Leviticus 6:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The children of Aaron shall bring it before the Lord unto the altar; and let the priest take with his handful of the grain-offering, and of the flour of wheat, and of the oil, and of all the leaven that is upon the sacrifice, and burn it upon the altar: it is a pleasant savour, a memorial before the Lord: and the rest thereof let Aaron and his children eat the rest thereof: it shall be eaten unleavened in the holy place, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation, let them eat it: it shall not be baked leavened. These things I give unto them as a portion of My sacrifices. It is a great holy thing, like the sin offering and the sacrifice of obedience. All the male descendants of Aaron may eat it. It is an everlasting portion in your generations of the Lord's sacrifices. Everything that touches it shall be sanctified” (Lev. 6:14-18). The significance of the burnt offering lies in its representation of complete and total consecration of the chosen saints; the grain offering indicates a life partially dedicated and subordinate to God, exemplified by the wheat flour, oil, and leavened grain offered by the priest’s hand. A life that is even partially dedicated to God must radiate with fragrance and brilliance of hope. Do you perceive every good deed we perform as fragrant? Palladius responded affirmatively. Cyril asked, are these deeds not undertaken with hopeful intentions? Palladius confirmed, as they bear the promise of God. Cyril noted that the wheat flour infused with leaven and oil symbolizes a life that is both fragrant and glistening. Palladius agreed but questioned the nature of a life that is only partially holy. Cyril explained this life cannot emulate the heights of holiness found in figures like John or the holy Apostles, nor can it lower itself to dishonor by succumbing to a mediocre existence. He cited the blessed Paul’s words, pointing out that a life spent in the world, while attempting to remain commendable, would inevitably be “divided” between God and worldly concerns (1 Cor. 7:33). Palladius acknowledged this division as inevitable. Cyril clarified that a lifestyle not completely devoted to God resembles the partial consecration of wheat flour that is sweet-smelling and joyful, as the law dictates it should serve as a memorial for those who offer it through priestly rites. Indeed, our offerings can become a fragrant remembrance before God, due to Christ as our mediator—presenting both wholly holy offerings like burnt sacrifices and those that are only partially dedicated due to the world’s influence. The sacrifice must remain unleavened; thus, every action ought to remain pure for the glory of God. Similarly, the Savior warned against performing prayers in public for show, appearing somber during fasting, or boasting when giving to those in need (Matthew 6:1-16) as these attitudes corrupt the sacred sacrifice. However, that which is done for God's glory should remain free from human motives, ensuring it remains a true leavenless and holy offering. The remainder of the sacrifice serves as sustenance for the priests, all male portions of the sacrifice being consumed in the holy place. The consumption by priests signifies the profound sacramental nature of these offerings, and the stipulation that only males partake highlights the seriousness of frivolity within God’s elect—such indulgence leads to defilement, spiritual loss, and a disconnection from the blessings God bestows upon the saints. Judas, who was indulged, fell into degradation due to a lack of noble conviction, resulting in his detachment from God’s gifts and privileges granted to the saints. Palladius affirmed the truth of Cyril’s words.