Leviticus 6:20 – “This is the offering Aaron and his sons are to bring to the Lord on the day he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 6:20 provides specific instructions regarding the offering that Aaron and his sons, the priests, were to bring on the day of their anointing. The offering consists of a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour, presented as a grain offering. This offering was to be divided into two parts, with half being offered in the morning and the other half in the evening. This regular offering was an essential part of the priestly duties, signifying their ongoing dedication to the service of God. The use of the finest flour symbolizes the purity and quality that God expects in offerings, reflecting the priests’ commitment to their sacred duties.
Historical Context
In the context of ancient Israel, the priests held a crucial role as mediators between God and the people. The anointing of a priest was a significant event, marking the beginning of their service in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This verse describes one of the key rituals associated with the anointing—a regular grain offering. The tenth of an ephah mentioned here was a common measure used in the grain offerings, and the division of the offering into morning and evening portions underscores the continual nature of the priestly duties. This practice was meant to keep the priests focused on their role and to maintain the holiness required of them in their service.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 6:20 highlights the importance of dedication and continual service to God. The regular grain offering made by the priests symbolizes their ongoing commitment to their sacred duties. The division of the offering into two parts, one in the morning and one in the evening, reflects the idea that service to God is not a one-time event but requires consistent and ongoing dedication. The use of the finest flour represents the purity and excellence that God desires in all offerings, teaching that our service to God should be of the highest quality, free from blemish or half-heartedness.
Literary Analysis
This verse is structured as a command, providing clear instructions to the priests on how they are to carry out their duties. The mention of “the day he is anointed” emphasizes the special occasion of the priest’s consecration, while the specific details about the offering serve to highlight the care and precision required in their service. The repetition of the idea that the offering is to be made both morning and evening reinforces the theme of continual dedication and service. The language used is precise and instructive, reflecting the seriousness of the priestly responsibilities.
Biblical Cross-References
Leviticus 6:20 connects to other passages that emphasize the importance of continual dedication to God. For example, Exodus 29:38-42 describes the regular burnt offering that was to be made every day, morning and evening, a practice that parallels the grain offering mentioned here. In Numbers 28:3-8, the daily offerings are further detailed, again emphasizing the importance of regular, ongoing worship. The idea of bringing the finest flour as an offering can also be seen in Leviticus 2:1, where the grain offering is described as an offering made from the finest flour, mixed with oil and frankincense, symbolizing the best that the worshiper has to offer.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 6:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of regular and consistent dedication to God. While we may not bring grain offerings, the principle of offering our best to God in a consistent and ongoing manner remains relevant. This verse challenges us to consider how we can maintain our commitment to God throughout the day, not just during specific moments of worship. It encourages us to approach our service to God with the same level of dedication and care that was required of the priests, offering Him the best of our time, talents, and resources.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 6:20 reflects God’s love in His desire for His people to be continually connected to Him through regular acts of worship and service. By establishing the practice of regular offerings, God provides a way for the priests to demonstrate their ongoing commitment and dedication, which in turn helps to maintain a close relationship with Him. This verse shows that God values consistency in our relationship with Him and that He provides clear guidelines for how we can live in a way that honors Him daily. God’s love is evident in His desire for us to stay connected to Him through regular acts of devotion.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 6:20 points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of continual dedication in Jesus Christ. Jesus, as our High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice, making a way for us to be continually connected to God. In Hebrews 7:27, it is stated that unlike the other priests, Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices day after day; He sacrificed for sins once for all when He offered Himself. Through Jesus, we see the ultimate expression of dedication and commitment, as He lived a life of perfect obedience and offered Himself fully to God. His sacrifice allows us to live in a state of continual relationship with God, no longer bound by the need for regular grain offerings, but free to serve God daily through the power of His Spirit.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you apply the principle of regular and consistent dedication to God in your daily life?
- What does it mean for you to offer your “finest flour” to God in terms of your time, talents, and resources?
- How does the example of Jesus’ continual dedication to God challenge you to live a life of ongoing commitment to Him?
- In what ways can you ensure that your service to God is of the highest quality, reflecting the purity and excellence that He desires?
Leviticus 6:20 challenges us to live lives of regular and consistent dedication to God, offering Him our best and maintaining a continual relationship with Him through our daily actions. It points us to the ultimate example of dedication in Jesus Christ, who offered Himself fully to God and made a way for us to live in constant communion with Him.