Leviticus 6:17 refers to the offering made on behalf of the priests called the "meal offering" or "grain offering" of Aaron and his sons. Let's break down what each part of the verse signifies:
"It shall not be baked with yeast." Yeast is a leavening agent that causes dough to rise. In many biblical contexts, leaven (yeast) is associated with corruption, sin, or impurity. The exclusion of yeast emphasizes the purity and unblemished nature of this offering made for the priests.
"I have given it as their portion of my offerings made by fire." This indicates that a portion of the grain offering (meal offering) would belong to the priests as food. The offerings made by fire (burnt offerings, sin offerings, etc.) were considered especially sacred, and this phrase connects the priests' portion to that high level of sanctity.
"It is most holy, as the sin offering, and as the trespass offering." This emphasizes the extreme sacredness of the offering. The sin offering and trespass offering were atonement offerings, dealing with unintentional sins or offenses. By comparing the meal offering to these, the verse highlights its exceptional purity and its connection to reconciliation with God. Even though the meal offering isn't itself an atonement offering, its holiness is on par with those sacrifices.
In summary, this verse specifies that the portion of the meal offering given to the priests must be made without yeast to ensure its purity. This signifies that the offering is extremely holy and is comparable in sacredness to atonement offerings like the sin offering and the trespass offering.
What is the meal offering?
The meal offering was distinct from the other offerings like burnt offerings or animal sacrifices. It was made up of fine flour mixed with oil, frankincense and salt, and could be baked or cooked on a griddle. A portion was burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to God, and the remaining portion became food for the priests.
Why is this important?
This verse and the surrounding context provide insights into the role and provision of the priests in ancient Israel. The priests were dedicated to serving God, and the meal offering was one way in which they were provided for. The verse also underlines the importance of purity and holiness in the offerings brought to God and in the lives of those who served Him.
Leviticus 6:17 refers to the offering made on behalf of the priests called the "meal offering" or "grain offering" of Aaron and his sons. Let's break down what each part of the verse signifies:
"It shall not be baked with yeast." Yeast is a leavening agent that causes dough to rise. In many biblical contexts, leaven (yeast) is associated with corruption, sin, or impurity. The exclusion of yeast emphasizes the purity and unblemished nature of this offering made for the priests.
"I have given it as their portion of my offerings made by fire." This indicates that a portion of the grain offering (meal offering) would belong to the priests as food. The offerings made by fire (burnt offerings, sin offerings, etc.) were considered especially sacred, and this phrase connects the priests' portion to that high level of sanctity.
"It is most holy, as the sin offering, and as the trespass offering." This emphasizes the extreme sacredness of the offering. The sin offering and trespass offering were atonement offerings, dealing with unintentional sins or offenses. By comparing the meal offering to these, the verse highlights its exceptional purity and its connection to reconciliation with God. Even though the meal offering isn't itself an atonement offering, its holiness is on par with those sacrifices.
In summary, this verse specifies that the portion of the meal offering given to the priests must be made without yeast to ensure its purity. This signifies that the offering is extremely holy and is comparable in sacredness to atonement offerings like the sin offering and the trespass offering.
What is the meal offering?
The meal offering was distinct from the other offerings like burnt offerings or animal sacrifices. It was made up of fine flour mixed with oil, frankincense and salt, and could be baked or cooked on a griddle. A portion was burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to God, and the remaining portion became food for the priests.
Why is this important?
This verse and the surrounding context provide insights into the role and provision of the priests in ancient Israel. The priests were dedicated to serving God, and the meal offering was one way in which they were provided for. The verse also underlines the importance of purity and holiness in the offerings brought to God and in the lives of those who served Him.