The frankincense wasn't mixed into the flour and oil; it was added on top and then burned entirely. This highlights that while the main offering represented the offerer's devotion, the frankincense, fully consumed, pointed to something more – the prayers and worship that make our devotion truly pleasing to God.
and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. And he shall take from it a handful of the fine flour and oil, with all of its frankincense, and the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage explains a specific detail of the grain offering, a "meat offering" that was a gift of thanks and sustenance to God. After the person brought their offering of fine flour, oil, and frankincense to the priests, a portion was specifically designated to be burned on the altar. This "memorial" portion served as a reminder to God of the covenant and His people, symbolizing a sweet aroma of worship.
Why was only a small portion of the offering burned on the altar?
This offering, called the 'memorial portion,' was a deliberate reminder to God of His covenant promises. It wasn't about reminding God of the worshipper's goodness, but about God remembering His faithfulness to His people. This handful of flour, oil, and frankincense was a symbol, a tangible way to bring God's covenant to the forefront of His mind. It was a way to say, 'Lord, remember your promises to us, just as we remember your goodness to our ancestors.' This practice underscored that God's relationship with Israel was based on His faithfulness and promises, not just human merit. It also served as a reminder to the worshipper of God's past faithfulness, encouraging trust for the future.
The priest handled this special offering. What did that signify?
The verse specifies that the offering was brought to Aaron's sons, the priests, and it was the priest who took the handful for the memorial portion. This highlights the crucial mediatorial role of the priesthood in ancient Israel. They were the ones authorized to approach God on behalf of the people. The careful, and sometimes difficult, process of taking the handful (as described in the commentaries) shows the reverence and precision required in approaching God. This wasn't a casual act; it was a sacred duty. The priest's involvement ensured that the offering was presented correctly, reinforcing the idea that access to God and His acceptance were mediated through divinely appointed channels. Ultimately, this points to Christ as the perfect High Priest, who Himself offers the ultimate sacrifice and intercedes for us.
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What does it mean for an offering to have a 'pleasing aroma' to God?
The phrase 'a pleasing aroma to the LORD' is used repeatedly in Leviticus for various offerings. It signifies God's acceptance and satisfaction with the offering. This wasn't because the smoke itself was literally delightful to God's senses, but because the offering represented obedience, devotion, and a right relationship with Him. The fine flour, oil, and frankincense were pure and choice ingredients, symbolizing the best the worshipper could offer. When these elements were presented according to God's command, it pleased Him because it reflected His own perfect will and the holiness required for fellowship with Him. This concept ultimately points to Christ's perfect obedience and sacrifice, which is the ultimate source of a 'pleasing aroma' to God the Father.
Understand the original words
azkarah · Hebrew Noun
A ritual act of consuming part of a sacrifice by fire, symbolically lifting the aroma upward as a reminder or witness to God.
mizbech · Hebrew Noun
A place of sacrifice where the mediator (priest) meets God on behalf of the people, representing the necessity of atonement and blood/gift-based access to God.
reyach nichoach · Hebrew Phrase
A metaphor describing God's acceptance of a sacrifice; it signifies that the act of worship is pleasing and favorable to Him, like a sweet-smelling fragrance.
This passage directly parallels the 'memorial' aspect of the offering, showing how prayers and alms can also serve as a reminder before God, highlighting the symbolic connection between earthly actions and divine remembrance.
Romans 12:1This New Testament passage calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, echoing the Levitical offering's theme of devotion and consecration, but shifting the focus from physical offerings to a holistic, spiritual offering of one's life.
Philippians 4:18Here, Paul describes gifts sent by the Philippians as a 'fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God,' directly linking the concept of a 'pleasing aroma' from the Levitical offering to acts of generosity and support within the New Testament community.
Psalm 20:3This Psalm speaks of God remembering an offering and accepting a burnt sacrifice, showing how the memorial portion in Leviticus was meant to evoke God's gracious remembrance of the offerer and His covenant promises.
Hebrews 13:15-16This passage calls for the continuous offering of a sacrifice of praise and good deeds, connecting the ancient 'food offering with a pleasing aroma' to the ongoing spiritual sacrifices that believers are to present to God through Christ.
gillLeviticus 2:2: "And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:"
And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons, the priests,.... And this is all that he did with it; he left it with the priest, who carried it to the altar, to the southwest horn of it (b): th…
calvinLeviticus 2:1-16: "And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:"
And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:
Afferet autem eam ad f…
The frankincense wasn't mixed into the flour and oil; it was added on top and then burned entirely. This highlights that while the main offering represented the offerer's devotion, the frankincense, fully consumed, pointed to something more – the prayers and worship that make our devotion truly pleasing to God.
This passage explains a specific detail of the grain offering, a "meat offering" that was a gift of thanks and sustenance to God. After the person brought their offering of fine flour, oil, and frankincense to the priests, a portion was specifically designated to be burned on the altar. This "memorial" portion served as a reminder to God of the covenant and His people, symbolizing a sweet aroma of worship.
This passage explains a specific detail of the grain offering, a "meat offering" that was a gift of thanks and sustenance to God. After the person brought their offering of fine flour, oil, and frankincense to the priests, a portion was specifically designated to be burned on the altar. This "memorial" portion served as a reminder to God of the covenant and His people, symbolizing a sweet aroma of worship.
"and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. And he shall take from it a handful of the fine flour and oil, with all of its frankincense, and the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aro…" — The frankincense wasn't mixed into the flour and oil; it was added on top and then burned entirely. This highlights that while the main offering represented the offerer's devotion, the frankincense…
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Last reviewed October 2026
