Leviticus 24:7 - Incense sanctifies bread offering?

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Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתָּ עַל־הַמַּעֲרֶכֶת לְבֹנָה זַכָּה וְהָיְתָה לַלֶּחֶם לְאַזְכָּרָה אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, an offering made by fire to the Lord.

Transliteration

Venatata al-hama'arekhet levonah zakah vehayeta lalechem le'azkarah isheh lahashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתָּ֥ עַל־הַֽמַּעֲרֶ֖כֶת לְבֹנָ֣ה זַכָּ֑ה וְהָיְתָ֤ה לַלֶּ֙חֶם֙ לְאַזְכָּרָ֔ה אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 24:7) describes the mitzvah of placing pure frankincense (levonah zakah) on the rows of the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). This was part of the weekly ritual performed by the Kohanim (priests).

Explanation of the Components

Pure Frankincense (לְבֹנָה זַכָּה): Rashi explains that the frankincense had to be "pure" (zakah), meaning it was finely ground and free of any impurities. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 5:5) notes that this was a separate offering from the incense burned daily on the golden altar.
On the Bread (לַלֶּחֶם): The Lechem HaPanim consisted of twelve loaves arranged in two rows, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. The frankincense served as a "memorial" (le'azkarah), elevating the bread as a fire-offering to Hashem.
Memorial Offering (אִשֶּׁה לַיהוָה): The Talmud (Menachot 11a) teaches that the frankincense was burned on the altar as a remembrance, while the bread itself was eaten by the Kohanim. This dual aspect—part consumed by fire, part consumed by the priests—reflects the balance between divine service and human sustenance.

Symbolism and Deeper Meaning

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 21:8) connects the frankincense to the merit of the righteous, whose deeds ascend like a pleasing fragrance before Hashem. The Lechem HaPanim represents physical sustenance, while the frankincense represents spiritual elevation. Together, they symbolize that material blessings must be sanctified and directed toward divine service.

Halachic Significance

According to the Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 4:12), the placement of frankincense was an essential part of the mitzvah. Without it, the Lechem HaPanim was incomplete. This underscores the principle that even physical sustenance requires a spiritual component to be fully elevated.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 11a

The verse is discussed in the context of the preparation of the showbread (Lechem HaPanim) in the Temple, specifically regarding the placement of frankincense on the rows of bread as a memorial offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the frankincense on the showbread represent in Leviticus 24:7?
A: The frankincense placed on the showbread (Lechem HaPanim) symbolizes the spiritual elevation of the physical sustenance. Rashi explains that the frankincense serves as a 'memorial' (azkarah), reminding us that even our physical needs should be dedicated to serving Hashem. The Talmud (Menachot 50a) teaches that the showbread and frankincense together represent the harmony between material and spiritual aspects of life.

Q: Why was pure frankincense specifically chosen for this offering?
A: The Torah specifies 'pure frankincense' (levonah zaka) because of its special quality and pleasant fragrance, which represents sincerity in divine service. Rambam (Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin 4:4) notes that only the finest ingredients were used for offerings in the Mishkan and Beit HaMikdash. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 3:1) compares the frankincense to the righteous whose deeds ascend before Hashem.

Q: How does the concept of 'memorial' (azkarah) apply today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer have the showbread offering, the concept of making our physical sustenance a 'memorial' to Hashem remains. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 167:5) rules that we should have proper intention during meals, recognizing that eating sustains us to serve Hashem. Many have the custom to say a brief prayer or learn Torah before eating, elevating the physical act to a spiritual one, following the model of the showbread's frankincense.

Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the showbread and frankincense arrangement?
A: This verse teaches us that even mundane activities like eating can become holy when accompanied by proper intention and connection to Hashem. The Kli Yakar explains that the showbread (representing physical sustenance) was elevated by the frankincense (representing prayer and spirituality), showing that our material lives should be infused with spiritual purpose. This idea is foundational in Jewish thought - that the physical world is a vessel for serving Hashem.