Definition: And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon [each] row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, [even] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 24:7. It’s a really important passage about how to honor God and celebrate special occasions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “When you’re offering something special – like bread or food – you need to sprinkle a fragrant aroma of frankincense on each row.” Let's unpack that a little further: “And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon [each] row…” This means you have to carefully and evenly sprinkle the frankincense across all the rows of food. “Pure” is important – it suggests a high quality of the incense. “…that it may be on the bread for a memorial…” This is the key part. “Bread” refers to loaves of bread, or perhaps even baked goods. The idea is that this fragrant aroma symbolizes remembrance and gratitude to God. It's a way of saying "we are thankful for what we have" and acknowledging God’s presence in our lives. “…an offering made by fire unto the LORD.” This connects the incense to worship. “Fire” represents God’s presence and power. So, sprinkling the frankincense is like a small, heartfelt act of devotion – a way of showing respect and acknowledging God's role in our lives. In short: It's about creating a beautiful and fragrant symbol of gratitude and remembrance to God through carefully sprinkled incense. Why was this important in the Old Testament? This practice was part of a ritual that happened during feasts and celebrations, like Passover. It’s believed that the fragrance of frankincense helped to cleanse the space and create an atmosphere conducive to prayer and worship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage? Give you a bit more context about what these rituals were used for?