Leviticus 2:15 – “Put oil and incense on it; it is a grain offering.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 2:15 gives instructions for preparing a grain offering, specifically telling the Israelites to put oil and incense on the offering. The grain offering, which often consisted of flour or grain from the harvest, was a way for the Israelites to honor God with the produce of their land. The addition of oil and incense to the grain offering had deep symbolic meaning, enhancing the offering’s significance in worship.
Oil was a common and valuable commodity in ancient Israel, often used in cooking, anointing, and lighting lamps. In the context of the grain offering, oil symbolized the presence of the Holy Spirit and the consecration of the offering to God. It also added richness to the offering, signifying that the gift given to God was of high quality and value.
Incense, on the other hand, was a fragrant substance burned during worship. The smoke of the incense rising to heaven symbolized the prayers and devotion of the worshiper ascending to God. By adding incense to the grain offering, the Israelites were not only making the offering more pleasing to the senses but also signifying that their offering was a fragrant and acceptable gift to God.
Together, oil and incense transformed the simple act of offering grain into a sacred ritual that involved the worshiper’s heart, mind, and spirit.
Historical Context
The instructions in Leviticus were given to the Israelites as part of the covenantal laws established after their exodus from Egypt. These laws were designed to guide the Israelites in their worship and their relationship with God. The grain offering was one of several offerings that the Israelites were commanded to bring to the tabernacle as a way of acknowledging God’s provision and expressing their devotion.
Oil and incense were significant elements in Israelite worship. Oil was used in various rituals, including anointing priests and kings, and it symbolized the sanctification and setting apart of something or someone for God’s service. Incense was used in the tabernacle and later in the temple, where it was burned on the altar of incense as a symbol of prayer and intercession.
The inclusion of oil and incense in the grain offering reflects the broader religious practices of the time, where sensory elements like smell and sight were important in connecting the physical act of worship with its spiritual meaning.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 2:15 highlights the importance of offering our best to God, not just in material terms but also in terms of our spiritual devotion. The use of oil and incense in the grain offering symbolizes the need for our worship to be consecrated and pleasing to God. This verse teaches that worship is not just about what we give but how we give it. Our offerings should be accompanied by a heart that is devoted to God and a spirit that seeks to honor Him.
The addition of oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, reminds us that true worship is empowered by God’s Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that our offerings and our lives are made holy and acceptable to God. The incense symbolizes prayer and devotion, reminding us that our offerings should be lifted up to God with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving.
This verse also reflects the idea that worship involves the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. The physical act of offering grain, combined with the sensory elements of oil and incense, reflects the holistic nature of worship, where every part of us is engaged in honoring God.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 2:15 is part of the detailed instructions on offerings found in the book of Leviticus. The verse is concise but rich in symbolic meaning. The command to add oil and incense to the grain offering is straightforward, yet it invites the reader to consider the deeper significance of these elements in worship.
The structure of the verse emphasizes the transformation of a simple offering into something sacred through the addition of oil and incense. This transformation reflects the broader theme in Leviticus of taking ordinary elements of life and dedicating them to God, making them holy.
The repetition of similar instructions throughout Leviticus serves to reinforce the importance of following God’s commands carefully and thoughtfully. Each element of the offering—whether it’s the grain, the oil, or the incense—plays a role in making the offering complete and acceptable to God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 30:34-38 – This passage describes the recipe for the sacred incense used in the tabernacle, emphasizing its holiness and the importance of using it only for worship.
- Psalm 141:2 – David compares his prayers to incense, reflecting the symbolic connection between incense and prayer in the Bible.
- Philippians 4:18 – Paul describes the gifts given by the Philippians as a “fragrant offering,” echoing the idea of offerings being pleasing to God when given with the right heart.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 2:15 serves as a reminder of the importance of making our worship pleasing to God in every aspect. The command to add oil and incense to the grain offering challenges us to consider how we can make our offerings—whether they are acts of service, financial gifts, or time—consecrated and pleasing to God.
This verse encourages us to approach our worship with the same care and devotion that the Israelites brought to their offerings. Just as they added oil and incense to enhance their offerings, we are called to offer our best to God, accompanied by a heart full of praise, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The symbolism of oil and incense also reminds us that true worship is not just about the outward act but about the inward condition of our hearts. Our offerings should be given with a spirit of gratitude, devotion, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to make them holy and acceptable to God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 2:15 reflects God’s desire for His people to approach Him with offerings that are pure, devoted, and pleasing. The command to include oil and incense in the grain offering shows that God values not just the act of giving but the heart and spirit behind it. God’s love is evident in His provision of clear instructions on how to make offerings that are acceptable to Him, guiding His people in their worship.
God’s desire for offerings that are accompanied by oil and incense reflects His love for us and His desire for a deep, meaningful relationship with His people. He wants our worship to be a true reflection of our love and devotion to Him, not just a ritualistic act.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 2:15 connects to Jesus Christ through the symbolism of the oil and incense. Oil, representing the Holy Spirit, points to the anointing of Jesus for His ministry and His role as the Messiah. Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit to bring good news, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free (Luke 4:18). In the same way, our offerings and our lives are made holy and acceptable through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The incense symbolizes prayer and intercession, which is fulfilled in Jesus’ role as our High Priest. Jesus continually intercedes for us before the Father, and through Him, our prayers and offerings are lifted up as a pleasing aroma to God (Hebrews 7:25). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate offering, making our acts of worship and devotion acceptable to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you ensure that your offerings to God—whether time, resources, or service—are consecrated and pleasing to Him?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in your worship, and how can you rely more on His guidance to make your offerings holy and acceptable?
- How does the symbolism of incense as prayer challenge you to approach your offerings with a heart full of devotion and praise?
- In what ways can you make your worship a holistic act, engaging not just in the physical act of giving but also in the spiritual act of devotion?
- How does understanding Jesus’ role as the ultimate anointed one and intercessor deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice and your relationship with God?
Leviticus 2:15 encourages us to offer our best to God, relying on the Holy Spirit to make our offerings holy and lifting them up with a heart full of praise and devotion to a God who loves and desires a deep relationship with us.