Topical Encyclopedia
The Meal Offering, also known as the Grain Offering, is a significant component of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament. It is primarily detailed in the book of Leviticus and serves as an expression of devotion, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God's provision. The Meal Offering is unique among the offerings as it does not involve the shedding of blood, highlighting its distinct purpose and symbolism.
Biblical Instructions and ComponentsThe instructions for the Meal Offering are found in
Leviticus 2. The offering consists of fine flour, oil, and frankincense.
Leviticus 2:1 states, "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He is to pour oil on it, put frankincense on it." The use of fine flour signifies purity and quality, while oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit and anointing. Frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin, represents prayer and worship.
The offering could be presented in various forms: uncooked, baked, or fried. Each form had specific instructions regarding preparation and presentation.
Leviticus 2:4 describes one such preparation: "Now if you bring a grain offering baked in an oven, it must consist of fine flour—unleavened cakes mixed with oil or unleavened wafers coated with oil."
Symbolism and PurposeThe Meal Offering symbolizes the worshiper's dedication and gratitude to God. It acknowledges God's provision and sustenance, as the grain represents the basic sustenance of life. The absence of leaven in the offering is significant, as leaven often symbolizes sin and corruption in biblical typology. The offering, therefore, represents a life dedicated to holiness and purity.
The inclusion of oil and frankincense further enriches the symbolism. Oil, as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, indicates the need for divine empowerment and consecration in the believer's life. Frankincense, associated with prayer, underscores the offering as an act of worship and communion with God.
Priestly Role and ConsumptionThe Meal Offering was partially consumed by the priests, signifying their role as mediators between God and the people.
Leviticus 2:3 states, "The remainder of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD." This consumption by the priests also highlights the communal aspect of the offering, as it provided sustenance for those serving in the tabernacle.
Connection to ChristFrom a Christian perspective, the Meal Offering foreshadows the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. As the Bread of Life (
John 6:35), Christ embodies the ultimate provision and sustenance for believers. His sinless life, represented by the unleavened nature of the offering, fulfills the call to holiness and purity. The anointing of the Holy Spirit upon Christ's ministry parallels the use of oil in the offering, while His intercessory role is mirrored in the fragrant aroma of frankincense.
ConclusionThe Meal Offering, with its rich symbolism and detailed instructions, serves as a profound expression of worship and dedication in the Old Testament sacrificial system. It underscores the importance of purity, gratitude, and reliance on God's provision, while also pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Meal OfferingMEAL OFFERING
SeeSACRIFICE.
Strong's Hebrew
4503. minchah -- a gift, tribute,offering... Usage gift (5), gifts (2),
meal offering (7),
meal offerings (1),
offering (152),
offering* (1), offerings (14), present (12), sacrifice (3), tribute (14).
...Library
Leviticus.
... (b) themeal offering, in which Christ's perfect humanity, tested and tried, becomes
the bread of His people,.... 2.Meal offering, Ch.2. 3. Peaceoffering, Ch.3....
Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague
... youth! Themeal offering and the drinkoffering Is cut off from the house
of the LORD: The priests, the LORD'S ministers, mourn....
Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
... the torah of the burnt-offering (Leviticus 6:9), or the torah of themeal-offering
(vi, 14), or the torah of the unclean and clean beast or bird (xi.46, 47)....
The Gospel of Luke
... TheMeal offering, which directly pointed to the Humanity of Christ, was to be only
of "fine flour" (Lev.2:1), that is, flour without any grit or unevenness...
The Eating of the Peace-Offering
... thought, namely, that ofoffering to God, while in the third, the peace-offering,
there was... food for the body, and to eat it became not an ordinarymeal, but a...
Excursus on the Word Prospherein .
... Therefore, even the sacredmeal itself is called eucharistia (Justin, Apol.... [61]
The sacrifice of the Supper in its essence, apart from theoffering of alms...
Commendation of those who came to Hear after Taking aMeal. ...
... abstinence from sin; since he who, after he has taken ameal, has come... What then
I have advanced (offering these things for the consideration of the studious...
The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... The names for animal sacrifice, zibu, formeal offering, manitu, and for freewill
offering, nidbu, all are found in their Hebrew forms in the Old Testament....
Leviticus
... and the other priests"washing, investiture, anointing, sinoffering, burntoffering,
with accompanying... Priests' share of themeal and peace offerings, x.12-15...
Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... 2. 2, 9, 16; 5. 12; 6. 8; Num. 5. 26 in connection with the burning of ameal offering
(minhah). The connection with the Essenes remains obscure. (SB)....
Resources
What is the Haggadah / Aggadah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do we pray before eating meals? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning and importance of the Last Supper? | GotQuestions.orgMeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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