Lev. 2: 13 "...so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering, with all your offerings you shall offer salt."

Salt was an essential ingredient in the preparation, preservation , and presentation of food in the OT.  It was greatly valued in all aspects of life then, as it is today.  What was the significance of adding salt to all the offerings?  Salt was regarded in the ancient Near East as not being destructible by fire.  And when salt was added to any offering or covenant agreement, it gave the sense of a covenant that was lasting and enduring (Num. 18: 19, 2 Chron. 13: 5).  Salt was an essential element in the offerings and when added to the offering was emphasizing the enduring quality of the offering.  Also, the adding of salt was a purifying element so that if there was anything in the offering that was not adequate or it was tainted, the salt would cleanse it.  No offering made by man, no matter how many times the details were addressed, could be assured that it was a "perfect" offering.  Salt was the symbolic adding of grace and mercy to the sacrifices that would purify, and make them acceptable and enduring.  Believers are to be the salt of the earth.(Mt. 5: 13).  Our speech should be full of grace even "seasoned with salt" so that it has the power to help and heal those who hear it (Col. 4: 6). 

All of our efforts, no matter how well-intentioned are inadequate and in need of grace (salt) in order for what we say and do to be fully effective.  We can be certain that when we obey the Lord in our life that all our work in the Lord will be enduring in its impact and will not be in vain (1 Cor. 15: 58). May all our service and efforts  (offerings) in life be seasoned with salt (full of grace )!

In Christ,
Tommy Middleton

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