(Leviticus 2) The Grain Offering: A “Ram in the Bush”
In Leviticus chapter 2, we read about the grain (or meal) offerings that are commanded to be brought to Hashem by us, His Jewish people.
When we study passages such as Jeremiah 2:3, we understand that we, the Jewish people, are the first-fruit of Hashem’s harvest. When we look at Leviticus 2 through such a lense of truth, we can understand that instead of offering ourselves (or any human being) in the fires of Hashem’s altar, Hashem commands a “substitute “—the “ram in the bush,” if you will (Genesis 22)—to be burned in our place “as a pleasing aroma to Hashem.
Just as the first-born son is consecrated to Hashem, or the Levites consecrated in place of the first-born sons (Numbers 3:40-50), so grain is consecrated on behalf of every Jew here in Leviticus 2.
The grain is to be offered “with oil”—meaning, the grain is anointed, like a priest or a king. This anointing marks the grain offering as “set apart unto Hashem.”
The grain is to also to be “without leaven”—as is first prescribed in the Passover offering and Feast of unleavened bread (Exodus 12). In the Passover, we learn no leaven is used because Hashem would bring us out with not even 2 hours to prepare (the time necessary for dough to properly rise). This unleavened bread also represents the fact that, in Egypt, the Jewish nation could not rise due to the constant beatings and harsh forced labors of Pharoah. (Dough does not rise, even with leaven, if it is constantly worked, punched down, or kneaded).
By commanding this type of unleavened grain offering, it is as if Hashem was making another “rainbow” promise: “never again will I subject my people to such abuse, so long as this offering is in place.”
Now, we know such abuse happened in the atrocities of World War 2 under Natzi Germany. But, note: the second temple was long destroyed by the Romans, and with the temple’s destruction, so too the sacrifices. With the “substitute ram in the bush” taken away by the forces of evil, we the Jewish people, again became the “suffering servants” of Hashem.
But, Baruch Hashem! True to His word, even then, Hashem made His remnant to survive, thrive, and again prosper.
Perhaps the lack of the daily grain offering can also account for some of the sufferings we, the Jewish people and nation, now face. But, beloveds, do not lose heart! Zechariah 2:12 promises that whoever touches us (the Jewish people or Jewish Nation) touches Hashem’s own eye—the abusers will have a day of reckoning and be held to account (Joel 4:9-21).
One day, prayerfully soon, Hashem will establish perfect justice by bringing full judgement, which will include blessing His Jewish people abundantly, restoring all that the enemies stole/destroyed/or ruined, and restoring His temple eternally. Thus, eternally, we Jewish people will offer our gifts of animals, grain, and strong libations to Hashem (as peace—not sin—offerings). And, as promised with the Third Temple, never again will they be cut off!
May Hashem come and rebuild speedily in our days & usher in the times of eternal Shabbat & Shalom!
Am Yisrael Chai!
Kimberly Davis