Leviticus 2:16 – “The priest shall burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all the incense, as a food offering presented to the Lord.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 2:16 describes the final step in offering a grain offering to the Lord. After the crushed grain has been prepared with oil and incense, a portion of it—referred to as the “memorial portion”—is burned on the altar by the priest. This act of burning is significant because it symbolizes the offering being fully dedicated to God, transforming it from a physical substance into a spiritual act of worship.
The “memorial portion” refers to the part of the grain offering that is set aside specifically for God. When it is burned on the altar, it becomes a “food offering” that is pleasing to the Lord. This offering, combined with the oil and incense, creates a fragrant aroma that represents the worshiper’s devotion and gratitude to God.
This verse emphasizes the importance of offering not just any part of what we have, but a specific portion that is dedicated to God. It also highlights the role of the priest in mediating between the worshiper and God, ensuring that the offering is made according to God’s instructions.
Historical Context
The book of Leviticus was written as part of the covenantal laws given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. These laws were designed to guide their worship and maintain their relationship with God. The grain offering was one of several offerings described in Leviticus, each with its own specific instructions and purposes.
The grain offering, often made from the firstfruits of the harvest, was a way for the Israelites to express their dependence on God for their daily sustenance. The inclusion of oil and incense in the offering added to its significance, making it a more complete and pleasing offering to God.
The act of burning the memorial portion on the altar was a common practice in ancient Israelite worship. It symbolized the offering being given entirely to God, with nothing held back. This practice reinforced the idea that the Israelites were to give their best to God and trust Him with the rest.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 2:16 carries important theological implications regarding the nature of worship and our relationship with God. The burning of the memorial portion on the altar signifies the total dedication of the offering to God. This teaches us that our worship should involve giving our best to God, with nothing held back. It’s a reminder that true worship requires sacrifice and a heart fully committed to honoring God.
The role of the priest in this process also points to the need for mediation in our relationship with God. In the Old Testament, the priests served as intermediaries between the people and God, ensuring that offerings were made correctly and were acceptable to Him. This foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest, who mediates on our behalf and makes our offerings pleasing to God.
The use of oil and incense in the offering adds to its sacredness, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit and the lifting up of prayers to God. This teaches us that our worship should be infused with the presence of the Spirit and offered with a heart of prayer and devotion.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 2:16 is part of a detailed set of instructions regarding the various offerings that the Israelites were to present to God. The verse is straightforward, outlining the specific actions that the priest is to take in burning the memorial portion on the altar. The use of terms like “memorial portion” and “food offering” adds depth to the description, emphasizing the symbolic nature of the act.
The repetition of themes such as dedication, mediation, and the role of the priest throughout Leviticus serves to reinforce the importance of these concepts in Israelite worship. The careful attention to detail in these instructions highlights the seriousness with which the Israelites were to approach their relationship with God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 6:15 – This verse provides additional details about the grain offering, emphasizing the importance of burning the memorial portion on the altar.
- Numbers 15:4-7 – These verses discuss the inclusion of oil and wine in offerings, reinforcing the idea that offerings should be complete and pleasing to God.
- Hebrews 7:25 – This verse speaks of Jesus as our High Priest, who continually intercedes for us, making our offerings and prayers acceptable to God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 2:16 serves as a reminder of the importance of offering our best to God. The burning of the memorial portion on the altar challenges us to consider how we can dedicate specific parts of our lives—whether it’s our time, talents, or resources—entirely to God, holding nothing back.
This verse also encourages us to approach our worship with the same care and devotion that the Israelites brought to their offerings. Just as the priest carefully prepared and presented the offering, we are called to approach God with a heart that is fully devoted and a spirit that seeks to honor Him.
The role of the priest in this verse points to the importance of Jesus Christ as our mediator. Through Jesus, our worship and offerings are made holy and acceptable to God. This reminds us that our relationship with God is not based on our efforts alone but on the work of Christ on our behalf.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 2:16 reflects God’s desire for a deep and committed relationship with His people. The command to burn the memorial portion on the altar shows that God values the offerings of His people when they are given with sincerity and dedication. This act of burning the offering symbolizes the complete devotion that God desires from us.
God’s love is also evident in the provision of a system of worship that allowed the Israelites to approach Him in a way that was pleasing and acceptable. By giving clear instructions for the grain offering, God was showing His desire for a relationship with His people that was based on trust, obedience, and love.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 2:16 connects to Jesus Christ by pointing to His role as our ultimate High Priest and mediator. Just as the priest in Leviticus ensured that the grain offering was presented in a way that was pleasing to God, Jesus presents our lives, prayers, and offerings to God, making them acceptable through His sacrifice.
The burning of the memorial portion on the altar also foreshadows the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Jesus gave His life fully and completely, holding nothing back, as a sacrifice for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, we are able to offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him (Romans 12:1).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you dedicate specific parts of your life—time, talents, resources—entirely to God, holding nothing back?
- What does it mean to you to offer your best to God, and how can you apply this principle in your daily life?
- How does understanding Jesus as our High Priest and mediator deepen your appreciation for His role in making your worship acceptable to God?
- In what ways can you approach your worship and service to God with the same care and devotion that the Israelites brought to their offerings?
- How can you ensure that your relationship with God is marked by complete devotion and trust, reflecting the love and commitment that God desires from His people?
Leviticus 2:16 encourages us to offer our best to God, to approach Him with a heart of devotion, and to rely on Jesus as our mediator, ensuring that our worship is pleasing and acceptable to a loving and holy God.