While Leviticus 1 dealt with how God wanted His children to offer burnt offerings for atonement purpose, Leviticus 2 dealt with meat offerings which were to show forth the people’s thankfulness. Note that “meat” offerings do not refer to offerings of flesh. Meat offerings refer to offerings of grains, flour, wheat, kernel, etc. God gave the details of how the people were to present the offerings so that the offerings would be pleasing and acceptable to Him. When they offered their sacrifices, they were to do it from their heart.

1. Leviticus 2:1-6: The meat offering must be your best

In verse 1 to 3, the specific amounts to be offered were not stipulated. This is because the meat offering was a freewill offering. After the priests had burned part of the meat offering, the remnant of the meat offering would be given to Aaron and his sons (Lev 2:3). Note that the remnant of the meat offering was given only to the priests, not to their families. And the remnant of the meat offering was described as “a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire” (Lev 2:3). The term “most holy” means that it was a holy of holies offering that the worshipper brought to the Lord. Thus, in giving this thanksgiving offering, the people were to give their best.

There were variations to this meat offering. Verse 4 to 6 described the meat offering as “baken in the oven…baken in a pan…” For the meat offering that was baked in the oven, it must be baked without leaven. After being baked in the oven, it was to be cut into pieces, and oil was poured on it. Then, it is a meat offering.

[Note: “oblation” (v 4) simply means something presented or offered to God.]

2. Leviticus 2:7-10: The meat offering must be presented

Verse 7 described yet another variation: “a meat offering baken in the fryingpan.” The fine flour was mixed with oil, and then baked in the frying pan. It was then presented to the priest, and he would bring it to the altar. The priest would then burn it upon the altar. It was a sweet savour sacrifice. And whatever was left of the meat offering would belong to Aaron and his sons.

3. Leviticus 2:11-16: The meat offering must be pure

Thanksgiving had to be expressed. Thus, the meat offering would be presented to the priest. The worshipper brought the meat offering, and presented it to the priest. The priest here serves as the representative of God, on behalf of the people.

Application: In presenting our meat offerings, not only are we to give of our best, we are to give of our best to the Lord. And we thank the Lord that in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can enter boldly before His throne of grace.