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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 2 - Verse 15

2:15
And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering.

Meaning

In this verse, the act of putting oil and frankincense on the meat offering holds symbolic significance in the context of ancient Hebrew ritual practices. Oil was commonly used in the Bible as a symbol of anointing or consecration, signifying setting something apart for a sacred purpose. By anointing the meat offering with oil, the individual offering it was showing their reverence and dedication to God. Frankincense, on the other hand, was used in incense offerings as a symbol of prayer and intercession. The combination of oil and frankincense on the meat offering was meant to enhance the sensory experience of the offering, making it a pleasing aroma to God. This act was not just about the physical offering of meat, but also about the spiritual intent and attitude of the person making the offering. By following these specific instructions, the individual was demonstrating their desire to worship God with their whole being, both physically and spiritually.

Theological Overview

The verse "And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering." (Leviticus 2:15) refers to the regulations for presenting a grain offering to the Lord. In the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, the use of oil and frankincense held significant symbolism. Oil was often used in anointing ceremonies, symbolizing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for service to God. The frankincense added to the offering provided a pleasing aroma to the Lord, representing the prayers of the people rising to heaven. Additionally, the act of "laying" the frankincense on the offering could symbolize the act of dedication and consecration to God. The combination of oil and frankincense together in the offering showcased the importance of both the physical and spiritual aspects of worship. This verse serves as a reminder of the reverence and intentionality that the Israelites were instructed to have in their worship practices, as they sought to honor and glorify the Lord through their offerings.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meal-offering.
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