What was the Old Testament grain offering?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The grain offering, a central aspect of Jewish worship detailed in Leviticus, was instituted for use in the tabernacle and later practiced in the temple. Unlike the burnt offering, it did not include meat or blood, focusing instead on grains like wheat or barley, along with oil, frankincense, and salt. This offering emphasized gratitude and dedication to God, symbolizing purity and reverence in worship. Jesus, referring to Himself as the Bread of Life in John 6:35, connected this ancient practice with spiritual fulfillment, offering Himself as the ultimate nourishment for those who seek Him. The grain offering reminds us to approach God with sincere gratitude and wholehearted dedication, acknowledging His provision and finding our sustenance in Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The grain offering (also called the meal offering or cereal offering) was one of the main offerings presented by the Jews in worship to the Lord. It was formally instituted in Leviticus 2 for use in the Jewish tabernacle. It would later be practiced in the Jewish temple as well.
• The teaching regarding the grain offering includes four main sections: the uncooked offerings (Leviticus 2:1–3), the cooked grain offerings (Leviticus 2:4–10), the ingredients involved (Leviticus 2:11–13), and the grain offerings given as firstfruits (Leviticus 2:14–16). Unlike the burnt offering (Leviticus 1), the grain offering did not include meat. Therefore, it did not include blood. Also, since it originated in the wilderness years in the desert, the grain offering likely was relatively uncommon and may have involved offering grain seeds rather than mature grain.
• The grain offering differed from the burnt offering in other significant ways. For example, only a portion of the grain was burned. The priests could use the rest for food. The burnt offering was wholly burned and none was eaten. Also, while the burnt offering was for atonement of sin, the grain offering's focus was worship. A person could add grain to it to varying degrees.
• The grain offering also had to be pure. No leaven (yeast) or honey could be added to the grain. Both would cause the grain to decompose faster. Oil and frankincense were also to be added, ingredients often associated with joy or celebration. Salt was also included, likely for its preserving powers.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• John 6:35 reveals how Jesus used the idea of bread or grain in reference to Himself. He taught, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." The grain offering of the Mosaic law in some ways reminds us of the Bread of Life found in Jesus who serves as a fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Old Testament grain offering, detailed in Leviticus, is a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude and dedication in our worship of God. This offering was not mandated for sin but was voluntarily presented to express thankfulness and devotion. Its purity, free from leaven and honey that could spoil, symbolizes the sincerity and reverence with which we should approach God in worship today. Just as the priests used a portion for sustenance, the grain offering encourages us to acknowledge God's provision in our lives and respond with heartfelt gratitude. Jesus, identifying Himself as the Bread of Life in John 6:35, embodies this principle perfectly, offering Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of our spiritual hunger and thirst. Therefore, the grain offering prompts us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and dedication in our worship, recognizing God's abundant goodness and responding with wholehearted devotion, coming to the Bread of Life to sustain us.

UNDERSTAND

• The grain offering was a key part of Jewish worship, emphasizing gratitude and dedication to God. It used grains, oil, frankincense, and salt, and forbade the addition of yeast or blood.
• The grain offering was a voluntary offering expressing thanksgiving, dedication, and devotion to God.
• Jesus identified Himself as the "Bread of Life," fulfilling the spiritual significance of the grain offering as a symbol of nourishment and fulfillment in God's plan.

REFLECT

• How does the Old Testament grain offering encourage you to approach your worship of God with greater sincerity and purity today?
• In what ways can you incorporate the purpose of the grain offering—focused on gratitude and dedication—into your daily prayers and worship practices?
• Consider Jesus as the Bread of Life. How does this understanding influence how you seek spiritual nourishment and fulfillment in your relationship with Him?

ENGAGE

• An important connection could exist between the "no leaven" command for the grain offering and the removal of leaven during the Passover. In both cases, there is a focus on God's provision as well as remembering what God did in bringing His people from bondage to freedom. The response in both events is to remember what God has done and to thank Him for it as an act of worship.
• How does the voluntary nature of the grain offering contrast with offerings for sin, and what does this teach us about different aspects of worship?
• How can understanding Jesus as the Bread of Life deepen our appreciation for the Old Testament practices like the grain offering? How does it connect the Old and New Testaments in terms of spiritual nourishment and fulfillment?