Bible Pathways - February 2, 2006
February 2, 2006
Read Leviticus 4
In Today's
Sin offering; trespass offering; further directions concerning burnt, meat (meal, grain), and sin offerings
The meat offering, also translated meal or grain offering, could be brought with either the burnt offering or the peace offering. It was never to be brought with the sin or trespass offerings. And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD. . . . 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 savour . . . unto the LORD. And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened (yeast-free) bread shall it be eaten . . . in the court of the Tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it. It shall not be baken with leaven. . . it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering (Leviticus 6:14-17).
The Hebrew word translated meat (meal) offering is minchah, "a gift" given by an inferior to a superior, in the sense of a required tribute paid to a king by a peasant. The Lord's portion was burned on the altar, signifying that the offerer was now in a right relationship with the Most High God.
As the offerer brought fine flour, it was recognition that God was their provider and because of that they owed Him their lives. The fine flour reminded the people that God provided their food and that they, in turn, owed Him their lives. The grain was usually crushed and ground into fine flour, which was sometimes mixed with oil and/or frankincense, but always with salt, and then baked. Frankincense, as it burned with the offering, gave forth a satisfying odor symbolizing that the prayers and intercessions of all who are in covenant relationship with God are satisfying to Him.
While the burnt offering expressed a consecration of self, the meat offering was a consecration of service. It also 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 the world. His sacrificial death is only effective for all repentant sinners who receive Him as their Savior and Lord. The atonement of Christ secured for the sinner the benefits of forgiveness from God and peace and fellowship with Him; but, it must be appropriated through an act of faith (Ephesians 2:8). The Son of Man came . . . to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
Word Studies:
5:3 it be hid from him = he is unaware of it; 5:4 if a soul swear = if a person makes a vow; 5:8 asunder = in two parts; 5:17 wist it not = was unaware of it; shall bear his iniquity = is responsible for his sin; 6:2 fellowship = partnership.
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 (Hebrews 13:11-12).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by J. Kenneth & Arlene Metzler and in honor of Caroline Stout's birthday · Staff: Letha Hash · Government Official: Sen. John Cornyn (TX) · Country: Grenada (97,000) southernmost of the Windward Islands · Major language: English · Religious freedom · 61% Roman Catholic; 31% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding as you read the Word of God (Psalm 119:73).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 1:16
