Bible Pathways - Feb. 2, 2007

Leviticus 4

In Today's Scripture Reading:

Sin Offering; Trespass Offering; further directions concerning Burnt, Meat (Meal,Grain), and Sin Offerings

The meat (meal or grain) offering could be brought with either the burnt offering or the peace offering, but never with the sin or trespass offerings. And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the Lord. . . . And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour . . . unto the Lord.. And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened (yeast-free) bread . . . in the court of the Tabernacle . . . they shall eat it. It shall not be baken with leaven. . . . it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering (Leviticus 6:14-17).

The word translated meat (meal) offering is minchah, "a required gift" 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.

As the offerer brought fine flour, it reminded the people that God provided their food and that they, in turn, owed Him their lives. The grain was 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 acceptable to Him.

While the burnt 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 like a grain of wheat by the mill of humiliation. He was wounded for our transgressions (sins, rebellion), He was bruised for our iniquities (moral evil or wickedness) (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. His sacrificial death is only effective for all repentant sinners who receive Him as their Savior and Lord. The atonement of Christ secured for the sinner the benefits of forgiveness from God and peace and fellowship with Him; but, it must be appropriated through an act of faith (Ephesians 2:8). The Son of Man came . . . to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

Word Studies:

5:3 it be hid from him =b> he is unaware of it; 5:4 if a soul swear =b> if a person makes a vow; 5:8 asunder =b> in two parts; 5:17 wist it not =b> was unaware of it; shall bear his iniquity =b> is responsible for his sin; 6:2 fellowship =b> partnership.

Christ Revealed:

Through the body of the young bull which was burned without the camp (Leviticus 4:12). This pictures Jesus as He suffered without the gate (Hebrews 13:11-12).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Harold & Lois Burton and in honor of Caroline Stout's birthday Staff: Letha Hash Government Official: Sen. John Cornyn (TX) Country: Czech Republic (10 million) in central Europe Major languages: Czech and Slovak Religious freedom 63% Catholic; 7% Protestant; 4% Eastern Orthodox Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to help you teach His Word to your children; it will give guidance and instruction as they go through life (Proverbs 6:20-23).

Optional Reading: Mark 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:36