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Bible Pathways 2/2/2001



February 2

Leviticus 4 -- 6

The Meat Offering (was also called Meal, Cereal, or Grain Offering). It could be brought with either the Burnt Offering or the Peace Offering; but it was never to be brought with the Sin or Trespass Offering. This is the Law of the Meat Offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the Lord, before the altar. 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 upon the Meat Offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savor, even the memorial of it, unto the Lord. And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the Holy Place; in the court of the Tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it. It shall not be baked with leaven (Leviticus 6:14-17). The Meat Offering was the only sacrifice made with grain rather than a sacrificial animal.
The Hebrew word for Meat Offering is Minchah, meaning "a gift" -- given by an inferior to a superior, in the sense of a required tribute paid to a king by a peasant (Judges 3:15-23; II Samuel 8:2; Psalms 72:10). The Lord's portion was burned on the altar, which signified that the offerer was now in a right relationship with the Most High God and qualified to be His servant.
The fine flour reminded the people that God gave them their food and that they, in turn, owed Him their lives as a gift. The grain was usually crushed and ground into fine flour which was sometimes mixed with oil and/or frankincense, but always with salt, then placed in the oven and baked. Frankincense, as it burned with the offering, gave forth a sweet, satisfying odor, symbolizing that the prayers and intercessions of all who are in covenant relationship with God are satisfying to Him.
The Burnt Offering expressed a consecration of self, while the Meat Offering was a consecration of service. This illustrates the life of Christ, the sinless Savior, who laid aside His Glory as the God of Creation, to be crushed as a grain of wheat by the mill of humiliation. He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). He endured beatings and intense suffering, was crowned with thorns in mockery, and was finally put to death on the cross for the sins of all repentant sinners who receive Him as their personal Savior. He did this to become the unleavened Bread of Life, the Sustainer of His people on their pilgrim journey through life (John 6:35). The atonement of Christ secured for the sinner the benefits of forgiveness from God and peace and fellowship with Him. The Son of Man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 12:24).
Salt could never be left out of this Offering. As a seasoning, it brings out the true flavor of food so it may be enjoyed more fully. Salt is also a preservative which serves to check corruption and deterioration. But a deeper meaning is revealed here: Neither shall you suffer (allow) the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your Meat Offering (Leviticus 2:13). Salt became symbolic of integrity and loyalty (Numbers 18:19). As Christians we are taught: Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man (Colossians 4:6).
Christ Revealed:
Through the body of the young bull which was burned outside the camp (Leviticus 4:12). This pictures Jesus as He suffered outside the gate (Heb. 13:11-12).
Word Studies:
5:3 it be hid from him means being unaware of it; 5:4 if a soul swear means if a person makes a vow; 5:8 asunder means apart; 5:17 wist it not means unaware of it; shall bear his iniquity means is responsible for his sin; 6:2 fellowship means partnership.

Prayer:

BPM Staff: Letha Hash · Pray for Stephen Wike, Media Management/Crosswalk.com, Inc. · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of my Brother Wilbur M. · Country: St. Lucia (154,000) in the eastern Caribbean · Major languages: English and French patois · Religious freedom · 83% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant; 2% spirit worship · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to deliver you from willful sins (Psalms 19:13).
Optional Reading:
Mark 5

Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 16:11


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