Leviticus 2

Leviticus 2 describes the grain offering, a gift of fine flour, oil and frankincense. Part is burned for God, and the rest feeds the priests. The chapter forbids leaven and honey, requires salt, and sets out a separate rule for firstfruits.

Leviticus 2:1

Unlike the animal sacrifices, this offering is a gift from the field: fine flour, oil and frankincense. It is the fruit of daily work, handed back to God. The best flour is required, because God is given the finest, not the leftovers.

BSA: fine flour (“of the best meal, finely-ground flour”): The worshiper gives the best and most carefully prepared grain, not rough leftovers.

Hebrew: מִנְחָה (minchah, H4503) — “gift, tribute.” The word is used for a gift given to a superior. The offering is a gift of thanks and loyalty to the King, not a payment for sin.

See also: Proverbs 3:9.

Leviticus 2:2

The priest takes a handful and burns it on the altar as a memorial portion. It stands for the whole offering and brings the worshiper before God. The smoke rises as a pleasing aroma, showing that God receives the gift gladly.

BSA: memorial portion (“a reminder”): The burned part reminds God, so to speak, of the worshiper and speaks for the whole gift. pleasing aroma (“a soothing, sweet fragrance”): The gift brings rest and delight to God, like a welcome scent.

See also: Ephesians 5:2.

Leviticus 2:3

What remains goes to Aaron and his sons. God provides for his servants from the worshipers’ gifts. Because the portion was given to God first, it is called most holy and was to be eaten by the priests in a holy place.

BSA: most holy (“set apart, sacred”): Even the priests’ share is set apart for God and handled with reverence.

See also: 1 Corinthians 9:13.

Leviticus 2:4

The offering could also be baked in an oven, as cakes or wafers. Every form had to be unleavened and made with oil. The worshiper’s daily bread becomes an act of worship.

BSA: unleavened (“without yeast, flat”): The bread is plain and flat, made without the yeast that spreads through dough.

Leviticus 2:5-6

A second form is bread cooked on a griddle, still unleavened and mixed with oil. It is crumbled into pieces and oil is poured over it. Whatever the method, the offering stays simple and pure and is still called a grain offering.

BSA: oil (“olive oil, symbolizing richness and abundance”): Oil points to richness and blessing, and in Scripture it is often tied to God’s anointing.

See also: Psalm 23:5.

Leviticus 2:7

The third form is cooked in a pan, again of fine flour and oil. God allows for different kitchens and different means. The poor and the better off could each bring something suited to their home.

Leviticus 2:8-10

The worshiper brings the gift to the priest, who carries it to the altar. He burns the memorial portion, and the rest belongs to the priests. The pattern repeats from verses 2-3, so that every offering is received through the priest, and the worshiper does not simply walk to the altar.

BSA: priest (“spiritual leader, mediator”): The priest stands between the worshiper and God, carrying the gift to the altar.

See also: Hebrews 5:1.

Leviticus 2:11

No leaven or honey may be burned on the altar. Leaven spreads and puffs up, and in Scripture it often pictures the spread of corruption. Honey, probably as a sweetener that ferments, is also kept off the fire. The offering must be pure and plain.

BSA: leaven (“yeast”): Yeast works silently through the whole lump, so it comes to stand for something that spreads.

Hebrew: חָמֵץ (chametz, H2557) — “leaven, something soured or fermented.” The word comes from a root meaning to be sour. It is the same word used for the leavened bread forbidden at Passover.

See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6-8.

Leviticus 2:12

Leavened bread and honey could be brought as firstfruits to be given to the priests, but not burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma. The gift of firstfruits honors God as the giver of the harvest, even though it follows different rules.

BSA: firstfruits (“the beginning or first part of the harvest”): The first of the harvest is given to God, in trust that he will provide the rest.

See also: Exodus 23:19.

Leviticus 2:13

Every grain offering must be salted. Salt preserves and does not decay, so it is a fitting sign of a lasting covenant between God and his people. Leaving it out would leave out the promise that holds the relationship together.

BSA: salt (“covenant faithfulness”): Salt stands for a promise that lasts and does not spoil.

See also: Numbers 18:19.

Leviticus 2:14

For firstfruits the rule is different. The worshiper offers new heads of grain, roasted on the fire and crushed. This is the earliest harvest, offered before the full crop is gathered.

BSA: crushed heads (“beaten grain, parched ears”): The young grain is parched and beaten into a form fit for the offering.

See also: Leviticus 23:10.

Leviticus 2:15-16

Oil and frankincense are added to the crushed grain. The priest burns a memorial portion with all the frankincense as an offering by fire to the LORD. The firstfruits are handled much like the other grain offerings, and it all ends in fragrant smoke rising to God.

BSA: frankincense (“white resin, fragrant incense”): This sweet-smelling resin rises with the smoke as a fragrant sign of worship.