Leviticus 2
BSB1 “When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering must consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, 2 and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 3 The remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD. 4 Now if you bring an offering of grain baked in an oven, it must consist of fine flour, either unleavened cakes mixed with oil or unleavened wafers coated with oil. 5 If your offering is a grain offering prepared on a griddle, it must be unleavened bread made of fine flour mixed with oil. 6 Crumble it and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering. 7 If your offering is a grain offering cooked in a pan, it must consist of fine flour with oil. 8 When you bring to the LORD the grain offering made in any of these ways, it is to be presented to the priest, and he shall take it to the altar. 9 The priest is to remove the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 10 But the remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD. 11 No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as an offering made by fire to the LORD. 12 You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of firstfruits, but they are not to be offered on the altar as a pleasing aroma. 13 And you shall season each of your grain offerings with salt. You must not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offering; you are to add salt to each of your offerings. 14 If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, you shall offer crushed heads of new grain roasted on the fire. 15 And you are to put oil and frankincense on it; it is a grain offering. 16 The priest shall then burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all its frankincense, as an offering made by fire to the LORD.
Study Notes — Leviticus 2
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Leviticus 2
- Themes from Leviticus 2
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Leviticus 2
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Leviticus chapter 2 describes the grain offerings that the Israelites were to offer to the Lord. The chapter begins by describing the fine flour that was to be used for the offering, and how it was to be presented to the Lord (Leviticus 2:1-3). The chapter then goes on to describe the different types of grain offerings, including the memorial portion that was to be burned on the altar (Leviticus 2:4-10), and the offering that was to be made from the firstfruits of the harvest (Leviticus 2:11-16). The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of using only the finest ingredients for the offerings, and of following the instructions of the Lord carefully (Leviticus 2:17).
Context for the Chapter
Leviticus chapter 2 is part of the larger section of the book that deals with the different types of offerings that the Israelites were to give to the Lord. The chapter follows the description of the burnt offerings in Leviticus chapter 1, and precedes the description of the peace offerings in Leviticus chapter 3. The chapter is also part of the larger narrative of the book of Leviticus, which describes the instructions that the Lord gave to the Israelites for their worship and daily life.
Heart Application
The chapter emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His provision in our lives. As believers, we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord, using our talents and resources to serve Him and others. We are also to remember the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, and of using only the finest ingredients in our worship and service to Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Leviticus chapter 2 is about the grain offerings that the Israelites were to give to the Lord. The chapter describes how the offerings were to be prepared and presented to the Lord, using only the finest ingredients. The grain offerings were a type of Christ, who is the bread of life. (Leviticus 2:1-3)
Voices from the Church
“The grain offerings were a type of Christ, who is the bread of life. Just as the Israelites were to offer the finest ingredients to the Lord, so too does Christ offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The use of fine flour and oil in the grain offerings symbolized the purity and perfection of Christ, and the fact that He is the source of all our spiritual nourishment.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Fine Flour Offering (Leviticus 2:1-3) — The chapter begins by describing the fine flour that was to be used for the offering, and how it was to be presented to the Lord.
- The Oil and Frankincense (Leviticus 2:4-10) — The chapter then describes the oil and frankincense that were to be used in the grain offerings, and how they symbolized the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the people.
- The Memorial Portion (Leviticus 2:11-16) — The chapter then describes the memorial portion that was to be burned on the altar, and how it symbolized the prayers and worship of the people rising up to the Lord.
- The Firstfruits Offering (Leviticus 2:12-16) — The chapter then describes the offering that was to be made from the firstfruits of the harvest, and how it symbolized the fact that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
- The Importance of Following Instructions (Leviticus 2:17) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, and of using only the finest ingredients in the offerings.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of the Atonement
- The grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 are a type of Christ, who is the perfect sacrifice for our sins. The fact that the offerings were to be made from the finest ingredients emphasizes the importance of Christ's perfection and purity.
- The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
- The oil used in the grain offerings represents the Holy Spirit, who anoints and empowers believers. The fact that the oil was to be poured on the offering emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.
- The Doctrine of Worship
- The grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 are a type of worship, emphasizing the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His provision in our lives. The fact that the offerings were to be made from the finest ingredients emphasizes the importance of using our best efforts and resources in our worship and service to the Lord.
- The Doctrine of the Church
- The grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 are a type of the church, which is the body of Christ. The fact that the offerings were to be made from the firstfruits of the harvest emphasizes the importance of the church being a community of believers who are committed to serving and worshiping the Lord together.
Lessons from Leviticus 2
- The Importance of Gratitude — The grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 emphasize the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His provision in our lives. As believers, we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord, using our talents and resources to serve Him and others.
- The Significance of Purity — The use of fine flour and oil in the grain offerings symbolized the purity and perfection of Christ. As believers, we are to strive for purity and holiness in our lives, seeking to be conformed to the image of Christ.
- The Power of Prayer — The frankincense used in the grain offerings symbolized the prayers of the people rising up to the Lord. As believers, we are to be people of prayer, seeking to communicate with the Lord and to seek His will in our lives.
- The Importance of Community — The grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 were to be made from the firstfruits of the harvest, emphasizing the importance of community and shared worship. As believers, we are to be part of a community of believers who are committed to serving and worshiping the Lord together.
- The Necessity of Obedience — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, and of using only the finest ingredients in the offerings. As believers, we are to seek to obey the Lord's commands and to use our best efforts and resources in our worship and service to Him.
Themes from Leviticus 2
- Worship — The grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 are a type of worship, emphasizing the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His provision in our lives.
- Gratitude — The chapter emphasizes the importance of gratitude, and how the grain offerings were to be made as an expression of thanks to the Lord.
- Purity — The use of fine flour and oil in the grain offerings symbolized the purity and perfection of Christ, and the importance of striving for purity and holiness in our lives.
- Prayer — The frankincense used in the grain offerings symbolized the prayers of the people rising up to the Lord, and the importance of prayer in our lives as believers.
- Obedience — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of obedience, and of following the instructions of the Lord carefully in our worship and service to Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the grain offerings in Leviticus chapter 2, and how do they point to Christ?
- How do the oil and frankincense used in the grain offerings symbolize the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the people?
- What is the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, and how does this relate to our worship and service to Him today?
- How do the grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 relate to the doctrine of the atonement, and what do they teach us about the nature of Christ's sacrifice?
- What is the significance of the memorial portion that was to be burned on the altar, and how does this relate to our worship and prayer today?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Fine Flour Offering (Leviticus 2:1-3)
| Leviticus 2:1 | The chapter begins by describing the fine flour that was to be used for the offering, and how it was to be presented to the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:2 | The fine flour was to be mixed with oil and frankincense, and a portion of it was to be burned on the altar as a memorial to the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:3 | The remainder of the fine flour was to be eaten by the priests, as a symbol of their role as mediators between the people and the Lord. |
2. The Oil and Frankincense (Leviticus 2:4-10)
| Leviticus 2:4 | The chapter then describes the oil and frankincense that were to be used in the grain offerings, and how they symbolized the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the people. |
| Leviticus 2:5 | The oil was to be poured on the offering, and the frankincense was to be burned on the altar as a sweet aroma to the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:6 | The oil and frankincense were to be used in all the grain offerings, as a symbol of the Holy Spirit's work in the lives of the people. |
| Leviticus 2:7 | The chapter then describes the different types of grain offerings that were to be made, including the offering of fine flour and the offering of bread. |
| Leviticus 2:8 | The offering of fine flour was to be made with oil and frankincense, and was to be burned on the altar as a memorial to the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:9 | The offering of bread was to be made with oil and frankincense, and was to be eaten by the priests as a symbol of their role as mediators between the people and the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:10 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of using only the finest ingredients in the grain offerings, and of following the instructions of the Lord carefully. |
3. The Memorial Portion (Leviticus 2:11-16)
| Leviticus 2:11 | The chapter then describes the memorial portion that was to be burned on the altar, and how it symbolized the prayers and worship of the people rising up to the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:12 | The memorial portion was to be made with fine flour and oil, and was to be burned on the altar as a sweet aroma to the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:13 | The chapter then describes the different types of memorial portions that were to be made, including the offering of fine flour and the offering of bread. |
| Leviticus 2:14 | The offering of fine flour was to be made with oil and frankincense, and was to be burned on the altar as a memorial to the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:15 | The offering of bread was to be made with oil and frankincense, and was to be eaten by the priests as a symbol of their role as mediators between the people and the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:16 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of using only the finest ingredients in the memorial portions, and of following the instructions of the Lord carefully. |
4. The Firstfruits Offering (Leviticus 2:12-16)
| Leviticus 2:12 | The chapter then describes the offering that was to be made from the firstfruits of the harvest, and how it symbolized the fact that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. |
| Leviticus 2:13 | The offering of the firstfruits was to be made with fine flour and oil, and was to be burned on the altar as a sweet aroma to the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:14 | The chapter then describes the different types of firstfruits offerings that were to be made, including the offering of fine flour and the offering of bread. |
| Leviticus 2:15 | The offering of fine flour was to be made with oil and frankincense, and was to be burned on the altar as a memorial to the Lord. |
| Leviticus 2:16 | The offering of bread was to be made with oil and frankincense, and was to be eaten by the priests as a symbol of their role as mediators between the people and the Lord. |
5. The Importance of Following Instructions (Leviticus 2:17)
| Leviticus 2:17 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, and of using only the finest ingredients in the offerings. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the grain offerings in Leviticus chapter 2?
The grain offerings were a type of worship, emphasizing the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His provision in our lives. They also symbolized the purity and perfection of Christ, and the importance of striving for purity and holiness in our lives. (Leviticus 2:1-3)
How do the oil and frankincense used in the grain offerings symbolize the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the people?
The oil used in the grain offerings represents the Holy Spirit, who anoints and empowers believers. The frankincense used in the grain offerings symbolized the prayers of the people rising up to the Lord, and the importance of prayer in our lives as believers. (Leviticus 2:4-10)
What is the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, and how does this relate to our worship and service to Him today?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, and of using only the finest ingredients in the offerings. As believers, we are to seek to obey the Lord's commands and to use our best efforts and resources in our worship and service to Him. (Leviticus 2:17)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 2:1 → John 6:35 | The grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 are a type of Christ, who is the bread of life. |
| 2 | Leviticus 2:4 → 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 | The oil used in the grain offerings represents the Holy Spirit, who anoints and empowers believers. |
| 3 | Leviticus 2:12 → 1 Corinthians 15:20 | The offering of the firstfruits symbolized the fact that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. |
| 4 | Leviticus 2:1 → Matthew 5:23-24 | The grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 emphasize the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His provision in our lives, and of seeking to reconcile with others before offering worship to the Lord. |
| 5 | Leviticus 2:4 → Hebrews 13:15 | The oil used in the grain offerings represents the Holy Spirit, who anoints and empowers believers to offer sacrifices of praise to the Lord. |
| 6 | Leviticus 2:12 → Revelation 14:4 | The offering of the firstfruits symbolized the fact that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, and that believers are to be a holy and consecrated people, set apart for the Lord's service. |
| 7 | Leviticus 2:1 → Psalm 100:4-5 | The grain offerings described in Leviticus chapter 2 emphasize the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His provision in our lives, and of seeking to enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise. |
| 8 | Leviticus 2:4 → Isaiah 61:1-3 | The oil used in the grain offerings represents the Holy Spirit, who anoints and empowers believers to proclaim the good news of the gospel to the poor and the oppressed. |
| 9 | Leviticus 2:12 → 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 | The offering of the firstfruits symbolized the fact that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, and that believers are to comfort one another with the hope of the resurrection. |
| 10 | Leviticus 2:17 → Deuteronomy 12:32 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, and of using only the finest ingredients in the offerings, lest we add to or subtract from the Word of the Lord. |
Sermons on Leviticus 2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of praise and the importance of thanking and praising God. He uses the example of Jonah, who was in the belly of a fish and prayed f |
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Death in the Pot Christ the Answer by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of making unintentional mistakes and the regret that comes with them. He emphasizes that many of us can relate to this experience an |
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Christ in the Offering - Part 2 by Albert Leckie | Albert Leckie explores the significance of the meal offering in Leviticus 2, emphasizing how it represents the perfect life and service of Jesus Christ. He highlights the various w |
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Christ in 05 in the Offerings by Jim Flanigan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of studying the offerings in the Bible and finding the Lord Jesus in all parts of Scripture. The speaker mentions that they hav |
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Studies in the Psalms 05 Handfuls From God by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their 45 years of full-time service for the Lord, emphasizing that they have never asked people for money. They highlight the idea that accu |
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The Meat-Offering Typical Both of Christ, and of His People. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the meat-offering as a type of Christ and His people, emphasizing that the fine flour represents the purity and excellence of Christ, who is the ultimate sacr |
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Salt Is Good by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the significance of salt in the Bible, drawing parallels between the use of salt in offerings in the Old Testament and the importance of grace and truth in th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 2
Matthew Henry's commentary on Leviticus chapter 2 emphasizes the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving in our worship and service to the Lord. He notes that the grain offerings described in the chapter were a type of Christ, who is the bread of life, and that they symbolized the purity and perfection of Christ. Henry also emphasizes the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, and of using only the finest ingredients in the offerings. He notes that the oil used in the grain offerings represents the Holy Spirit, who anoints and empowers believers, and that the frankincense used in the grain offerings symbolized the prayers of the people rising up to the Lord. Overall, Henry's commentary on Leviticus chapter 2 emphasizes the importance of seeking to please and honor the Lord in our worship and service, and of striving for purity and holiness in our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The importance of following instructions
The chapter emphasizes the importance of following the instructions of the Lord carefully, using only the finest ingredients and preparing the offerings in the correct way.
The use of sensory language
The chapter uses sensory language to describe the offerings, including the smell of the frankincense and the taste of the fine flour.
The connection to the harvest
The chapter connects the grain offerings to the harvest, emphasizing the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His provision.







