Leviticus 7:12 – “If they offer it as an expression of thankfulness, then along with this thank offering they are to offer thick loaves made without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, thin loaves made without yeast and brushed with oil, and thick loaves of the finest flour well-kneaded and with oil mixed in.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 7:12 provides detailed instructions on how a thank offering is to be presented. The thank offering is a type of fellowship offering, which is given to express gratitude to God. In this verse, the focus is on the types of bread that accompany the sacrifice. The offering includes three kinds of bread: thick loaves without yeast mixed with olive oil, thin loaves without yeast brushed with oil, and thick loaves made from fine flour, kneaded and mixed with oil.
Each type of bread has its significance. The absence of yeast, often symbolic of sin or corruption in biblical literature, signifies purity and holiness. The use of olive oil, a valuable commodity in ancient Israel, represents richness, blessing, and the anointing of God’s Spirit. The variety in the preparation of the bread reflects the fullness of the worshiper’s gratitude, offering God the best of what they have.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, the thank offering was part of the larger system of fellowship offerings, which were voluntary and expressed the worshiper’s gratitude for God’s blessings. These offerings could be brought for various reasons—recovering from illness, a successful harvest, or any experience of divine favor. The offering was an occasion for celebration, as portions of the sacrifice were eaten in a communal meal, symbolizing peace and fellowship with God.
The inclusion of different types of bread in the thank offering highlights the agricultural lifestyle of the Israelites, where bread was a staple food. The specific instructions for the preparation of the bread ensured that the offering was made with care and reverence, reflecting the worshiper’s sincere gratitude to God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 7:12 emphasizes the importance of gratitude in the life of a believer. The detailed instructions for the thank offering show that gratitude is not just a feeling but an act that involves thoughtful preparation and offering the best to God. This verse teaches that expressions of thanks to God should be wholehearted and reflect the abundance of His blessings.
The use of unleavened bread, symbolizing purity, in the thank offering also highlights the importance of offering our gratitude in a manner that is free from impurity or ulterior motives. Gratitude, according to this passage, is an act of worship that recognizes God’s holiness and the blessings He bestows upon His people.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 7:12 is part of a broader section of Leviticus that provides specific instructions for various offerings. The verse is rich in descriptive language, detailing the preparation of the bread that accompanies the thank offering. The repetition of terms like “without yeast” and the use of phrases such as “finest flour” and “with oil mixed in” emphasize the care and quality that should go into the offering.
The structure of the verse, listing the different types of bread, serves to underline the completeness of the thank offering. The variety in the types of bread represents the fullness of the worshiper’s gratitude, showing that every part of the offering is intentional and meaningful.
Biblical Cross-References
One relevant cross-reference is found in Psalm 107:22, which says, “Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.” This verse emphasizes the connection between the thank offering and the public declaration of God’s goodness. Another cross-reference is found in Hebrews 13:15, which encourages believers to “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” This passage in the New Testament reflects the same principle of gratitude and offering seen in Leviticus.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 7:12 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of expressing gratitude to God. Just as the Israelites were instructed to bring their best offerings in thanksgiving, believers today are called to offer their best in worship and service to God. This can take many forms, such as giving generously, serving others, or simply taking time to thank God for His blessings in prayer.
This verse also challenges Christians to think about the quality of their gratitude. Are we offering God the best of what we have, or are we giving Him only what is convenient? Leviticus 7:12 encourages us to be intentional and wholehearted in our expressions of thanks to God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 7:12 reveals a God who values sincere expressions of gratitude from His people. By giving detailed instructions for the thank offering, God shows that He delights in the worshiper’s heartfelt thanks and that He desires to be in a relationship with His people that is marked by joy and thanksgiving.
God’s love is also evident in the way He provides for His people and then invites them to respond with gratitude. The thank offering is not just about fulfilling a requirement but about celebrating the goodness of God and the relationship He has with His people. This verse reflects God’s desire for His people to recognize His blessings and respond with joyful thanksgiving.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 7:12 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus embodies the ultimate expression of God’s goodness and the reason for our deepest gratitude. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has given us the greatest gift—reconciliation with God and the promise of eternal life. As believers, our thank offerings today are expressed through lives lived in gratitude for the grace we have received through Christ.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This New Testament instruction reflects the same principle of gratitude found in Leviticus 7:12, showing that through Christ, our lives become a continual thank offering to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 7:12 challenge you to think about the quality and sincerity of your gratitude to God?
- In what ways can you offer your best to God in response to His blessings in your life?
- How does this verse encourage you to be more intentional in your expressions of thanks, both in worship and in your daily life?
- What can you learn from the connection between the Old Testament thank offering and the gratitude we are called to express as followers of Jesus Christ?