1. Leviticus 2:2 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why is the offering referred to as a memorial portion?

Leviticus 2:2 (ESV)

2 and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. And he shall take from it a handful of the fine flour and oil, with all of its frankincense, and the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Leviticus 2:16 (ESV)

16 And the priest shall burn as its memorial portion some of the crushed grain and some of the oil with all of its frankincense; it is a food offering to the LORD.

The noun “memorial portion” is related to the verb which means, “to remember” (zkr). This could either refer to God's remembrance of his people, or the people's remembrance of what God has done for them. Either way, the worshipper was reminded that all their possessions were a gift from the Lord.