Big Idea: All people, rich and poor, can please God through giving their best.

Understanding the Text

Leviticus 1–7 gives Israel instruction concerning sacrifices at the tabernacle that Israel had just completed (Exod. 40).

The instruction about the grain (or cereal) offering follows the burnt offering probably because it could serve as the poor person’s burnt offering. The sequence in the burnt offering is from more expensive to less expensive (bull, sheep/goat, bird). The cereal offering, in line with that sequence, is even less expensive. It is also an important sacrifice that is used to supplement both burnt offerings and other offerings in making an appeal for God’s goodwill or expressing gratitude for his blessings.

Historical and Cultural Background

Sacrifices similar to Israel…