Observations and Interpretations:
(1) Each animal sacrifice was to be accompanied with a grain+drink offering to form an "pleasing aroma." v.1-10. In earlier times, the animal sacrifices were regarded as pleasing aroma (Gen 8:21, Ex 29:18, 41, Lv 1:9), but now plants were required to offer together to form the pleasing aroma. Why?
(NET) ...these rules were then given for the people to be used when they finally entered the land. That they would be provided here would be of some encouragement to the nation after their great failure. God still spoke of a land that was to be their land, even though they had sinned greatly.
(NAC) The accompaniment of animal sacrifices with grain and oil offerings, plus the wine libations, were quite appropriate considering the previous setting of the land exploration. The scouts examined the quality of the agricultural produce of the land and even brought back a spectacular sample from the vineyard. The vineyard was often a symbol of God’s richest blessing upon the land
(NAC) The accompaniment of animal sacrifices with grain and oil offerings, plus the wine libations, were quite appropriate considering the previous setting of the land exploration. The scouts examined the quality of the agricultural produce of the land and even brought back a spectacular sample from the vineyard. The vineyard was often a symbol of God’s richest blessing upon the land
The fine flour, oil, and wine reminded them to trust God as the One who provided the Promised land to them. The reason why they could live there was not because of their own strength or bravery (actually, they were the opposite). Animal and plant offerings were mentioned together in other Scriptures (Lev 23:13), as well as the "pleasing aroma." However, at this particular moment, the plant offerings had a special meaning.
What can we do to please God? When we learn from our mistakes we admit that we are sinful. What we have are not what we deserve and they belong to God. Our attention turns to God and how to restore our relationship. Of course, Jesus is our pleasing aroma and only He could ultimately restore our relationship with God. Eph 5:2 也要憑愛心行事，正如基督愛我們，為我們捨了自己，當作馨香的供物和祭物獻與神。
(2) See the similar phrases repeating in this chapter: v.17-20, ‘When you enter the land to which I am bringing you...You must offer up a cake of the first of your finely ground flour as a raised offering"
Lastly, these commandments regarding offering were meant to be kept for generations. God intended to have this covenantal relationship with them for long-term and not going to terminate them now after ch 14. v.21 "as a raised offering in your future generations," v.23 "continuing through your future generations," and v.38 "throughout their generations."
Application: Do we see the faithful love of God even when we are unfaithful? After the rebellion of the 10 spies God still kept His promise plus giving them the encouragement. How are we going to love others with the love of God given to us?
Audrey
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