Leviticus 2:13 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Every oblation—shalt thou season with salt— Leaven and honey being forbidden, salt is particularly enjoined to be offered with every oblation: and this, as some suppose, in opposition to the custom of the early heathens, who used no salt, but honey and other sweets, to season their sacrifices. We, have, upon another occasion, observed, that the house of the Lord was furnished, as it were, with all things suitable to the notion of a complete dwelling or habitation: (see the note on Exodus 25:23.) hence, salt, used at every table, was commanded also to be constantly used at this table of the Lord. But whatever opposition this might bear to the customs of the heathens, whatever reference to the primitive simplicity of the first ages, as Spencer supposes, or to the model of an ordinary feast, there can be no question, but that it had a moral aspect, as well as the leaven and the honey. To this we are led by the New Testament; see Mark 9:49. Ephesians 4:29. Colossians 4:6 from whence we may reasonably gather, that, as salt has two qualities, the one to season meat, the other to preserve it from corruption, so it fitly denotes that integrity and uncorruptedness of heart, which seasons every sacrifice, and renders men's persons and services grateful to God. In Numbers 18:19 a perpetual covenant is called a covenant of salt; for the reason of which, we refer to the notes on that place, and for more on this subject.