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Leviticus 6:21

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In a pan it shall be made with oil; [and when it is] baken, thou shalt bring it in: [and] the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer [for] a sweet savour unto the LORD.

In a pan {H4227} it shall be made {H6213} with oil {H8081}; and when it is baken {H7246}, thou shalt bring {H935} it in: and the baken {H8601} pieces {H6595} of the meat offering {H4503} shalt thou offer {H7126} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

It is to be well mixed with olive oil and fried on a griddle; then bring it in, break it in pieces and offer the grain offering as a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

It shall be prepared with oil on a griddle; you are to bring it well-kneaded and present it as a grain offering broken in pieces, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

On a baking-pan it shall be made with oil; when it is soaked, thou shalt bring it in: in baken pieces shalt thou offer the meal-offering for a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

Leviticus 6:21 provides specific instructions for the preparation and offering of the meat offering (also known as the grain or cereal offering) by the priests in ancient Israel. This verse focuses on the portion of the offering that was to be entirely consumed by fire on the altar, emphasizing the precise methods required to make it an acceptable sacrifice to the LORD.

Context of Leviticus 6:21

This verse is found within a section of Leviticus (chapters 6 and 7) that outlines the detailed laws and duties for the priests regarding various sacrifices. Specifically, Leviticus 6:14-23 deals with the regulations for the "meat offering" (KJV), which is more accurately termed the grain offering. Unlike other parts of the grain offering from which the priests could eat, the portion described in verse 21 was to be wholly burned, signifying its complete dedication to God. The instructions about making it "in a pan with oil" and "baken" underscore the meticulous care and specific preparation required for these sacred acts under the Mosaic Law, ensuring the offering met divine standards for purity and acceptance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Wholeness and Dedication: The description of the offering as "a sweet savour unto the LORD" indicates that when prepared and presented precisely according to God's command, it was fully acceptable and pleasing to Him. This principle highlights the importance of offering our very best to God, demonstrating complete devotion and reverence in worship.
  • Holiness in Worship: The detailed instructions for preparation—using a pan, with oil, and baking—emphasize the sacredness of the offerings and the necessity for purity, precision, and adherence to divine commands when approaching a holy God. Every aspect of the priestly service was to reflect holiness.
  • Priestly Responsibility: This verse underscores the specific and weighty duties of the priests (Aaron and his sons) as mediators between God and the people. Their role demanded strict obedience to God's ordinances to maintain the sanctity and effectiveness of the tabernacle worship.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "meat offering" can be confusing to modern readers, as it does not refer to animal flesh but to a grain or cereal offering. The original Hebrew word is minchah (מִנְחָה), which means a "gift," "present," or "tribute," typically composed of flour, oil, and frankincense. The phrase "sweet savour" translates the Hebrew reyach nihoach (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ), meaning a "soothing aroma" or "pleasing odor." This exact phrase is used frequently throughout Leviticus to describe offerings that are acceptable and pleasing to God, signifying divine approval and acceptance, as seen in the context of the burnt offering in Leviticus 1:9 and other sacrifices.

Practical Application

While the ceremonial laws of ancient Israel are not directly practiced by believers today, the underlying principles of Leviticus 6:21 hold enduring relevance. This verse reminds us of the importance of offering our "best" to God in all aspects of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and spiritual worship. Just as the carefully prepared and baked pieces of the grain offering were a "sweet savour" to the LORD, our acts of obedience, service, and heartfelt praise can be a pleasing aroma to God. This encourages us to approach our spiritual duties and relationship with God with intentionality, dedication, and a sincere desire for His approval, understanding that God values not just the act itself, but the manner and heart behind our offering.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 2:5 (5 votes)

    And if thy oblation [be] a meat offering [baken] in a pan, it shall be [of] fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.

  • Leviticus 7:9 (3 votes)

    And all the meat offering that is baken in the oven, and all that is dressed in the fryingpan, and in the pan, shall be the priest's that offereth it.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:31 (2 votes)

    And Mattithiah, [one] of the Levites, who [was] the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the set office over the things that were made in the pans.