What is the meaning of Leviticus 2:16? The priest shall then burn Leviticus always places the priest front and center because God set apart an ordained mediator (Exodus 28:1; Hebrews 5:1). • The word “then” links this act to the orderly progression of worship (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Burning speaks of complete devotion; nothing is held back (Leviticus 1:9). • As in Genesis 8:21, the rising smoke signals a “pleasing aroma,” assuring the worshiper of divine acceptance. the memorial portion Only a handful is placed on the altar, yet that small part represents the whole (Leviticus 2:2). • “Memorial” points to remembrance—God remembers His covenant, and the worshiper remembers His mercy (Exodus 12:14; Psalm 111:4). • It foreshadows Christ, whose one sacrifice is sufficient for all time (Hebrews 10:10). of the crushed grain The grain is first crushed or milled, a picture of suffering that produces nourishment (Isaiah 53:5; John 6:35). • Fine flour shows care and quality; worship should never be careless (Malachi 1:8). • Grain offerings acknowledge God as provider of daily bread (Matthew 6:11). and the oil Oil, often linked with consecration and the Spirit (Exodus 30:25; Zechariah 4:6), is mixed in. • It keeps the offering from being dry, illustrating that every act of service must be Spirit-empowered (Romans 8:14). • Oil also enriches flavor, reminding us that obedience is to be joyful, not grudging (2 Corinthians 9:7). together with all its frankincense Frankincense brings fragrance beyond the grain itself (Exodus 30:34-35). • The phrase “all its frankincense” underscores total surrender; nothing aromatic is reserved for personal use (Philippians 2:17). • Its sweet scent anticipates the Wise Men’s gift to Jesus, honoring Him as divine (Matthew 2:11). as a food offering God needs no food, yet He graciously frames the sacrifice in relational terms (Psalm 50:12-15). • “Food offering” stresses fellowship; the altar is like a shared table (Revelation 3:20). • It looks ahead to the Lord’s Supper, where bread again signifies communion with God (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). to the LORD Every element—priest, grain, oil, incense—is aimed God-ward (Colossians 3:23-24). • The covenant name “LORD” (YHWH) reminds us that sacrifices reach the one true, self-existent God (Exodus 3:15). • Doing anything “to the LORD” elevates the ordinary into worship (Romans 12:1). summary Leviticus 2:16 captures a worshiper’s offering carried by the priest, mingled with oil, crowned with frankincense, and entirely consumed on the altar. Each detail—priestly mediation, memorial portion, crushed grain, enriching oil, fragrant incense—points to wholehearted devotion, Spirit-filled service, and grateful remembrance of the God who provides. Ultimately, the verse anticipates the perfect sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills every symbol and secures our eternal fellowship with the LORD. |
    |