Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 6:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Leviticus 6:20 is a verse that continues the detailed instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding the proper conduct of their sacrificial offerings. These offerings were integral to the relationship between God and His people. Leviticus 6:20 speaks directly to the grain offering, emphasizing how it should be handled by the priests and how it should be approached with reverence.
Understanding the significance of this verse and how it relates to the broader themes in Leviticus can offer valuable insights into worship, holiness, and God’s ongoing relationship with His people. In this article, we will explore the context of Leviticus 6:20, the meaning of the verse, its practical applications for believers today, and conclude with a deeper reflection on its spiritual significance.
The Context of Leviticus 6:20 KJV
Leviticus is a book of laws, given to the Israelites through Moses after their exodus from Egypt. These laws covered many aspects of life, including the proper conduct of sacrifices, rituals, and holy living. The book is intended to show how the Israelites were to live in relationship with a holy God, who had chosen them to be His people.
In Leviticus 6, the focus is on the offerings made to God, especially the grain offering, which was to be presented to God as an expression of gratitude and devotion. This grain offering, which could be made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, was not an offering for sin but a voluntary act of worship.
The detailed instructions in Leviticus 6:14-23 concern the priests’ role in preparing and handling the offerings. It was important for the priests to understand how to properly offer these sacrifices and maintain holiness in their service. Leviticus 6:20 is one of the key verses that deals specifically with the grain offering and the responsibility of the priests in handling it.
Leviticus 6:20 (KJV)
Here is Leviticus 6:20 from the King James Version:
“This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the Lord in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.”
Breakdown of Leviticus 6:20:
“This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons”: This refers to the priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron. They were the ones who would offer this sacrifice as part of their sacred duties. Aaron and his sons, as priests, were designated to handle the offerings and lead the people in worship.
“Which they shall offer unto the Lord in the day when he is anointed”: This refers to the day of anointing, a special occasion when a new priest (such as Aaron or his sons) was officially consecrated for service in the Tabernacle. This ceremony marked the beginning of their priestly duties.
“The tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual”: The “ephah” was a unit of measurement for dry goods, and a “tenth part” of it refers to a portion that was to be offered. The fine flour was to be used for the grain offering, which was a form of “meat offering” in biblical terminology, even though it did not involve actual meat.
“Half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night”: This indicates the time when the offering was to be divided. Half of the grain offering was to be presented in the morning, and the other half in the evening, marking the continuous nature of the offering. This shows that the priests were engaged in daily, ongoing acts of worship to maintain a constant relationship with God.
Leviticus 6:20 Meaning
Leviticus 6:20 is a verse that emphasizes the continual nature of worship and sacrifice, the holiness required in the priesthood, and the methodical care that was to be given to these sacred offerings. Let’s explore the meaning of this verse in more detail.
1. The Role of the Priesthood
The verse highlights the role of Aaron and his sons, the priests, in presenting this offering to God. The priests had a special calling to represent the people before God, and their service in the Tabernacle (later the Temple) was crucial for maintaining the Israelites’ relationship with God. The priests were consecrated, anointed, and set apart for these holy duties. They were not only responsible for the rituals and sacrifices but were also expected to embody holiness and integrity in their daily lives.
In a broader sense, this reflects the New Testament teaching that believers are now part of a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Christians, through Christ, are called to live lives of worship and sacrifice, offering themselves to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). This verse, then, serves as a reminder that every believer is part of God’s holy priesthood, called to live in holiness and dedicated service.
2. The Continuous Nature of the Offering
The division of the grain offering into two parts—one in the morning and one in the evening—emphasizes the idea of continuous worship. This offering was not a one-time event but a perpetual act of devotion. The Israelites were expected to offer their sacrifices consistently, reflecting an ongoing relationship with God. Similarly, Christians are called to live continuously in worship, not limited to specific times or places but as a constant lifestyle.
This idea of daily offerings serves as a reminder that worship is not confined to a Sunday service or occasional rituals but is a daily practice that should be woven into every aspect of our lives. We are called to live as “living sacrifices,” offering our hearts, actions, and lives to God each day, morning and evening.
3. Holiness in Worship
The holiness of the priests and the offerings they made is central to this verse. The grain offering, though a simple food offering, was a symbol of purity, holiness, and consecration. The priests were required to handle the offerings in a way that respected their sanctity, and the Israelites were expected to worship God with reverence and care.
For Christians, this underscores the importance of approaching God with a heart of purity and reverence. Worship is not just about the outward acts but about the inward state of the heart. God desires worshipers who serve Him with clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4). Holiness is not optional in our relationship with God, but it is an essential aspect of true worship.
4. The Perpetual Nature of God’s Requirements
The phrase “perpetual” in Leviticus 6:20 reminds us that God’s requirements for worship are eternal. While the specific sacrifices of the Old Testament are no longer required, the principle behind them—offering to God with a sincere and holy heart—remains unchanged. God has always desired worship that is continuous and sincere, and this applies to our relationship with Him today.
As Christians, we are called to live in such a way that reflects God’s holiness and righteousness continuously. Our worship is not something we do only on Sundays or during designated times but should be a constant outpouring of gratitude, love, and obedience to God.
Leviticus 6:20 Application in Life
Leviticus 6:20 provides several key applications for our lives today. While the specifics of the sacrificial system no longer apply, the underlying principles remain incredibly relevant. Here are several ways this verse can be applied:
1. Daily Worship and Service
Leviticus 6:20 teaches us that worship should be a daily act. Just as the priests were to offer the grain offering in the morning and evening, we are called to offer our lives as continual acts of worship. This can be reflected in our daily routines—whether in prayer, work, or interactions with others—everything can be done for God’s glory.
Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Worship is not just a religious activity; it is the way we live our lives.
2. Holiness in Worship
The requirement for the priests to handle the offerings with holiness is a reminder that God desires our worship to be pure and sincere. We should not approach God casually or without reverence. Whether in prayer, reading the Bible, or participating in church activities, our worship should come from a heart that seeks to honor God.
This also involves living a life of holiness in all areas, not just in our worship. God calls His people to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), and this is a calling for every believer.
3. Commitment to God’s Instructions
The perpetual nature of the offering in Leviticus 6:20 speaks to the importance of ongoing faithfulness to God’s instructions. The Israelites were not to abandon their offerings; similarly, we must remain faithful to the commands of God in our lives. God’s Word is not temporary; it is everlasting. The commitment we make to God should reflect the same permanence and dedication that the Israelites were instructed to uphold.
4. Living as a Royal Priesthood
As believers in Christ, we are all part of a royal priesthood, and we are called to represent God to the world. This means living lives that reflect God’s holiness, righteousness, and love. The actions of the priests in Leviticus 6:20 serve as a reminder of the importance of our role as ambassadors for Christ in the world. Just as the priests mediated between God and the people, we are called to bring others closer to God through our lives.
Conclusion
Leviticus 6:20 holds much significance for the life of a believer today. While it speaks specifically to the priesthood and the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, its principles are deeply relevant. The verse teaches us the importance of continuous worship, holiness, reverence in our service to God, and the need for ongoing commitment to His instructions.
As we reflect on Leviticus 6:20, we are reminded that our relationship with God is not to be confined to a set time or place but should permeate every aspect of our lives. Whether in our worship, our daily routines, or our interactions with others, we are called to live in a way that honors God continually. Let us approach our service to God with the same dedication and reverence that the priests of Israel were called to demonstrate, remembering that, as believers in Christ, we are part of a royal priesthood.
Related topics: