Seder 76: Leviticus 2:13---the Symbolism of Salt

"You shall season all your grain offerings with salt," we read in Leviticus 2:13. "You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt."

Why was salt so important in the sacrificial system outlined in the book of Leviticus?  In a study of this question, Sharon Rimon notes that Maimonides, the great medieval Jewish theologian and philosopher, proposed that this was one more way to set the Israelites apart from their neighbors.  Since other nations used leavening and honey in their sacrifices but not salt, he said, God had the Israelites do it the other way around.  But is this correct?  I'm skeptical of this proposal, doubting that Maimonides had much access to data on sacrifices in the Ancient Near East.

It might be more fruitful here to think about the uses and imagery of salt in the Bible, which is what Rimon goes on to do in her article.  She notes that in one set of scriptures, salt imagery is associated with barrenness, destruction, and judgment, especially the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah  (Dt 29:22; Zeph 2:9; Jer. 17:6).  In a place "sowed with salt" (Judges 9:45), nothing will grow.  

In one fascinating example, Elisha cleanses some water by using salt, which usually makes water undrinkable (2 Ki 2:19-22).  This accentuates the miraculous nature of Elisha's work---only God can cleanse water with something that would normally spoil it for drinking.

Rimon suggests that if we think of the way that salt can "negate life," one meaning of sacrifices for sin results .  The salt could remind the worshipper that he deserves to experience judgment (e.g., be turned into a pillar of salt) but is being spared because of God's mercy.

On the other hand, salt enhances the flavor of food (Job 6:6).  This provides one reason for salt to be included in sacrifices.  Just as we would not want to give bland, unsalted food to a human king, so we can show respect for God by including salt in a sacrifice and in effect "salting his food." 

Moreover, salt is lasting and preserves food from spoiling.  So the "salt of the covenant" (Lev 2:13) emphasizes God's faithfulness and the lasting nature of God's covenant.  In addition, making a sacrifice enhances and preserves one's life and one's relationship with God.  

Rimon points out that salt is a substance which can both destroy and preserve.  Similarly, God is a God of both judgment and mercy, and the Mosaic covenant includes both blessings and curses.  Including salt in a sacrifice acknowledges the sovereignty of God, the fact that he is the one who both preserves and destroys.