Another type of sacrifice that does not involve killing is the grain offering. Its main feature is that only part of it is burned on the altar; the rest is “for Aaron and his descendants” (3), meaning it is for the priests. It can be raw grain, made of fine flour mixed with incense (1-3), or grain that has been prepared and cooked in one of three ways: baked (4), fried (5), or grilled (7). In all three methods, yeast is not allowed, but oil and salt are used (13); honey is not permitted in offerings.
Regarding salt, it is explicitly described as “the salt of the Covenant” (13), which holds significant symbolic meaning for the Israelites (cf. Ez 43:24). This may symbolize fidelity, as salt ensures durability and prevents corruption. The reason for prohibiting honey in offerings is unclear; it could have been a way to avoid similarities with pagan cults, where honey was often used. Verses 14-16 regulate the offering of the first fruits or the first grains from the harvest.