Salt was required in every grain offering because it symbolized permanence, purity, and covenant faithfulness. In the ancient world, salt was used to preserve and purify, making it an appropriate symbol for a holy God who desires purity and enduring commitment from His people.
Leviticus 2:13 says:
“And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.”
Salt was called “the salt of the covenant” because it represented the lasting, binding nature of God’s promises. Just as salt preserves food from corruption, so God’s covenant with His people was enduring and incorruptible. Including salt in offerings reminded Israel of their obligation to remain faithful to God.
Jesus later used this imagery when speaking to His disciples:
“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mark 9:49–50)
Salt in the offering signified purity, loyalty, and permanence. It pointed to the unchanging faithfulness of God and the call for His people to live holy and steadfast lives before Him.
