How does Leviticus 6:15 relate to the concept of atonement? Text and Immediate Context “The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour from the grain offering, together with its oil and all its frankincense, and burn this memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” (Leviticus 6:15) Leviticus 6:14–18 details the “grain offering” (minḥâ). While blood sacrifices predominate in atonement teaching, the inspired placement of this non-bloody rite directly after the sin-offering laws (6:1-13) ties it inseparably to the atonement sequence. The handful—called the “memorial” (Heb. ’azkārâ, remembrance)—is incinerated, while the remainder is eaten by the priests “in a holy place” (6:16). Theological Structure of Atonement in Leviticus 1. Substitutionary Sacrifice (blood offerings) 2. Memorial and Fellowship (grain offering) 3. Sanctified Communion (priestly meal) The grain offering occupies the middle step; without prior blood atonement it cannot stand (cf. 5:11-13, where a poor worshiper’s flour functions as a sin offering only because the life-for-life principle is already established in the system). “Memorial Portion” and Divine Remembrance The memorial signals covenant remembrance, not because God forgets but because He covenantally acts (Genesis 8:1; Exodus 2:24). Burning the handful proclaims, “The sin has been dealt with—now let the benefits be applied.” In New-Covenant terms, Hebrews 10:3-18 notes that animal sacrifices merely “reminded” of sins yearly, whereas Christ’s single offering perfects forever. Leviticus 6:15 is the anticipatory shadow; the cross is the substance. Sweet Aroma and Propitiation A “pleasing aroma” (rêaḥ nîḥōaḥ) echoes Genesis 8:21 where God “smelled the soothing aroma” after Noah’s burnt offering, averting judgment. Every occurrence of the phrase in Leviticus blends expiation (removal of guilt) with propitiation (satisfaction of divine wrath). The grain offering’s aroma rides the ascending smoke of the previous burnt offering, depicting total acceptance. Paul draws on this imagery when describing Christ’s self-offering: “an offering and a sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:2). Symbolism of the Ingredients • Fine flour — the work of human hands, yet devoid of leaven (sin) and honey (self-gratification), pointing to Christ’s sinless humanity (Hebrews 4:15). • Oil — emblem of the Spirit’s anointing (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38). • Frankincense — priestly intercession (Revelation 8:3-4). Together they prefigure the perfect, Spirit-anointed Mediator whose intercession secures atonement. Share for the Priests: Fellowship Grounded in Forgiveness Verses 16-18 command the priests to eat the remainder “most holy…in the court of the Tent.” Atonement leads to table fellowship in God’s presence—the same trajectory seen later in the peace offering’s shared meal (Leviticus 7:15). Ultimately, Jesus turns the grain of the earth into the bread of the Supper, saying, “Do this in remembrance (anamnesis) of Me” (Luke 22:19). The Greek term directly parallels ’azkārâ, linking Leviticus 6:15 with the atoning feast of the New Covenant. Canonical Cross-References • Leviticus 2:2 — first mention of the “memorial portion.” • Numbers 15:3-5 — grain and drink offerings accompany every burnt sacrifice. • Hebrews 9–10 — Christ’s once-for-all offering renders the Levitical memorial obsolete. • 1 Peter 2:5 — believers become “a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices,” echoing the priestly consumption of the grain offering. Christological Fulfillment Christ embodies every element: sinless flour, Spirit-filled oil, intercessory incense, consumed in divine fire (Isaiah 53:10). His resurrection vindicates that God accepted the memorial, just as the ascending aroma proved His acceptance in Leviticus. The empty tomb functions as the ultimate “pleasing aroma,” demonstrating that wrath is satisfied and life can now be shared with the redeemed priesthood (Romans 5:10-11). Practical Implications for Today 1. Assurance of Forgiveness The memorial’s very existence teaches believers that God not only forgives but commemorates His forgiveness. 2. Call to Consecrated Service Just as the priests ate the remainder in holiness, forgiven people are called to holy living (Romans 12:1). 3. Corporate Worship Every celebration of the Lord’s Table reenacts the memorial logic of Leviticus 6:15, proclaiming the atonement accomplished (1 Corinthians 11:26). Conclusion Leviticus 6:15, though a brief procedural note, is a theological hinge: the memorial handful bridges sacrificial death and reconciled life. It proclaims that atonement moves from altar to table, from wrath to fellowship, and finds its once-for-all realization in the crucified and risen Messiah. |
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