(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Put frankincense with each row to be an offering made by fire to ADONAI in place of the bread and as a reminder of it.
And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, an offering made by fire to the LORD.
And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be to the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.
And thou shalt put{H5414} pure{H2134} frankincense{H3828} upon each row{H4635}, that it may be on the bread{H3899} for a memorial{H234}, even an offering made by fire{H801} unto the LORD{H3068}.
Leviticus 24:7 is a part of the regulations given to the Israelites concerning the tabernacle worship. The verse specifically refers to the placement of pure frankincense on the rows of the showbread (also known as the bread of the Presence), which was set out each Sabbath in the Holy Place within the tabernacle.
**Themes:**
1. **Holiness and Purity:** Frankincense, a costly and aromatic resin, symbolizes holiness and purity. Its use in worship underscores the sacredness of the ritual and the requirement for offerings to be without blemish.
2. **Memorial Offering:** The frankincense is described as a memorial, indicating that its pleasant aroma, released when burned, would serve as a remembrance before God, signifying the continual presence of the Israelites before Him.
3. **Worship and Sacrifice:** The offering of frankincense along with the bread is a form of worship, acknowledging God's provision and expressing gratitude. The bread itself may represent God's sustenance for His people, while the frankincense represents prayer and praise rising to God.
4. **Covenant Relationship:** The ritual emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The regularity of the offering each Sabbath reinforces the ongoing commitment required in this relationship.
**Historical Context:**
The book of Leviticus was likely written by Moses during the wilderness period after the Exodus from Egypt, around the 14th century BCE. It contains detailed instructions for the religious and moral life of the Israelites, including laws on sacrifice, purity, festivals, and ethical conduct. The tabernacle was the portable dwelling place for God, central to the worship of the Israelites before the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem. The showbread and frankincense offering was part of the priestly duties performed by the Aaronic priesthood, maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle and the continuity of worship.
In summary, Leviticus 24:7 reflects the intricate rituals of the Israelite worship system, emphasizing purity, remembrance, and the continuous relationship between God and His people through sacred offerings.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)