“And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”
Context: Leviticus is the third book of the Old Testament and it primarily focuses on the laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 24 specifically deals with various instructions regarding the tabernacle, the priests, and the offerings. Verse 7 specifically addresses the practice of putting pure frankincense on the bread as an offering to the Lord.
Significance of Frankincense: Frankincense was a fragrant gum resin obtained from certain trees. In the Bible, it is often associated with worship and symbolizes prayer and intercession. It was one of the ingredients used in the sacred incense and was highly valued for its pleasing aroma. The use of frankincense in this verse represents the offering of worship and devotion to God.
The Bread of the Presence: The “bread” mentioned in this verse refers to the “Bread of the Presence” or “Showbread.” This was a special offering consisting of twelve loaves of bread placed on a table in the Holy Place of the tabernacle. The bread was baked fresh each week and placed in two rows, with frankincense sprinkled on each row. The bread represented the twelve tribes of Israel and was a continual offering before the Lord.
The Memorial Offering: The frankincense placed on the bread served as a “memorial” or a reminder before God. It was a way of acknowledging God’s provision and a means of honoring Him. The aroma of the frankincense represented the prayers and worship of the Israelites ascending to God’s presence.
Offering Made by Fire: The phrase “offering made by fire” indicates that the frankincense-sprinkled bread was to be placed on the altar and burned as a portion of the offerings to the Lord. The burning of the bread with frankincense emphasized the act of surrender and consecration to God.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Worship and Devotion: The practice of placing frankincense on the bread teaches us the importance of worshiping and honoring God with our whole being. It reminds us to offer our prayers, praise, and thanksgiving to God continually.
- The Aroma of Our Prayers: Just as the frankincense created a pleasing aroma when burned, our prayers are like a sweet fragrance to God. Our worship and intercession rise to Him, and He delights in the prayers of His people.
- Surrender and Consecration: The burning of the bread symbolizes surrendering our lives to God and consecrating ourselves wholly to Him. It reminds us to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, pleasing and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).
Overall, Leviticus 24:7 teaches us about the significance of worship, the offering of prayers, and the need for surrendering our lives to God. It serves as a reminder to honor God with our devotion and live a life consecrated to Him.
