Leviticus 24:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 24:7 details a crucial aspect of the showbread ritual within the Tabernacle, specifying that pure frankincense was to be placed on each row of the twelve loaves. This frankincense, though not consumed with the bread, served as a "memorial" (Hebrew: *azkarah*)—a symbolic act of remembrance and dedication—and was burned as "an offering made by fire unto the LORD." This practice underscored the perpetual covenant relationship between God and Israel, signifying divine acceptance of the offering and God's continuous provision for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 24 provides specific instructions for the daily and weekly operations within the Tabernacle, focusing on two primary elements: the perpetual lampstand (vv. 1-4) and the showbread (vv. 5-9). Our verse, Leviticus 24:7, falls within the detailed regulations for the showbread, also known as the "Bread of the Presence" (Hebrew: *lechem haPanim*). This bread consisted of twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, arranged in two rows of six on a pure gold table in the Holy Place, before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place. These loaves were replaced every Sabbath, and the old loaves were then eaten by the priests in a holy place, signifying their participation in God's provision. The frankincense, as specified in this verse, was an integral part of this weekly ritual, distinct from the bread itself but essential for its acceptance as an offering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people during their wilderness wanderings and early settlement. The rituals performed within it were meticulously prescribed by God to teach Israel about His holiness, their sinfulness, and His gracious provision. The showbread symbolized God's covenant faithfulness to sustain His people, physically and spiritually, and His desire for their constant fellowship. Frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin imported from Arabia, was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern cultures and was used in various sacred contexts, often associated with prayer, purification, and divine presence. In the Mosaic Law, it was a common component of grain offerings (e.g., [Leviticus 2:1-2](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1-2 - Grain Offering Instructions")), where its burning produced a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, signifying acceptance and dedication. The act of burning the frankincense on the showbread, therefore, elevated the offering beyond mere sustenance, consecrating it as a perpetual "memorial" before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and Israel's dependence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Frankincense (Hebrew, לְבֹנָה, _levonah'_):** This term refers to a pure, white, aromatic gum resin obtained from trees of the genus *Boswellia*. It was highly valued for its fragrant smoke when burned and was a common component in incense and grain offerings in the Tabernacle and Temple worship. Its purity and costliness symbolized the preciousness and holiness required in offerings to God, and its ascending smoke often represented prayers or offerings rising to the divine presence.
* **Memorial (Hebrew, אַזְכָּרָה, _azkarah'_):** Derived from the root *zakhar* (to remember), *azkarah* in the context of offerings does not imply that God forgets and needs to be reminded. Rather, it signifies a ritual act designed to "bring to remembrance" or "call to mind" before God, ensuring His favorable attention and acceptance of the offering. It serves as a perpetual testimony or sign before the Lord, acknowledging the covenant relationship and the worshiper's dedication. For the showbread, the frankincense acted as this *azkarah*, making the bread acceptable as a continuous offering.
* **Offering made by fire (Hebrew, אִשֶּׁה, _ishsheh'_):** This is a general term used throughout the Pentateuch for any offering or portion of an offering that is consumed by fire on the altar. It signifies that the offering is dedicated to God and ascends to Him, indicating divine acceptance and consumption, even if symbolically. The burning of the frankincense here distinguishes it as a sacrificial component, separate from the bread which was eaten by the priests.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon [each] row":** This is a direct command, emphasizing the precise ritualistic placement of the frankincense. The term "pure" (Hebrew: *tahor*) highlights the sanctity and unblemished nature required for all elements used in Tabernacle service. The "rows" refer to the two stacks of six loaves each, indicating that frankincense was placed on both.
* **"that it may be on the bread for a memorial":** This clause clarifies the purpose of the frankincense. It was not for consumption with the bread but served a distinct, symbolic function. The frankincense, through its burning, would act as the *azkarah*—the "remembrance" or "token"—for the entire showbread offering, ensuring its perpetual acceptance and recognition by God.
* **"[even] an offering made by fire unto the LORD":** This phrase further defines the nature of the frankincense's role. It was not merely an additive but a dedicated "offering made by fire" (*ishsheh*), meaning it was set apart to be consumed by fire and ascend to God. This act of burning consecrated the showbread as a whole, making it a continuous, acceptable offering before the divine presence.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 24:7 employs several significant literary devices to convey its theological meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "pure frankincense" symbolizing purity, prayer, and the ascending nature of worship. Its fragrant smoke, rising heavenward, is a visual metaphor for the offering being received by God. The showbread itself is a powerful **symbol** of God's sustaining presence and covenant provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. The act of burning the frankincense as a "memorial" also functions as **metonymy**, where the part (the burning frankincense) stands for the whole act of remembrance and divine acceptance of the showbread offering. The precise, prescriptive language throughout Leviticus, including this verse, exemplifies **ritual language**, which is designed to convey exact instructions for sacred acts, reinforcing the order, holiness, and divine authority behind 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 and intentionality required in drawing near to Him. The showbread, with its accompanying frankincense, served as a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness to sustain Israel and His desire for their continuous fellowship. The "memorial" aspect underscores that while God does not forget, the act of offering serves to continually bring His people's devotion and dependence 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 recognition of God's sovereign provision.

* [Numbers 10:10](/numbers/10-10 "Numbers 10:10 - Trumpets as a Memorial")
* [Exodus 25:30](/exodus/25-30 "Exodus 25:30 - The Table of Showbread")
* [Hebrews 9:2](/hebrews/9-2 "Hebrews 9:2 - Description of the Holy Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 24:7, though rooted in 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 to God, and aimed at bringing Him glory. This verse challenges us to consider if our daily lives—our work, relationships, and quiet moments—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 and the strengthening of our relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "memorial" in Leviticus 24:7 inform your understanding of consistent and intentional worship in your daily life?**
* **In what ways can your "offerings" (e.g., time, talents, resources, prayers) be characterized as "pure" and dedicated "unto the LORD" today?**
* **What does the perpetual nature of the showbread and frankincense ritual teach us about God's desire for an ongoing, rather than intermittent, relationship with His people?**

### FAQ
**Why was frankincense specifically used for the showbread memorial?**

Answer: 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.

**What is the deeper significance of the "memorial" (azkarah) in this context?**

Answer: The term "memorial" (Hebrew: *azkarah*) 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. 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 acceptable before the divine presence in the Tabernacle.

**Why was the frankincense burned as an "offering made by fire" while the bread was eaten by the priests?**

Answer: The distinction highlights the dual nature 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 (see [Leviticus 24:9](/leviticus/24-9 "Leviticus 24:9 - Priests Eating the Showbread")). The frankincense, however, was not eaten. It was designated as an "offering made by fire" (*ishsheh*), 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.

### 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, representing God's perpetual presence and provision, points directly to Christ as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who perfectly satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger and sustains us eternally. Just as the showbread was always before the Lord, Jesus is our constant, living provision. 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](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering"), 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](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who continually intercedes for us, making our spiritual offerings a pleasing aroma to the Father. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire for perpetual presence and provision, not just for a nation, but for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.