When we read, “Then one of them shall lift up from it a handful of the fine flour of the grain offering, with its oil and all the incense that is on the grain offering, and he shall offer it up in smoke on the altar, a soothing aroma, as its memorial offering to the LORD” (v.15), we are reminded that the LORD gave these instructions to Moses around the mid-15th century BC, intended for the Levitical priests who served at the Tabernacle in the wilderness. The “fine flour” and “oil” represent both the dedication of the Israelites’ best resources and the sustaining nourishment God provided for His people. By taking only a handful, God shows that even a small act of devotion can carry deep spiritual meaning when it is consecrated to Him.
Additionally, we see how the “incense” that is burned releases “a soothing aroma” (v.15) symbolizing a pleasing act of worship before God. Incense in Israel’s sacrificial system was both an aromatic element and a sign of prayerful submission. Centuries later, this concept of a sweet aroma is echoed in the New Testament, when the sacrificial love offered by Christ on the cross is described in a similar way (Ephesians 5:2). The idea of a “memorial offering” reminds us that each offering was meant to bring the worshiper’s devotion to the forefront of God’s remembrance, demonstrating a personal connection between the worshiper and the LORD.
As these instructions were given to Moses, who was God’s chosen leader after the Exodus from Egypt (circa 1446 BC), the focus on properly offering grain, oil, and incense underlines the holiness of God’s presence. Each movement—whether it was measuring the handful of flour or placing the incense on the altar—taught Israel to honor the LORD in every detail of their worship. In the grand narrative leading to Jesus, this memorial offering anticipates the way believers are called to do everything in devotion and thanksgiving, with hearts of reverence (Colossians 3:17).
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Leviticus 6:15 meaning
When we read, “Then one of them shall lift up from it a handful of the fine flour of the grain offering, with its oil and all the incense that is on the grain offering, and he shall offer it up in smoke on the altar, a soothing aroma, as its memorial offering to the LORD” (v.15), we are reminded that the LORD gave these instructions to Moses around the mid-15th century BC, intended for the Levitical priests who served at the Tabernacle in the wilderness. The “fine flour” and “oil” represent both the dedication of the Israelites’ best resources and the sustaining nourishment God provided for His people. By taking only a handful, God shows that even a small act of devotion can carry deep spiritual meaning when it is consecrated to Him.
Additionally, we see how the “incense” that is burned releases “a soothing aroma” (v.15) symbolizing a pleasing act of worship before God. Incense in Israel’s sacrificial system was both an aromatic element and a sign of prayerful submission. Centuries later, this concept of a sweet aroma is echoed in the New Testament, when the sacrificial love offered by Christ on the cross is described in a similar way (Ephesians 5:2). The idea of a “memorial offering” reminds us that each offering was meant to bring the worshiper’s devotion to the forefront of God’s remembrance, demonstrating a personal connection between the worshiper and the LORD.
As these instructions were given to Moses, who was God’s chosen leader after the Exodus from Egypt (circa 1446 BC), the focus on properly offering grain, oil, and incense underlines the holiness of God’s presence. Each movement—whether it was measuring the handful of flour or placing the incense on the altar—taught Israel to honor the LORD in every detail of their worship. In the grand narrative leading to Jesus, this memorial offering anticipates the way believers are called to do everything in devotion and thanksgiving, with hearts of reverence (Colossians 3:17).