Leviticus 24:7

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.

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}.

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.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 24:7

Leviticus 24 provides detailed instructions for the operation of the Tabernacle, specifically concerning the perpetual lamp and the setup of the showbread, or 'bread of the presence'. This verse focuses on the specific ritual associated with the showbread, which consisted of twelve loaves, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, placed on a pure table before the Lord in the Holy Place. These loaves were replaced weekly, and the old loaves were eaten by the priests.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Worship and Remembrance: The frankincense placed on each row of showbread was not eaten but burned as an "offering made by fire unto the LORD." This act of remembrance, or memorial (Hebrew: azkarah), served to bring the offering to God's favorable remembrance. It was a symbolic gesture acknowledging God's covenant and His continuous provision for His people. It also reminded Israel of their constant dependence on God and His perpetual presence among them.
  • Purity and Dedication: The use of "pure frankincense" signifies the high standard of holiness required in Tabernacle worship. Frankincense was a costly and fragrant spice, used in various offerings as a sweet aroma to the Lord (e.g., Leviticus 2:2). Its burning symbolized the complete dedication and acceptance of the offering by God.
  • God's Sustaining Presence: The showbread itself represented God's constant provision and desire for His people's fellowship. The frankincense, as a memorial, consecrated this offering, ensuring it continually testified before God to the covenant relationship between Him and Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "memorial" here is azkarah (אַזְכָּרָה), derived from the root meaning "to remember." In the context of offerings, it refers to the portion that was burned on the altar to bring the offering to God's mind, not because God forgets, but as a ritual act of remembrance and acceptance. The phrase "offering made by fire" is ishsheh (אִשֶּׁה), a general term for any offering consumed by fire on the altar, signifying its ascent to God and His acceptance.

Practical Application

Leviticus 24:7, though part of ancient Tabernacle rituals, offers enduring spiritual principles. It reminds believers today of the importance of intentional and consistent worship that serves as a "memorial" before God. Our spiritual offerings—whether of praise, prayer, or service—should be pure, dedicated, and offered with a conscious remembrance of God's faithfulness and provision. Just as the frankincense ascended as a pleasing aroma, our lives of devoted worship can be a "sweet savour" to the Lord (Ephesians 5:2), acknowledging His constant presence and sustaining grace in our lives.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 2:2

    And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, [to be] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:

  • Revelation 8:3

    And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

  • Revelation 8:4

    And the smoke of the incense, [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

  • Ephesians 1:6

    To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

  • John 6:35

    And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

  • Exodus 13:9

    And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.

  • Exodus 12:14

    And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.