“Season all your grain offerings with salt to remind you of God’s eternal covenant. Never forget to add salt to your grain offerings.”

In ancient times salt was a precious commodity used not only for seasoning food but, more importantly, as a preserving agent for food. Salt was often presented as a gift in agreements to show the strength and permanence of the agreement. In the days of the Roman Empire gifts of salt were given to the soldiers for inspiration and appreciation. I guess Ceasar wanted “seasoned warriors” for the battles. (A bad and tasteless joke.)

In our passage today, the Lord God is commanding that the Hebrews season all their grain offerings with salt. Being a preservative, salt would prevent corruption and decay of the grain. The action symbolizes the power and strength and permanence of God’s promises to His people. The Lord’s promises are never corrupt and will never spoil over time. Instead, they are forever. Adding salt to the grain offering was also a reminder to the people of God’s holiness, a picture of purity in one’s relationship with God. Another reminder with the offering was that of taste, with the combined salt and grain reflecting spiritual joy in worship to God.

In Matthew 5:13, Christian believers are called to be the “salt of the earth.” The idea is that we are to show our worship and dedication to God in how we live in purity and holiness. Our actions should be a reflection of such a relationship with God and, like salt, our lives should create a thirst for God’s purity and holiness. The Christian life will also be the preserving agent in the world for God’s truth and His Word. Our witness in worship and joy should point to and reflect God’s Word and His everlasting promises. Writing in Colossians 4:6, Paul says that as believers our speech is to be an offering which testifies to God’s love and truth. In faithfully doing this, our Christian life can be well received and pleasing to God.

By Pastor David Massie, Friend of Bible League International, California, U.S.