שאור and דבש

The קרבן מנחה was generally considered a meal offering. The Torah tells us that it was forbidden to have שאור, a leavening agent, (similarly forbidden on Pesach), as well as דבש, honey.

The בעל הטורים comments on this and said that both the שאור and דבש, represent the יצר הרע, the evil inclination.

Rav Shlomo Mann explained what the connection was to the יצר הרע. The שאור represents how a person inflated his problems and situation. He makes things out to be much worse than they are, and the Yeitzer Hara causes to become a very bitter, negative, person.

The דבש, on the other hand, is sweet. The Yeitzer convinces the individual that his lack of diligence in observing Mitzvot, is justified. It also convinces him that his sins, “feel so right” and sees them as sweet.

When we offer a sacrifice to Hashem, it has to be done in a pure way, and it is part of a process where we clean ourselves of bitterness and justifying negative behaviors. This is reflected in the שאור and דבש.