Leviticus 6:21 – “It must be prepared with oil on a griddle; bring it well-mixed and present the grain offering broken in pieces as an aroma pleasing to the Lord.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 6:21 provides specific instructions on how the grain offering, mentioned in the previous verse, should be prepared and presented. The grain offering, which was part of the priests’ anointing ritual, had to be mixed with oil and cooked on a griddle. After being cooked, it was to be broken into pieces and presented as an offering to the Lord. The act of breaking the offering into pieces and offering it as a “pleasing aroma” to God reflects the meticulous care and reverence required in the worship practices of ancient Israel. This offering was not just about fulfilling a ritual but was a way of expressing devotion and obedience to God.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, the grain offering was one of several types of offerings that were part of the sacrificial system. Unlike animal sacrifices, grain offerings involved the produce of the land, such as flour and oil, symbolizing the work of human hands. The priests, who were responsible for making these offerings, followed detailed instructions to ensure that the offerings were acceptable to God. The use of oil in the grain offering was significant because oil was a symbol of blessing, abundance, and the Holy Spirit. The preparation on a griddle and the breaking of the offering into pieces signified that the offering was to be shared and that it was a communal act of worship, not just an individual one.
Theological Implications
Leviticus 6:21 highlights the importance of careful and intentional worship. The detailed instructions on how to prepare and present the grain offering show that God cares about the way His people approach Him. The use of oil in the offering symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit in acts of worship and service. The act of breaking the offering into pieces can be seen as a symbol of humility and submission to God’s will, acknowledging that all we have comes from Him and should be offered back to Him in service. This verse teaches that worship is not just about following rituals but about offering ourselves wholly to God in a way that pleases Him.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 6:21 is prescriptive, providing specific instructions that the priests were to follow. The verse is structured to emphasize the methodical and deliberate nature of worship in the Israelite community. The phrase “an aroma pleasing to the Lord” is a recurring motif in Leviticus, indicating God’s acceptance of the offering when it is made according to His instructions. The detailed description of how the grain offering is to be prepared and presented reflects the broader theme of holiness and order that runs throughout Leviticus, underscoring the importance of approaching God with reverence and care.
Biblical Cross-References
This verse connects with other passages that emphasize the importance of following God’s instructions in worship. For example, in Exodus 29:2, the grain offering is described as being made with fine wheat flour mixed with oil, emphasizing the quality and care required in preparing offerings. In Leviticus 2:5, a similar instruction is given about preparing a grain offering on a griddle, highlighting the consistency of the sacrificial practices. In the New Testament, Romans 12:1 calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which parallels the idea of offering something that is well-prepared and acceptable to God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 6:21 serves as a reminder that our worship and service to God should be intentional and well-prepared. While we may not bring grain offerings to an altar, the principle of offering our best to God in all that we do remains relevant. This verse challenges us to consider how we can prepare ourselves for worship, ensuring that our actions are pleasing to God. It encourages us to approach our relationship with God with the same level of care and reverence that the Israelites were instructed to show in their offerings.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 6:21 reflects God’s love in His desire for His people to approach Him in a way that is thoughtful and intentional. By giving specific instructions on how to prepare and present offerings, God shows that He values the efforts of His people and desires to guide them in their worship. God’s love is evident in His attention to detail, ensuring that the offerings made to Him are meaningful and reflect the devotion of His people. This verse demonstrates that God is not indifferent to how we worship Him; He cares deeply about the sincerity and quality of our offerings.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 6:21 points forward to the ultimate offering made by Jesus Christ. Just as the grain offering was prepared with care and presented as a pleasing aroma to God, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the perfect and ultimate offering, fully pleasing to God. In Ephesians 5:2, Paul describes Christ’s offering of Himself as “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God,” echoing the language used in Leviticus. Through Jesus, the principles of intentionality, care, and sacrifice are fulfilled in the most profound way, as His life and death were the ultimate expression of devotion and obedience to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you apply the principle of intentionality in your worship and service to God?
- What does it mean for you to prepare your heart and mind before coming into God’s presence?
- How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate offering influence the way you approach your relationship with God?
- In what ways can you ensure that your actions and offerings to God are of the highest quality, reflecting the care and reverence He desires?
Leviticus 6:21 challenges us to approach God with intentionality and reverence, offering our best in all that we do. It points us to the ultimate example of this in Jesus Christ, whose perfect offering on the cross was fully pleasing to God and made a way for us to live in continual relationship with Him.