Leviticus 2:15

Context of the Grain Offering

Leviticus 2:15 is part of the detailed instructions given to Moses regarding the various offerings the Israelites were to bring before the Lord. Specifically, this verse elaborates on the preparation of the grain offering (often translated as "meat offering" in the King James Version), which was distinct from the animal sacrifices. The rules for this offering begin in Leviticus 2:1. This particular instruction concerns the offering made from new grain, specifically the firstfruits, which was a special type of grain offering to acknowledge God's provision and sovereignty over the harvest. The addition of oil and frankincense was crucial to its acceptance.

Key Elements and Their Meaning

The verse highlights two significant components: oil and frankincense, each carrying deep symbolic weight in ancient Israelite worship.

Oil (Shemen)

The instruction to "put oil upon it" is significant. In biblical contexts, oil (Hebrew: shemen) often symbolizes consecration, blessing, and the presence or anointing of the Holy Spirit. It was used for anointing priests, kings, and sacred objects, setting them apart for God's purposes. In the grain offering, the oil signifies the sanctification of the offering and, by extension, the worshiper. It suggests the need for the Spirit's presence in our acts of devotion and service, a theme echoed in the New Testament regarding spiritual anointing, as seen in 1 John 2:20.

Frankincense (Levonah)

To "lay frankincense thereon" added a costly, aromatic resin to the offering. Frankincense (Hebrew: levonah) produced a fragrant smoke when burned, ascending heavenward. Symbolically, it often represented prayer, worship, and the sweet aroma of devotion rising to God. Its inclusion in the grain offering, particularly the firstfruits, underscored the worshiper's sincere and reverent adoration. This imagery of ascending fragrance is later used in the New Testament to describe the prayers of the saints, as in Revelation 5:8.

The "Meat Offering" Explained

The King James Version's translation "meat offering" can be misleading to modern readers, as it implies animal flesh. However, the Hebrew word here is minchah (מִנְחָה), which refers to a gift or tribute, and specifically in the context of offerings, a grain or meal offering. This offering was typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and sometimes baked, and frankincense was a common additive. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, the grain offering was generally a voluntary act of worship, expressing gratitude, devotion, and recognition of God's provision. It was a tangible expression of a worshiper's livelihood, offered back to the Giver.

Theological Significance and Application

Leviticus 2:15, though part of an ancient ritual law, offers timeless insights into worship and devotion. The oil and frankincense transform a simple grain offering into a consecrated, fragrant act of worship. This teaches us that our offerings to God, whether material or spiritual, should be:

• Sanctified: Represented by the oil, our lives and gifts should be set apart and influenced by the Holy Spirit.
• Fragrant: Represented by the frankincense, our worship and prayers should be sincere, rising as a pleasing aroma to God. This concept is beautifully echoed in Ephesians 5:2, which describes Christ's sacrifice as "a sweet-smelling savour."
• From Our Best: The firstfruits offering, a type of grain offering, symbolized giving God the very best of what He has provided, demonstrating trust and thankfulness.

Today, while we no longer offer grain offerings in the literal sense, the principles remain. Our lives, talents, and resources offered to God should be consecrated by His Spirit and presented with heartfelt devotion, becoming a spiritual sacrifice that is pleasing and acceptable to Him.