Topical Bible: Frankincense used With Meat offerings

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Frankincense, a fragrant resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, holds significant importance in biblical rituals and offerings. In the context of meat offerings, also known as grain offerings, frankincense is a key component that symbolizes prayer, worship, and the divine presence.

Biblical References and Usage

The use of frankincense in meat offerings is primarily detailed in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 2:1 states, "When anyone presents a grain offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it." This instruction highlights the integral role of frankincense in the offering, serving as a fragrant addition that elevates the offering to a spiritual act of devotion.

The grain offering, unlike the burnt offering, was not for atonement but rather an expression of thanksgiving and dedication to God. The inclusion of frankincense in these offerings underscores the importance of purity and holiness, as the aroma of frankincense was believed to be pleasing to the Lord. Leviticus 2:2 further explains, "He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests, and the priest shall take a handful of the fine flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Frankincense in the context of meat offerings symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. Its use in the sacrificial system reflects the desire for the offering to be accepted by God, as a sweet-smelling savor. The burning of frankincense on the altar represents the transformation of the earthly into the spiritual, a key aspect of worship in the Old Testament.

The presence of frankincense in offerings also points to the holiness required in approaching God. As a costly and precious substance, frankincense signifies the value and reverence that should accompany acts of worship. The sweet aroma serves as a reminder of the divine presence and the need for purity in the lives of the worshippers.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, frankincense was highly prized and often used in religious ceremonies and as a luxury item. Its inclusion in the biblical sacrificial system reflects its esteemed status and the importance of offering the best to God. The Israelites, following God's commandments, incorporated frankincense into their worship practices, setting them apart from surrounding nations and emphasizing their covenant relationship with the Lord.

Theological Implications

The use of frankincense in meat offerings foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2). Just as frankincense was a pleasing aroma in the Old Testament offerings, Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of all offerings, bringing believers into a restored relationship with God.

In summary, frankincense in meat offerings serves as a profound symbol of prayer, purity, and divine acceptance, reflecting the heart of worship and devotion in the biblical tradition.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 2:1,2,15,16
And when any will offer a meat offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense thereon:
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Leviticus 6:15
And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is on the meat offering, and shall burn it on the altar for a sweet smell, even the memorial of it, to the LORD.
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Library

Scriptural Types.
... and friendship, was prescribed for all meat offerings (Lev.2 ... 13), and seems to have
been used with all ... portion of them, including all the frankincense, had been ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Reformation
... an apartment connected with the temple, which heretofore had been used as a ... vessels
of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.". ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 57 reformation.htm

Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author,
... up at idol festivals [2374] , either meat or bread ... the Church vestments, which was
afterwards used upon the ... need for their offerings, eg frankincense, but also ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/five catechetical lectures the same.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... so a minister of the gospel now is also famous, if much used by Christ ... of the priests,'
because it was it in which they boiled the trespass-offerings, and in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day ...
... And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that ... the Lord Jesus also; for
that he used so to ... to have a new meat offering, with meat offerings and drink ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/questions about the nature and.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... Here grows the goodly trees of frankincense; Her arbours ... for life, that's freely
given; Meat, drink, and ... were familiar with, and generally used, the Puritan or ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye ... in special in all ages, have
been used to promote ... of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm