“And the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.”
Context: Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and is part of the Torah, specifically focusing on the laws and regulations given to the Israelites by God through Moses. Leviticus addresses various aspects of the Israelite worship, including the offerings and sacrifices made to the Lord.
The Meat Offering (or Grain Offering): Leviticus 2 provides instructions for the meat offering, also known as the grain offering or meal offering. It was one of the five main types of offerings described in the book of Leviticus, and it was a voluntary offering brought to the tabernacle or temple.
Memorial Portion: In verse 9, it mentions that the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof. The “memorial” refers to a portion of the offering that is set aside or separated to be remembered or acknowledged before the Lord. This memorial portion was reserved for burning on the altar.
Offering Made by Fire: The memorial portion of the meat offering was to be burned upon the altar. The phrase “offering made by fire” emphasizes the act of burning the offering, indicating that it was completely dedicated to the Lord. The burning of the offering represented its acceptance and consecration to God.
Sweet Savour: The phrase “of a sweet savour unto the Lord” is used to describe the pleasing aroma that ascended to God when the offering was burned. It signifies that the offering was acceptable to God and brought Him delight. This phrase is symbolic of the obedience and devotion of the worshipper, as well as God’s acceptance of the offering.
Spiritual Lessons: While Leviticus 2:9 specifically pertains to the meat offering under the Old Covenant, it offers some spiritual lessons applicable to believers today. It teaches us about the importance of offering ourselves and our possessions to God, symbolizing our dedication, surrender, and worship. Just as the offering was a sweet savour unto the Lord, our lives should be an offering that pleases Him.
Jesus Christ as the Perfect Offering: The sacrificial system described in Leviticus ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who became the perfect and final sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the Old Testament types and shadows, making it possible for believers to have a direct relationship with God.
In summary, Leviticus 2:9 highlights the procedure for the meat offering and emphasizes the act of burning a memorial portion as an offering made by fire, which brings a sweet savour to the Lord. While this verse is part of the Old Testament sacrificial system, it provides valuable lessons about dedicating ourselves to God and reminds us of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
