Leviticus 2-3
Two separate offerings are reviewed in today’s reading: the grain offering (also known as the meal offering) and the peace offering. To the former, the offering was to serve “as an expression of devotion, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God’s provision.”[i] Since so many Israelites were farmers, it would make sense that they would offer such a foundational commodity, in grain, back to the Lord to acknowledge Him as the giver of every good and perfect gift.
G. Campbell Morgan also suggests that the grain offering symbolized our service to God, stating, “This meal offering was the work of men’s hands, of the fruits of the ground, the result of cultivation, manufacture, and preparation; and it was the symbol of service offered.”[ii] It makes sense, then, that the grain offering was to be made with oil and without leaven or honey, as our service to our Provider is to be empowered by the Holy Spirit and from the purest of hearts. (As a reminder, oil frequently represents the Holy Spirit in the Bible, and leaven commonly characterizes sin. And during the time God instructed the Israelites on this specific law, honey was often used to sacrifice to pagan gods.[iii]) Moreover, “If the grain offering is a picture of proper service to God, it is also a reminder that we fall short in serving God as we should. We are grateful that Jesus fulfilled the heart and meaning of the grain offering for us, as the One who perfectly served God, whose service was never touched with leaven in any way.”[iv]
One final note on the grain offerings before moving on to Leviticus 3: all such offerings were to be seasoned with salt of the covenant (2:13). Contextually, salt in its purest form was an expensive item to keep around the house, and it was utilized to preserve meat and keep it from rotting. This reality points to the everlasting covenant God has made with His people through Jesus Christ—it cost Him a great deal (His life), it is the purest binding agreement ever made (because of the One who initiated it), and it will endure forever.
Leviticus 3 introduces us to another offering to be made: the peace (or fellowship) offering. This specific offering “symbolizes reconciliation and communion with God. It reflects the believer’s desire to live in harmony with the Creator and acknowledges God’s provision and protection. The shared meal aspect of the offering underscores the communal nature of worship and the importance of fellowship among God’s people.”[v] It’s important to note that the one offering the sacrifice was not attempting to earn peace with God, but rather expressing gratitude for and enjoyment of the peace he shared with God. Further, we must take away from this passage that the ones giving the sacrifices dined, in a way, with God, thus enjoying His fellowship over a meal.
Similarly (and much more perfectly), on this side of the Cross, we should daily rejoice in the peace we have with God through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 5:1). Assuredly, it is because of Jesus that we can enjoy fellowship and communion with the God of peace right now. We also know to be true that the closer we draw to God, the more of His peace we will experience. And one glorious day, all those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will gather around the world’s largest table as we cherish His fellowship at a feast that will forever satisfy. Are you ready for that dinner bell to sound?
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Journal responses to the following prompts:
· How can you express your gratitude for God as your Provider?
· Do you experience peace with God and the peace of God daily?
[i] The meal offering. (n.d.). Bible Hub. Retrieved April 1, 2026, from https://biblehub.com/topical/m/meal_offering.htm
[ii] Morgan, G. C. (1952). Searchlights from the Word. Wipf and Stock. p. 37.
[iii] Study Guide for Leviticus 2. (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved April 1, 2026, from
https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/leviticus/leviticus-2.cfm
[iv] ibid
[v] Peace-offering. (n.d.). Bible Hub. Retrieved April 1, 2026, from
https://biblehub.com/topical/p/peace-offering.htm