Leviticus 2
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long, long ago, God's people lived in tents. Big tents and small tents. And in the middle stood one very special tent. That was God's tent.
God had said: come to Me. Bring something nice. A gift, just for Me.
And so the people came. One man brought flour. Soft, white flour, in a bowl. He poured oil on it. Golden, shiny oil. And he took something that smelled very sweet. That was called frankincense. It smelled a bit like flowers and a bit like a fire. Mmm.
The man walked to the tent. There stood the priest. The priest took a little bit of the flour. Just a small handful. And he laid it on the altar. The altar was like a big stone table with fire on it.
The fire crackled. The flour began to smell. The oil hissed. And the sweet frankincense rose up in the smoke. Up, up, all the way up. To God.
God smelled it. And God thought: mmm, that smells good.
What Does This Mean?
The man had made the flour himself. He had worked hard in his field. The grain grew. He gathered it. He ground it. And now he gave the very best part to God.
That is what God likes. Not just a little bit that is left over. But the best. Because the man loved God.
And do you know what else? God said: put salt on it. Salt makes food taste good. Salt says: we belong together, God and you. Forever.
The Common Thread
Long after this, Jesus came. Jesus said something very special. He said: I am the bread. The bread from heaven.
The flour on the altar smelled sweet for God. But Jesus is the very best gift. Jesus gave Himself to God. For you, and for me.
So when we think of that little bowl of flour with oil, we may also think of Jesus. He is the best gift ever.
For You
You cannot bring flour to God. You do not have an altar in your house. But you can give God something.
You can give God a song. You can give God a thank you. You can give God your hands, to help Mommy. You can give God your feet, to walk to church.
And do you know what? Everything you give to God with love, smells sweet to Him. Just like that flour long ago.
God is happy with you.
Talk About It
What would you like to give to God today? A song, a drawing, or something else?
Do you remember what the priest laid on the fire? And what smell went up to God?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for the story of the flour and the oil.
Thank You that You like it when we give You something.
Here I am. I give You my song. I give You my heart.
Thank You for Jesus, the best gift.
Amen.
Questions about Leviticus 2
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Leviticus 2 about?
What does Leviticus 2 say?
What does Leviticus 2 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Leviticus 2?
Why is Leviticus 2 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Honey could be given to God, just not burned. "As an offering of first fruits you shall offer them to Yahweh: but they shall not ascend for a pleasant aroma on the altar." Some things you bring him are received as gift, not consumed as sacrifice. Not every sweetness in your life belongs in the fire. Still, you hand it over first.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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