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The sheaf of first-fruits was of barley, because that is ripe earliest: Lev. 23:10 (comp. Ruth 2:23; 2 Sam. 21:9).

Oil is a natural symbol of refreshment, light, life, spirit. So it was used for consecration. Comp. Gen. 28:18; 35:14.

The Incense was given wholly to God: of this the priest had no part. It was a symbol of prayer offered to God only (comp. Apoc. 8:3 f.; v. 8).

It was not used with the sin-offering (Lev. 5:5, 11); or with the jealousy- offering (Num. 5:15).

Leaven was not admitted except Lev. 7:13; 23:17; nor honey (except as an oblation of first-fruits) which was especially used in offerings to the dead: Porphyr. de antr. Nymph. 18.

The use of water as ‘poured out before the Lord’ (1 Sam. 7:6; 2 Sam. 23:16) is obviously exceptional.

For the Meal-offering, see Lev. 2:1 ff.: for the Drink-offering, Lev. 23:13, 18, 37; Ex. 29:40 f.; 30:9; Num. 15:1 ff.; for Incense, Ex. 30:22 ff.

( b ) Animals. Clean domestic (not wild) animals: oxen; sheep; goats; pigeons: representing different types of service (comp. Jukes, The Law of the Offerings , pp. 77 ff.).

These served as the support of man's own life, and were nearest to him in labour, and as food.

They were required to be perfect ( : ymiT; , H9459, a[mwmoi ): Deut. 17:1;

and, in detail: Lev. 22:18 ff.; comp. Mal. 1:8. There was relaxation only in the case of the ‘free-will offering’: Lev. 22:23. The victims were always male in a public offering for the people; and generally a year old: in no case less than seven days: Lev. 22:27.

As compared with the requirements of other rituals, the Levitical rules are singularly simple and significant. They contain no restrictions as to colour, & c.

Salt was used with all sacrifices: Lev. 2:13; Ex. 30:35 R.V.; comp. Ezek. 43:24; Mark 9:49 v. l.; and see also LXX. Lev. 24:7 (add. kai; a{la ).

Salt keeps off corruption; removes impurity; acts internally like fire; sustains peace (by withdrawing elements of disorder): Mark 9:50; and so it came to be regarded as a symbol of an indissoluble covenant: Num. 18:19.

Compare Philo de vict. § 3 (2.240 M.) oiJ a{le" ªsuvmbolonº diamonh'" th'" tw'n sumpavntwn, oi|" ga;r a]n peripasqw'si diathrou'si, kai; iJkanou' prosoyhvmato" .

The ‘meal-offering’ made alone was represented by the ‘Shew-bread.’ The offering in Lev. 5:5, 11 was not a true Minchah; and the offerings of first- fruits were of a different order.

Animal sacrifices alone were made in the sin and guilt offerings (yet notice Lev. 5:5, 11).

The burnt and peace offerings included meal and drink offerings.
(3) Characteristics of ritual. The sacrifices were to be made at an appointed place: Lev. 17:3-5. The access to God was not yet freely open (comp. John 4:21).

The structure of the Altar was prescribed: Ex. 20:24 f.; 27:1 ff. In the Sacrifice itself notice must be taken of ( a ) the imposition of hands, ( b ) the killing, ( c ) the exception of the blood, ( d ) the application of the blood, ( e ) the disposition of the victim, ( f ) the sacrificial meal.


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