Leviticus 6:20

This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the Lord in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.

Leviticus 6:20 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and part of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. It records the detailed instructions God gave to Moses for the offerings and rituals of Israel. This verse sits within the laws for the grain offering, also called the meat offering in the King James Version, and it specifies what Aaron and his sons were to present on the day of their anointing as priests.

Meaning

The offering consisted of a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour, a unit of dry measure roughly equivalent to two quarts. It was a perpetual offering, meaning it was to be made daily, with half presented in the morning and half in the evening. The word “meat” here does not refer to flesh but to grain or meal, as the Hebrew term minchah denotes a gift or tribute offering of flour and oil.

The anointing of Aaron and his sons set them apart for holy service. The offering they brought on that day signified their consecration and their commitment to the duties God had given them. Because it was perpetual, it also pointed to the ongoing worship and dependence on God that marked their priestly ministry.

Biblical connections

The fine flour was a choice and valuable substance, representing purity and refinement. By offering it, the priests acknowledged God’s holiness and gave Him their best. The division of the offering between morning and night emphasized continuous worship, beginning and ending each day in the Lord’s presence.

This daily rhythm of consecration finds a New Testament echo for believers. As 1 Peter 2:9 says, Christians are called a royal priesthood, and Romans 12:1 urges them to present their bodies as living sacrifices. Hebrews 13:15 speaks of offering the sacrifice of praise continually, and 2 Corinthians 2:15 describes believers as a sweet aroma of Christ. These passages draw out the enduring principle behind the Levitical ritual.

Application

Although the specific rituals of Leviticus no longer apply to Christians, the underlying principles of devotion, consecration, and worship remain vital. Just as Aaron and his sons were anointed for service, believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit for their calling. They are to live holy lives and offer themselves wholly to God.

The perpetual nature of the offering challenges believers to make worship a daily practice, not a weekly event. Starting the day in prayer and ending it with gratitude keeps the heart aware of God’s presence. The fine flour reminds them to give God their best in thoughts, actions, and character, not merely in material gifts.

Reflection

This verse invites each believer to consider whether their service to God is marked by the same consistency and quality as the priests’ offering. The morning and evening portions call for a rhythm of devotion that covers the whole day. The fine flour asks for a life refined by holiness and offered freely to the Lord.