TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 23:15–22.
Here is the institution of the feast of pentecost, or weeks, as it is called (Deu 16:9), because it was observed fifty days, or seven weeks, after the passover. It is also called the feast of harvest, Exo 23:16. For as the presenting of the sheaf of first-fruits was an introduction to the harvest, and gave them liberty to put in the sickle, so they solemnized the finishing of their corn-harvest at this feast. 1. Then they offered a handful of ears of barley, now they offered two loaves of wheaten bread, Lev 23:17. This was leavened. At the passover they ate unleavened bread, because it was in remembrance of the bread they ate when they came out of Egypt, which was unleavened; but now at pentecost it was leavened, because it was an acknowledgment of God's goodness to them in their ordinary food, which was leavened. 2. With that sheaf of first-fruits they offered only one lamb for a burnt-offering, but with these loaves of first-fruits they offered seven lambs, two rams, and one bullock, all for a burnt-offering, so giving glory to God, as the Lord of their land and the Lord of their harvest, by whose favour they lived and to whose praise they ought to live. They offered likewise a kid for a sin-offering, so taking shame to themselves as unworthy of the bread they ate, and imploring pardon for their sins, by which they had forfeited their harvest-mercies, and which they had been guilty of in the receiving of them. And lastly, two lambs for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, to beg a blessing upon the corn they had gathered in, which would be neither sure nor sweet to them without that blessing, Hag 1:9. These were the only peace-offerings that were offered on the behalf of the whole congregation, and they were reckoned most holy offerings, whereas other peace-offerings were but holy. All these offerings are here appointed, Lev 23:18-20. 3. That one day was to be kept with a holy convocation, Lev 23:21. It was one of the days on which all Israel was to meet God and one another, at the place which the Lord should choose. Some suggest that whereas seven days were to make up the feast of unleavened bread there was only one day appointed for the feast of pentecost, because this was a busy time of the year with them, and God allowed them speedily to return to their work in the country. This annual feast was instituted in remembrance of the giving of the law upon mount Sinai, the fiftieth day after they came out of Egypt. That was the feast which they were told in Egypt must be observed to God in the wilderness, as a memorial of which ever after they kept this feast. But the period and perfection of this feast was the pouring out of the Spirit upon the apostles on the day of this feast (Act 2:1), in which the law of faith was given, fifty days after Christ our passover was sacrificed for us. And on that day (as bishop Patrick well expresses it) the apostles, having themselves received the first-fruits of the Spirit, begat three thousand souls, through the word of truth, and presented them, as the first-fruits of the Christian church, to God and the Lamb.
To the institution of the feast of pentecost is annexed a repetition of that law which we had before (Lev 19:9), by which they were required to leave the gleanings of their fields, and the corn that grew on the ends of the butts, for the poor, Lev 23:22. Probably it comes in here as a thing which the priests must take occasion to remind the people of, when they brought their first-fruits, intimating to them that to obey even in this small matter was better than sacrifice, and that, unless they were obedient, their offerings should not be accepted. It also taught them that the joy of harvest should express itself in charity to the poor, who must have their due out of what we have, as well as God his. Those that are truly sensible of the mercy they receive from God will without grudging show mercy to the poor.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Two loaves of bread made from the first fruits of the new harvest were rightly ordered to be offered, for the church gathers those it can consecrate to its Redeemer as a new family from both peoples, the Jews and the Gentiles.
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Summary
Leviticus 23:17 presents a pivotal instruction for the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), commanding the Israelites to bring two leavened loaves as a wave offering. These loaves, meticulously prepared from fine flour and representing the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, were to be presented from their homes as a collective act of worship and profound gratitude to the LORD, acknowledging His sovereign provision and the culmination of the spring harvest cycle. This unique offering, notably containing leaven, held deep theological significance regarding God's gracious acceptance of an imperfect people.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 23 serves as a foundational chapter within the Pentateuch, meticulously detailing the seven annual "appointed times" or "holy convocations" (mo'adim) that structured Israel's sacred calendar and communal worship. These feasts—the Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles—were divinely ordained patterns for Israel's covenant relationship with God. Verse 17 specifically falls within the instructions for the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost (meaning "fifty" in Greek), which is introduced in Leviticus 23:15-16. This festival marked the culmination of the spring grain harvest, occurring precisely seven weeks (50 days) after the Feast of Firstfruits, which itself followed Passover. The preceding verses establish the counting period from the barley harvest to the wheat harvest, making the offering described in verse 17 the climactic expression of national gratitude for the new grain. The placement of this unique leavened offering among the other unleavened sacrifices underscores its distinct theological purpose within the broader sacrificial system.
Historical & Cultural Context
The agricultural calendar was intrinsically interwoven with the spiritual life and worship of ancient Israel. The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) was a joyous harvest festival, celebrating the completion of the vital wheat harvest, a staple crop essential for sustenance. Unlike most other grain offerings, which strictly prohibited leaven to symbolize purity and separation from sin (as exemplified by the unleavened bread of Passover), the two loaves presented at Shavuot were explicitly commanded to be "baken with leaven." This instruction is profoundly significant, as leaven often symbolized corruption or the pervasive nature of sin in other biblical contexts (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Its inclusion here suggests that this specific offering, while holy and dedicated to God, came from the ordinary, imperfect lives and labors of the people. It underscored God's acceptance of His people as they were, acknowledging their human frailty even as they presented their best to Him. The offering was communal, brought "out of your habitations," signifying the collective gratitude of the entire nation for God's bountiful provision and their dependence on His continued blessing.
Key Themes
Leviticus 23:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Provision and Human Gratitude, emphasizing God as the ultimate source of all sustenance and calling His people to respond with worship and thanksgiving for the harvest. Secondly, the unique inclusion of leaven underscores the theme of God's Grace and Acceptance of Imperfect Humanity. Unlike sin offerings, this offering, though holy, acknowledged the reality of human imperfection and the presence of "leaven" (sin/corruption) in daily life, yet God graciously accepted it. This foreshadows a deeper theological truth about God's willingness to commune with and accept His people despite their flaws. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of Covenant Relationship and Obedience, as the meticulous instructions for the offering demonstrate God's precise requirements for worship and Israel's commitment to faithfully observe His appointed times. Finally, the "firstfruits" aspect connects to the theme of Sanctification and Dedication, where the choicest portion is set apart for the Lord, acknowledging His ultimate ownership and sovereignty over all creation, as seen in other firstfruit offerings like those in Exodus 23:19.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to undulate" or "brandish," this term refers specifically to the ritualistic movement performed by the priest, where the offering was moved back and forth horizontally before the altar. This action was not merely ceremonial; it symbolized presenting the offering to the LORD, dedicating it entirely to Him, and acknowledging that all blessings came from Him and were being returned to Him. It was an act of consecration, signifying the transfer of ownership or dedication to God, making the offering acceptable and holy.
Derived from a root meaning "to be sour" or "ferment," this term denotes fermented dough or leavened bread. In most sacrificial contexts, leaven was strictly forbidden, symbolizing impurity, corruption, or the pervasive nature of sin (e.g., Exodus 12:15). Its explicit inclusion in the Feast of Weeks offering is therefore highly unusual and profoundly symbolic. It signifies that this offering, unlike those for atonement or purity, represented the common, everyday bread of the people, made with leaven, acknowledging that even in their best efforts and offerings, humanity remains imperfect and fallen. God accepts this offering not because it is perfectly pure, but because it is presented by an imperfect people in faith, highlighting His grace.
From a root meaning "to be first-born" or "to bear first-fruits," this term denotes the initial, choicest, and best portion of the harvest. Offering the bikkûwr was an act of faith and dependence, trusting God for the remainder of the harvest and demonstrating reliance on His continued provision. It was a tangible expression of gratitude, a recognition of God's ultimate ownership of the land and its produce, and a prophetic pledge of the full harvest yet to come.
Verse Breakdown
"Ye shall bring out of your habitations"
This clause emphasizes the communal and personal nature of the offering. It was not something prepared solely by the priests in the temple, but came directly from the homes and daily lives of the Israelites, representing the collective bounty and gratitude of the entire congregation. It underscored that the offering was a direct result of their labor and God's blessing upon their daily existence.
"two wave loaves of two tenth deals"
This specifies the exact quantity and type of offering. "Two tenth deals" (Hebrew: issârôwn) refers to two omers, a precise dry measure of fine flour (approximately 4.4 liters per omer, totaling about 8.8 liters or 7.2 kg), indicating the meticulous and prescribed nature of this significant offering. The "wave loaves" (Hebrew: tᵉnûwphâh) signify the ritualistic dedication to the LORD, performed by the priest. The duality of "two" loaves may also symbolize the two houses of Israel or the unity of the community in their offering.
"they shall be of fine flour"
This denotes the quality of the offering. Despite the unique inclusion of leaven, the flour itself was to be "fine" (Hebrew: çôleth), meaning the best quality available. This instruction indicates that even an imperfect people were to offer their very best to God, demonstrating reverence and valuing the sacred act of worship.
"they shall be baken with leaven"
This is the most distinctive and theologically rich instruction within the verse. Contrary to most other offerings, the leaven (Hebrew: châmêts) was deliberately included. This unique aspect symbolizes the reality of human imperfection and sin even within a holy offering. It highlights God's gracious acceptance of His people as they are, acknowledging their fallen nature yet receiving their worship, signifying His mercy triumphs over strict ritual purity in this context.
"[they are] the firstfruits unto the LORD"
This declares the ultimate purpose and significance of the offering. These loaves were the initial, choicest portion of the wheat harvest, dedicated entirely to God (Hebrew: Yᵉhôvâh) as an act of thanksgiving and recognition of His sovereignty over all provision. It served as a tangible expression of trust in His continued blessing for the remainder of the harvest and an acknowledgment of His ultimate ownership of the land and its produce.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 23:17 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Symbolism is paramount, with the "two wave loaves" symbolizing the collective gratitude and sustenance of the community, representing their daily bread and the fruit of their labor. The explicit inclusion of leaven is a powerful counter-symbol to its typical negative connotations throughout the Mosaic Law, creating a deliberate contrast with other unleavened offerings (e.g., those for Passover or sin offerings). This contrast highlights a unique theological truth: God's acceptance of an imperfect people. The precise measurements ("two tenth deals") and the specific ritual ("wave loaves") demonstrate ritualistic language and prescriptive detail, emphasizing the divine origin, meticulousness, and importance of the command. The concluding phrase, "firstfruits unto the LORD," serves as an overarching thematic declaration, encapsulating the purpose of the offering as an act of dedicated worship, acknowledgment of divine provision, and a pledge of future blessings.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 23:17 profoundly illustrates God's gracious acceptance of His people, even in their imperfection. The unique command to include leaven in this holy offering underscores that while God calls for holiness and purity, His grace extends to fallen humanity. It teaches that our worship and offerings, though imperfect and stemming from our ordinary, "leavened" lives, are received by a gracious God who knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. This principle foreshadows the New Covenant, where God's acceptance is not based on human perfection or adherence to a flawless ritual, but on divine grace through faith in Christ. The "firstfruits" theme also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's ownership and provision, reminding believers to offer their best and acknowledge Him as the ultimate source of all blessings. It speaks to the ongoing reality that God desires relationship with His people, imperfections and all, and that true worship flows from a heart of gratitude for His undeserved favor.
Reflection and Application
The instructions in Leviticus 23:17, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offer timeless spiritual lessons for believers today, inviting us to a deeper understanding of God's character and our response to His grace. The command to bring "firstfruits" reminds us of the principle of stewardship and grateful dependence: recognizing that all we have—our time, talents, resources, and even our very lives—are gifts from God. We are called to offer Him our "first and best," not as a means to earn His favor or boast in our efforts, but as an overflow of love, trust, and acknowledgment of His sovereign provision and ownership. Furthermore, the inclusion of leaven in this sacred offering is a profound and liberating comfort. It teaches us that God accepts us not because of our perfection or sinless state, but despite our imperfections. We can approach Him honestly, with our struggles, flaws, and the "leaven" of our fallen nature, knowing that His grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. This truth should encourage us to live authentically before God and others, embracing humility and relying on His transformative power rather than striving for an impossible self-perfection that would deny our need for His grace. It calls us to offer our "imperfect best" in worship and service, confident in His loving acceptance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were these loaves baked with leaven when leaven usually symbolizes sin?
The inclusion of leaven (Hebrew: châmêts) in the two wave loaves for the Feast of Weeks is a unique and highly significant exception to the general biblical prohibition of leaven in offerings, particularly those related to atonement or purity (e.g., during Passover, see Exodus 12:15). While leaven often symbolizes corruption or the pervasive nature of sin, its presence here is understood to symbolize that the offering came from the ordinary, imperfect lives of the people. It represented the common bread they ate daily, acknowledging that even their best efforts and offerings were presented by a fallen, imperfect humanity. This unique instruction underscores God's gracious acceptance of His people as they are, not based on their sinless perfection, but on His covenant grace. It highlights that God receives worship from imperfect people living in an imperfect world, demonstrating His mercy and willingness to commune with humanity despite its flaws. It's a powerful theological statement that God is willing to meet us where we are, not just where we ought to be.
What is a "wave offering" and what did it signify?
A "wave offering" (Hebrew: tᵉnûwphâh) was a specific ritualistic movement performed by the priest in ancient Israelite worship. The priest would physically move the offering back and forth, horizontally, before the altar of the LORD. This action was deeply symbolic, signifying the presentation of the offering to God, dedicating it entirely to Him, and acknowledging that all blessings came from Him and were being returned to Him. It was an act of consecration, declaring God's ownership and the worshiper's submission and gratitude. Unlike a "heave offering" (which was lifted up), the wave offering's horizontal motion may have emphasized the offering being "waved before" the LORD, signifying its acceptance and dedication across the community, or perhaps symbolizing the spread of God's blessing. It was a visual declaration of God's sovereignty over the harvest and the people's dependence on Him.
What does "two tenth deals" mean?
"Two tenth deals" refers to a specific measurement of flour. A "tenth deal" (Hebrew: ʻissârôwn) is equivalent to one omer, which was a dry measure of approximately 4.4 liters or about 3.6 kg (8 pounds) of flour. Therefore, "two tenth deals" means two omers of fine flour, totaling approximately 8.8 liters or 7.2 kg of flour. This precise measurement highlights the meticulous nature of God's instructions for worship and the importance of adhering to the divine specifications for the offering. It ensured uniformity and demonstrated the Israelites' obedience to the prescribed rituals for the Feast of Weeks, emphasizing that even in their gratitude, they were to follow God's commands with exactitude and reverence.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 23:17, with its unique leavened firstfruits offering, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, is directly fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (as described in Acts 2). Just as the Old Testament Feast of Weeks celebrated the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, Pentecost marked the "firstfruits" of the new spiritual harvest: the birth of the Church, comprised of imperfect individuals from every tribe and tongue, gathered into one body. Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate "firstfruits"—He is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, guaranteeing the future resurrection and glorification of all believers. The Holy Spirit, poured out on Pentecost, is described as the firstfruits of our inheritance, a down payment and foretaste of our full redemption and the glorious new creation. Crucially, the leaven in the loaves symbolizes God's acceptance of imperfect humanity. This powerfully foreshadows the gospel message: God accepts us, not based on our sinless perfection (which is impossible, as Romans 3:23 declares), but through faith in the perfect sacrifice of Christ. He, "who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Thus, the leavened loaves point to a God who, in Christ, embraces and transforms fallen humanity, making us His firstfruits, a new creation, empowered by His Spirit, and presented as a holy, yet imperfect, offering to Him.