Leviticus 2:9
And the priest shall take from the meat offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Leviticus 2:9 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Leviticus outlines the procedure for the priest to follow when presenting a meat offering to the Lord. The priest is instructed to take a portion of the offering as a memorial and burn it on the altar. This act symbolizes the offering being presented to the Lord as a sacrifice. The burning of the meat offering on the altar is described as a sweet savour unto the Lord, indicating that it is pleasing and acceptable to Him. This ritual of offering sacrifices to the Lord was an important aspect of worship for the Israelites, serving as a way for them to show their devotion and thanksgiving to God. By following these instructions, the priest is demonstrating his obedience and reverence towards the Lord. Each offering made by fire was a physical representation of the Israelites' desire to honour and worship God.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Leviticus 2:2, the act of taking a memorial portion of the meat offering to burn it upon the altar is seen as a symbolic representation of giving thanks and acknowledgment to the Lord. The act of burning the offering on the altar signifies dedication and surrender to God. The term "sweet savour" used in the verse refers to the pleasing aroma that rises from the burning offerings, indicating acceptance, satisfaction, and delight in the offering by God. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of offering our thanks and praises to the Lord wholeheartedly, with a spirit of gratitude and reverence. It serves as a reminder for believers to present their lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as mentioned in Romans 12:1. Through this act of sacrifice and worship, believers demonstrate their commitment to God and express their love and devotion to Him.
Leviticus 2:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the priest shall take up from the meal-offering the memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon the altar, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.
World English Bible
The priest shall take from the meal offering its memorial, and shall burn it on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.
Douay-Rheims
And when he hath offered it, he shall take a memorial out of the sacrifice, and burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour to the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Priest shall take from the meate offring a memoriall of it, and shall burne it vpon the altar: for it is an oblation made by fire for a sweete sauour vnto the Lord.