Leviticus 2 provides instructions for offerings of grain. The Hebrew expression for “grain offering” here is a technical (more narrow) usage (2:3–5); in Genesis 4 the same term refers to the vegetable and animal “offering” or “tribute” of Cain and of Abel (cf. Judg. 3:15, 17–18). Numbers 15 specifies that burnt offerings and “sacrifices” (i.e., sacrifices from which the offerers eat) always require accompanying grain and drink (wine) offerings. Along with the animal portions, these accompaniments complete the Lord’s “meal” (cf. Genesis 18). A grain offering is a sacrifice—that is, an offering to the Lord for his utilization—even though it involves no death or blood (cf. Rom. 12:1, “living sacrifice”).

Grain offerings consist of c…