature. The flour represented the basic sustenance and provision from God, while the oil symbolized the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Frankincense, known for its pleasant aroma when burned, represented the worship and prayers of the people rising to God.
The burnt offering: The priest would take a handful of the flour, along with the oil and frankincense, and burn it on the altar. This act of burning the offering upon the altar signified the complete dedication and surrender of the offering to God. The burnt offering was a symbol of devotion and a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
Application for believers today: While the specific rituals and practices of the Levitical system no longer apply to believers today, we can draw some principles from this verse. Firstly, it teaches us the importance of offering our gifts, talents, and resources to God in worship and gratitude. We are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and offer the “fruit of our lips” in praise (Hebrews 13:15). Secondly, it reminds us of the pleasing aroma of genuine worship and devotion in God’s sight.
In conclusion, Leviticus 2:2 provides insight into the process and symbolism of grain offerings in the Old Testament. While the specific rituals no longer apply, the principles of worship, gratitude, and wholehearted devotion to God are still relevant for believers today.
