Topical Encyclopedia The Meat Offering, also known as the Grain Offering, is a significant component of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. It is primarily detailed in the book of Leviticus and serves as an expression of devotion, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God's provision. Unlike other offerings, the Meat Offering does not involve the shedding of blood, as it consists of fine flour, oil, and frankincense.Biblical Instructions and Components The primary instructions for the Meat Offering are found in Leviticus 2. The offering is to be made of fine flour, mixed with oil, and topped with frankincense. Leviticus 2:1 states, "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He is to pour oil on it, put frankincense on it." This offering could be presented in various forms, including baked cakes or wafers, as described in Leviticus 2:4-7. Symbolism and Purpose The Meat Offering symbolizes the dedication of the fruits of human labor to God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider. The use of fine flour represents purity and the best of what one has to offer. The oil signifies the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, while frankincense represents prayer and worship ascending to God. The offering is a voluntary act of worship, expressing gratitude and dependence on God. It is often presented alongside burnt offerings, which symbolize atonement and complete surrender to God. The Meat Offering complements these by highlighting the worshiper's commitment to live a life pleasing to God. Regulations and Restrictions Leviticus 2:11 provides specific restrictions: "No grain offering that you present to the LORD shall be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as an offering made by fire to the LORD." Leaven, often associated with sin and corruption, is prohibited, emphasizing the need for purity in offerings to God. Honey, while sweet, was also excluded, possibly to prevent fermentation. Salt, however, is a required component, as stated in Leviticus 2:13 : "You must season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offering. You are to add salt to each of your offerings." Salt symbolizes the covenant between God and His people, representing preservation and faithfulness. Priestly Portion and Consumption A portion of the Meat Offering is burned on the altar as a memorial to the LORD, while the remainder is given to the priests for their sustenance. Leviticus 2:9-10 explains, "The priest shall then take a memorial portion of the grain offering and burn it on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. The remainder of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD." New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the principles underlying the Meat Offering find fulfillment in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the specific practice of offering grain is not continued, the themes of thanksgiving, dedication, and purity remain central to Christian worship. Believers are encouraged to offer their lives as living sacrifices, as stated in Romans 12:1 : "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." The Meat Offering, with its rich symbolism and emphasis on purity and dedication, continues to inspire believers to live lives of gratitude and service to God, recognizing Him as the source of all blessings. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Meat OfferingMEAT OFFERING See SACRIFICE. Smith's Bible Dictionary Meat OfferingThe law or ceremonial of the meat offering is described in (Leviticus 2:1) ... and Levi 6:14-23 It was to be composed of fine flour, seasoned with salt and mixed with oil and frankincense, but without leaven; and it was generally accompanied by a drink offering of wine. A portion of it, including all the frankincense, was to be burnt on the altar as "a memorial;" the rest belonged to the priest; but the meat offerings offered by the priests themselves were to be wholly burnt. Its meaning appears to be exactly expressed in the words of David. (1 Chronicles 29:10-14) It will be seen that this meaning involves neither of the main ideas of sacrifices --the atonement for sin and self-dedication to God. It takes them for granted, and is based on them. Rather it expresses gratitude and love to God as the giver of all. Accordingly the meat offering, properly so called, seems always to have been a subsidiary offering, needing to be introduced by the sin offering which represented the one idea, and to have formed an appendage to the burnt offering, which represented the other. The unbloody offerings offered alone did not properly belong to the regular meat offerings; they were usually substitutes for other offerings. Comp. (Leviticus 5:11; Numbers 5:15) [MEAT] Greek 1494. eidolothutos -- sacrificed to idols ... presumed derivative of thuo; an image-sacrifice, ie Part of an idolatrous offering -- (meat, thing that is) offered (in sacrifice, sacrificed) to (unto) idols. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1494.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 4503. minchah -- a gift, tribute, offering... gift, oblation, meat offering, present, sacrifice. From an unused root meaning to apportion, ie Bestow; a donation; euphemistically ... /hebrew/4503.htm - 6k 4504. minchah -- a gift, offering Library The Attack on the Book of Leviticus. The Consecration of Joy High Priest Separation to God. The Locust-Swarms Epistle Lxiii. To Epictetus and to the Congregation of Assur?? ... Sikera, a Manufactured and Spurious Wine, yet Intoxicating; Things ... Princely Service. Reformation The Day of Atonement Resources Why is eating dairy products and meat in the same meal considered not kosher? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus eat meat? | GotQuestions.org Is it allowable for a Christian to eat halal food? | GotQuestions.org Meat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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