Frankincense was a very rare and costly commodity. It was harvested from the boswellia in North Aftrica, India, and Arabia. It comes from a tree related to the turpentine tree. Harvesters shave back a section of bark and over a few months the resin seeps out and forms crystal "tears" along the tree trunk. The harvester comes back and collects the "tears". It releases its aroma best when heated or burned. it has many medicinal and healing properties. Perhaps there were Boswellia trees in the wilderness at that time or maybe in Egypt.
The sweet aroma of frankincense was released when burned with both meat sacrifices and meal offerings. Its aroma is said to be pleasing to God. God does not have a sense of smell like we do. But He has His own ways of experiencing the aroma of incense. Incense is often equated with the prayers of the saints. So, in these meal offerings, the oil of faith and incense of prayers are to be applied with the offering of the work of our hands to God. These offerings are what man brings to God, not what God does for man. So, I don't really think they represent God's gifts to us. But I do think that these offerings represent Christ and His work for us being presented to the Father. Truly, only what is of Christ is acceptable to the Father. he is our Mediator and Intercessor. We serve God in our capacity, but Jesus righteousness and work on our behalf brings us into the Presence of God.
The offering of fruits and vegetables were not burned. Perhaps lain on the altar and blessed with thanksgiving and then the Levites had them for their meals.
The last thing that is emphasized is the adding of salt to all of the sacrifices. Salt is a cleanser, disinfectant, and preservative as well as a flavor enhancer.
So, salt was a element that purifies, that causes something to endure, and as an enhancer to ordinary things.
So, perhaps the salt represents the Holy Spirit, who does all of these things.
...continued
Frankincense was a very rare and costly commodity. It was harvested from the boswellia in North Aftrica, India, and Arabia. It comes from a tree related to the turpentine tree. Harvesters shave back a section of bark and over a few months the resin seeps out and forms crystal "tears" along the tree trunk. The harvester comes back and collects the "tears". It releases its aroma best when heated or burned. it has many medicinal and healing properties. Perhaps there were Boswellia trees in the wilderness at that time or maybe in Egypt.
The sweet aroma of frankincense was released when burned with both meat sacrifices and meal offerings. Its aroma is said to be pleasing to God. God does not have a sense of smell like we do. But He has His own ways of experiencing the aroma of incense. Incense is often equated with the prayers of the saints. So, in these meal offerings, the oil of faith and incense of prayers are to be applied with the offering of the work of our hands to God. These offerings are what man brings to God, not what God does for man. So, I don't really think they represent God's gifts to us. But I do think that these offerings represent Christ and His work for us being presented to the Father. Truly, only what is of Christ is acceptable to the Father. he is our Mediator and Intercessor. We serve God in our capacity, but Jesus righteousness and work on our behalf brings us into the Presence of God.
The offering of fruits and vegetables were not burned. Perhaps lain on the altar and blessed with thanksgiving and then the Levites had them for their meals.
The last thing that is emphasized is the adding of salt to all of the sacrifices. Salt is a cleanser, disinfectant, and preservative as well as a flavor enhancer.
So, salt was a element that purifies, that causes something to endure, and as an enhancer to ordinary things.
So, perhaps the salt represents the Holy Spirit, who does all of these things.
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