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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 24:1–9. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Care is here taken, and orders are given, for the decent furnishing of the candlestick and table in God's house.
I.The lamps must always be kept burning.
The law for this we had before, Exo 27:20, Exo 27:21. It is here repeated, probably because it now began to be put in execution, when other things were settled.
1.The people were to provide oil (Lev 24:2), and this, as every thing else that was to be used in God's service, must be of the best, pure olive-oil, beaten, probably it was double-strained. This was to cause the lamps to burn; all our English copies read it lamps, but in the original it is singular in Lev 24:2 - to cause the lamp to burn; but plural in Lev 24:4 - he shall order the lamps. The seven lamps made all one lamp, in allusion to which the blessed Spirit of grace is represented by seven lamps of fire before the throne (Rev 4:5), for there are diversities of gifts, but one Spirit, Co1 12:4. Ministers are as burning and shining lights in Christ's church, but it is the duty of people to provide comfortably for them, as Israel for the lamps. Scandalous maintenance makes a scandalous ministry.
2.The priests were to tend the lamps; they must snuff them, clean the candlestick, and supply them with oil, morning and evening, Lev 24:3, Lev 24:4. Thus it is the work of the ministers of the gospel to hold forth that word of life, not to set up new lights, but, by expounding and preaching the word, to make the light of it more clear and extensive. This was the ordinary way of keeping the lamps burning; but, when the church was poor and in distress, we find its lamps fed constantly with oil from the good olives immediately, without the ministry of priest or people (Zac 4:2, Zac 4:3); for, though God has tied us to means, he has not tied himself to them, but will take effectual care that his lamp never go out in the world for want of oil.
II.The table must always be kept spread. This was appointed before, Exo 25:30. And here also,
1.The table was furnished with bread; not dainties nor varieties to gratify a luxurious palate, but twelve loaves or cakes of bread, Lev 24:5, Lev 24:6. Where there is plenty of bread there is no famine; and where bread is not there is no feast. There was a loaf for every tribe, for in our Father's house there is bread enough. They were all provided for by the divine bounty, and were all welcome to the divine grace. Even after the revolt of the ten tribes this number of loaves was continued (Ch2 13:11), for the sake of those few of each tribe that retained their affection to the temple and continued their attendance on it.
2.A handful of frankincense was put in a golden saucer, upon or by each row, Lev 24:7. When the bread was removed, and given to the priests, this frankincense was burnt upon the golden altar (I suppose) over and above the daily incense: and this was for a memorial instead of the bread, an offering made by fire, as the handful of the meat-offering which was burnt upon the altar is called the memorial thereof, Lev 2:2. Thus a little was accepted as a humble acknowledgment, and all the loaves were consigned to the priests. All God's spiritual Israel, typified by the twelve loaves, are made through Christ a sweet savour to him, and their prayers are said to come up before God for a memorial, Act 10:4. The word is borrowed from the ceremonial law.
3.Every sabbath it was renewed. When the loaves had stood there a week, the priests had them to eat with other holy things that were to be eaten in the holy place (Lev 24:9), and new ones were provided at the public charge, and put in the room of them, Lev 24:8. The Jews say, "The hands of those priests that put on were mixed with theirs that took off, that the table might be never empty, but the bread might be before the Lord continually." God is never unprovided for the entertainment of those that visit him, as men often are, Luk 11:5. Every one of those cakes contained two tenth-deals, that is, two omers of fine flour; just so much manna every Israelite gathered on the sixth day for the sabbath, Exo 16:22. Hence some infer that this show-bread, which was set on the table on the sabbath, was intended as a memorial of the manna wherewith they were fed in the wilderness. Christ's ministers should provide new bread for his house every sabbath day, the production of their fresh studies in the scripture, that their proficiency may appear to all, Ti1 4:1, Ti1 4:5.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Now that clearest frankincense which is put upon the loaves designates the power of prayer, because the same teachers commit both their ministry of preaching and their labor of devotion unto the Lord. Prayer is symbolized by frankincense, as the psalmist testifies when he says, “Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense.” The clearest frankincense is put upon the loaves as a memorial of the oblation of the Lord when the pure prayer of the saints is added to their pious action and teaching, so that when each is duly joined to the other, the remembrance of the sacred oblation will always appear in the sight of the supreme Judge.
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Summary
Leviticus 24:7 provides specific instructions for the ritual of the showbread in the Tabernacle, commanding that pure frankincense be placed upon each of the two rows of twelve loaves. This frankincense, though not consumed with the bread, served a distinct and vital purpose: it was to be "on the bread for a memorial," signifying a perpetual act of remembrance and dedication before the Lord. Furthermore, it was designated as "an offering made by fire unto the LORD," indicating that it alone, not the bread, was to be burned, thus consecrating the entire offering and ensuring its divine acceptance as a fragrant aroma before God.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 24 is a chapter of detailed ritualistic instructions, neatly divided into two primary sections concerning the perpetual lampstand (vv. 1-4) and the showbread (vv. 5-9). Leviticus 24:7 is situated within the regulations for the "Bread of the Presence" (lechem haPanim), which consisted of twelve unleavened loaves, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were arranged in two stacks of six on a pure gold table within the Holy Place, directly before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place. The entire arrangement was replaced every Sabbath, with the old loaves being consumed by the priests in a holy place, underscoring their participation in God's provision and covenant. The frankincense, as specified in this verse, was an indispensable component of this weekly ritual, distinct from the bread itself but crucial for the offering's acceptance and its function as a perpetual memorial before the Lord.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Tabernacle served as the central locus of Israelite worship and the visible manifestation of God's dwelling presence among His people during their wilderness journey and early settlement. The meticulous rituals performed within it were divinely ordained to teach Israel profound truths about God's holiness, humanity's sin, and His gracious provision and desire for fellowship. The showbread, in particular, symbolized God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to sustain His people, both physically and spiritually, and His desire for their constant communion. Frankincense, a precious and aromatic resin imported from regions like Arabia, held significant value in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It was frequently employed in sacred contexts, often associated with purification, prayer, and the manifestation of divine presence. Within the Mosaic Law, frankincense was a standard ingredient in various grain offerings, as seen in Leviticus 2:1-2, where its burning produced a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, signifying divine acceptance and dedication. Thus, the burning of frankincense on the showbread elevated the offering beyond mere sustenance, consecrating it as a perpetual "memorial" before God, affirming His sovereignty and Israel's utter dependence.
Key Themes
Leviticus 24:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. The concept of holiness is paramount, as every aspect of the Tabernacle and its rituals, including the pure frankincense and the consecrated showbread, emphasizes the sacredness required in approaching a holy God. This verse also highlights God's covenant faithfulness and provision, as the showbread perpetually before Him symbolizes His commitment to sustain His people. The idea of remembrance (azkarah) is central, not implying divine forgetfulness, but rather a ritual act designed to bring the offering into God's favorable attention, ensuring His continuous presence and blessing upon Israel. This perpetual offering also underscores the theme of continuous worship and fellowship, signifying God's desire for an unbroken relationship with His people, a relationship maintained through prescribed acts of devotion that acknowledge His sovereignty and grace. The burning of the frankincense as an "offering made by fire" further connects to the broader theme of acceptable sacrifice, where specific elements are consumed by fire to ascend to God as a pleasing aroma, symbolizing dedication and divine acceptance, as also seen in various other offerings throughout Leviticus.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the root zakak, meaning "to be clear" or "clean," this term emphasizes the unblemished, unadulterated quality required for the frankincense. In the context of Tabernacle worship, "pure" signifies ceremonial and moral cleanliness, highlighting the sanctity and perfection demanded in all elements presented to God. This purity was essential for the offering to be acceptable in the presence of a holy God.
This term refers to a white, aromatic gum resin obtained from Boswellia trees, highly prized for its fragrant smoke when burned. Its whiteness, as suggested by its root lavan (to be white), may allude to its purity. In ancient Israelite worship, frankincense was a costly and sacred ingredient, often associated with prayer, purification, and the ascending nature of offerings, symbolizing the sweet aroma of worship rising to the divine presence.
From the root zakhar (to remember), azkârâh in liturgical contexts does not imply that God forgets and needs to be reminded. Rather, it signifies a ritual act intended to "bring to remembrance" or "call to mind" before God, ensuring His favorable attention, acceptance, and a perpetual testimony of the covenant relationship. For the showbread, the frankincense acted as this azkârâh, making the entire offering continually present and acceptable before the Lord.
This term, used extensively throughout the Pentateuch, denotes any offering or portion thereof that is consumed by fire on the altar. It signifies that the offering is dedicated entirely to God, ascending to Him as a sweet savor. The burning of the frankincense here distinguishes it as the sacrificial component of the showbread ritual, indicating divine acceptance and consumption, even if symbolically, and setting it apart from the bread that was eaten by the priests.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon [each] row"
This opening clause is a direct, prescriptive command, emphasizing the precise placement of the frankincense. The phrase "pure frankincense" underscores the essential quality of the offering: it must be unblemished and consecrated for divine use. The "rows" refer to the two stacks of six loaves each, indicating that the frankincense was placed on both arrangements of the showbread, ensuring the entire offering was consecrated.
"that it may be on the bread for a memorial"
This clause articulates the primary purpose of the frankincense. It was not intended to be consumed with the bread but served a distinct, symbolic function. The frankincense, through its subsequent burning, would act as the azkârâh—the "remembrance" or "token"—for the entire showbread offering. This signified that the offering was perpetually brought to God's attention, ensuring His favorable acknowledgment and acceptance of Israel's ongoing dedication and dependence.
"[even] an offering made by fire unto the LORD"
This final phrase further defines the nature of the frankincense's role, specifying its ultimate destiny and recipient. It clarifies that the frankincense was not merely an additive but a consecrated "offering made by fire" (ishshâh), meaning it was set apart to be consumed by fire and ascend to God. This act of burning the frankincense consecrated the showbread as a whole, making it a continuous, acceptable offering before the divine presence of Yᵉhôvâh, the self-existent and eternal God of the covenant.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 24:7 employs several significant literary devices to convey its theological depth and ritualistic precision. Symbolism is central, with the "pure frankincense" symbolizing purity, prayer, and the ascending nature of worship. Its fragrant smoke, rising heavenward, serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the offering being received and accepted by God. The showbread itself is a profound symbol of God's sustaining presence and His perpetual covenant provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. The act of burning the frankincense as a "memorial" also functions as synecdoche, where a part (the burning frankincense) represents the whole act of remembrance and divine acceptance of the showbread offering. The highly precise and prescriptive language throughout Leviticus, including this verse, exemplifies ritual language, which is meticulously crafted to convey exact instructions for sacred acts, thereby reinforcing the divine order, holiness, and supreme authority underpinning the Tabernacle worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 24:7 profoundly illustrates God's desire for perpetual remembrance and worship from His people, emphasizing the holiness, intentionality, and specific means required in drawing near to Him. The showbread, with its accompanying frankincense, served as a tangible sign of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to sustain Israel and His desire for their continuous fellowship. The "memorial" aspect underscores that while God is omniscient and does not forget, the act of offering serves to continually bring His people's devotion, dependence, and the covenant itself before Him, securing His favorable attention and presence. This ritual points to the enduring truth that true worship is a dedicated, consecrated act, offered in purity and an humble recognition of God's sovereign provision and enduring presence among His people.
Reflection and Application
Leviticus 24:7, though deeply rooted in the ancient Tabernacle rituals, offers timeless principles for our spiritual lives today. The concept of a "memorial" reminds us that our worship, prayers, and service should be intentional, consistent, and offered with a conscious remembrance of God's faithfulness and His covenant promises. Just as the frankincense was pure and ascended as a pleasing aroma, our spiritual offerings should stem from a pure heart, dedicated wholly to God, and aimed at bringing Him glory. This verse challenges us to consider if our daily lives—our work, relationships, quiet moments, and public expressions of faith—are lived as a perpetual "memorial" before the Lord, acknowledging His constant presence and relying on His sustaining grace. It calls us to cultivate a life of devotion that is a "sweet savor" to God, not for His benefit, but for our own spiritual growth, the deepening of our relationship with Him, and the flourishing of His kingdom through us. Our consistent acts of obedience and worship become a living testimony, a spiritual azkârâh, before Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was frankincense specifically used for the showbread memorial?
Frankincense was a highly valued, costly, and pure resin, known for its fragrant smoke when burned. Its use symbolized the preciousness and holiness of the offering, as well as the purity required in approaching God. The ascending smoke was often associated with prayers and offerings rising to the divine presence, making it a fitting element to serve as a "memorial" that brought the showbread offering into God's favorable remembrance and acceptance. Its distinctive aroma also served to make the offering a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, signifying divine pleasure and acceptance.
What is the deeper significance of the "memorial" (azkârâh) in this context?
The term "memorial" (Hebrew: azkârâh) in this context does not imply that God forgets and needs to be reminded. Instead, it signifies a ritual act designed to bring the offering to God's attention, ensuring its acceptance and His continued favor and presence. In the case of the showbread, the burning frankincense served as a perpetual token or sign before the Lord, acknowledging the covenant relationship between God and Israel and testifying to His continuous provision and presence among them. It was a means by which the offering was consecrated and made perpetually acceptable before the divine presence in the Tabernacle. This act of remembrance was for the benefit of the worshiper, ensuring their continuous dedication was acknowledged by God.
Why was the frankincense burned as an "offering made by fire" while the bread was eaten by the priests?
The distinction highlights the dual nature and purpose of the showbread ritual. The bread itself, representing God's provision and the twelve tribes, was eaten by the priests as a holy meal, signifying fellowship and their participation in God's sustenance and blessing, as explicitly stated in Leviticus 24:9. The frankincense, however, was not for human consumption. It was designated as an "offering made by fire" (ishshâh), meaning it was entirely consumed by fire and ascended to God. This act of burning consecrated the entire showbread offering, making it a perpetual "memorial" to the Lord, distinct from the physical consumption of the bread. It underscored the dedication and acceptance of the offering by God Himself, ensuring its spiritual efficacy before His holy presence.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 24:7, with its emphasis on the showbread and the frankincense memorial, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The showbread, perpetually placed before the Lord as a sign of God's presence and provision, points directly to Christ as the Bread of Life, who perfectly satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger and sustains us eternally. He is our constant, living provision, always before the Father on our behalf. The pure frankincense, burned as a "memorial" and "offering made by fire unto the LORD," beautifully foreshadows Christ's own perfect sacrifice. His life was pure and unblemished, and His death on the cross was a voluntary, fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, ascending to the Father as the ultimate and eternally acceptable "memorial" for humanity's sin. Through Him, our lives and prayers, though imperfect, become acceptable to God, as He is our great High Priest who continually intercedes for us in the heavenly sanctuary, making our spiritual offerings a pleasing aroma to the Father. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire for perpetual presence and provision, not just for a nation, but for all who believe, providing eternal sustenance and a perfect, everlasting memorial before God.