Leviticus 24:7 - You shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be to the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
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What does "Leviticus 24:7" mean?
Leviticus 24:7 is part of a larger set of instructions regarding the "bread of the Presence" (also called the showbread) that was to be placed in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"You shall put pure frankincense on each row...": The bread was arranged in two rows on a table in the Holy Place (the inner section of the Tabernacle/Temple). Each row was to have a portion of pure frankincense. Frankincense is a fragrant resin that was burned as incense.
"...that it may be to the bread for a memorial...": This is a crucial part. The frankincense wasn't just for aroma. It served as a "memorial portion" for the bread. The Hebrew word for "memorial" is azkarah. It suggests that the frankincense, when burned, brought the bread to God's remembrance. It represented the offering of the bread itself.
"...even an offering made by fire to Yahweh.": The burning of the frankincense was an "offering made by fire" to God. This emphasizes that the bread, through the frankincense, was being presented to God as a sacrifice or offering. The burning of the frankincense symbolized the offering of the bread to God, although the bread itself was eaten by the priests.
In essence, the verse means:
The bread of the Presence was not simply displayed as a sign. It was an offering to God. The frankincense, placed on the rows of bread, was burned as a representative portion of the offering, bringing the entire offering to God's remembrance and acceptance. The bread, in a way, was presented to God through the aroma of the frankincense.
Theological Significance:
Representation: The frankincense acted as a representative portion of the bread, allowing the entire offering to be "presented" to God.
Remembrance: The burning of the frankincense served as a reminder to God of His covenant with Israel and their dedication to Him.
Sacrifice: While the priests ate the bread, the burning of the frankincense conveyed the sense that the bread was ultimately an offering to God, a sacrifice of thanksgiving and dedication.
Symbolism: Some interpretations see the bread as representing God's provision for His people and their ongoing dependence on Him. The frankincense symbolizes the sweet aroma of their gratitude and devotion rising to God.
Connection to Christian Theology:
Some Christians see the Bread of the Presence as a type or foreshadowing of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Just as the bread in the Old Testament was a symbolic offering to God, the Eucharist is seen as a memorial of Christ's sacrifice. The frankincense, in this view, could symbolize the prayers and worship that accompany the receiving of Communion, ascending to God as a sweet aroma.
It's important to note that there are varying interpretations of the Bread of the Presence and its connection to Christian theology. The key takeaway from Leviticus 24:7 is that the frankincense was an essential part of the offering, representing the bread and bringing it to God's remembrance and acceptance.
Leviticus 24:7 - You shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be to the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
What does "Leviticus 24:7" mean?
Leviticus 24:7 is part of a larger set of instructions regarding the "bread of the Presence" (also called the showbread) that was to be placed in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"You shall put pure frankincense on each row...": The bread was arranged in two rows on a table in the Holy Place (the inner section of the Tabernacle/Temple). Each row was to have a portion of pure frankincense. Frankincense is a fragrant resin that was burned as incense.
"...that it may be to the bread for a memorial...": This is a crucial part. The frankincense wasn't just for aroma. It served as a "memorial portion" for the bread. The Hebrew word for "memorial" is azkarah. It suggests that the frankincense, when burned, brought the bread to God's remembrance. It represented the offering of the bread itself.
"...even an offering made by fire to Yahweh.": The burning of the frankincense was an "offering made by fire" to God. This emphasizes that the bread, through the frankincense, was being presented to God as a sacrifice or offering. The burning of the frankincense symbolized the offering of the bread to God, although the bread itself was eaten by the priests.
In essence, the verse means:
The bread of the Presence was not simply displayed as a sign. It was an offering to God. The frankincense, placed on the rows of bread, was burned as a representative portion of the offering, bringing the entire offering to God's remembrance and acceptance. The bread, in a way, was presented to God through the aroma of the frankincense.
Theological Significance:
Representation: The frankincense acted as a representative portion of the bread, allowing the entire offering to be "presented" to God.
Remembrance: The burning of the frankincense served as a reminder to God of His covenant with Israel and their dedication to Him.
Sacrifice: While the priests ate the bread, the burning of the frankincense conveyed the sense that the bread was ultimately an offering to God, a sacrifice of thanksgiving and dedication.
Symbolism: Some interpretations see the bread as representing God's provision for His people and their ongoing dependence on Him. The frankincense symbolizes the sweet aroma of their gratitude and devotion rising to God.
Connection to Christian Theology:
Some Christians see the Bread of the Presence as a type or foreshadowing of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Just as the bread in the Old Testament was a symbolic offering to God, the Eucharist is seen as a memorial of Christ's sacrifice. The frankincense, in this view, could symbolize the prayers and worship that accompany the receiving of Communion, ascending to God as a sweet aroma.
It's important to note that there are varying interpretations of the Bread of the Presence and its connection to Christian theology. The key takeaway from Leviticus 24:7 is that the frankincense was an essential part of the offering, representing the bread and bringing it to God's remembrance and acceptance.