Read Leviticus 4 -- 6
In Today's Reading:
Sin offering; trespass offering; further directions concerning burned offerings, meat offerings, and sin offerings
The meat offering was never meat but meal or grain (meat is an old English word used for food in general). It could be brought with either the burned offering or the peace offering; but it was never to be brought with the sin or trespass offerings. This is the law (rule) of the meat (meal or grain) offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD. . . . And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened (yeast-free) 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. . . . it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering (Leviticus 6:14-17).
The Hebrew word translated meat (meal or grain) 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.
The fine flour reminded the people that God provided their food and 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 burned 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 (Philippians 2:6-8). 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. But His sacrifice is only effective for all repentant sinners who receive Him as their Savior and Lord. The sacrificial offering of Christ secured for the repentant sinner forgiveness from God and peace and fellowship with Him. The Son of Man came . . . to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:4-5; Romans 5:1).
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).
Pray For:
Government Official: Sen. John Cornyn (TX) · for the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by a family that loves Jesus · Country: Monaco (32,000) in southeastern France · Major languages: French and English · No open evangelism permitted · 90% Roman Catholic; 7% Protestant; 1% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Confess any sins in your life so that your prayers can be heard (Psalm 66:18-19).
Optional Reading: Mark 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:8