Mark 9:49, Seasoned with salt. Salt was used on sacrifices (Lev 2:13 [ref. to the grain offering]; Ezek 43:24 [ref. to the burnt offering]). Salt was used for both preservation and seasoning of foods. Because of its ability to last and to preserve food, salt in ancient times was a symbol of permanence and thus of a binding covenant (Num 18:19; 2 Chr 13:5, see Beale and Carson in Commentary on the NT Use of the OT).
Have salt in yourselves. In the larger context of passage where Yeshua warns against sectarianism and causing offense, it seems as if he is telling us to be salty toward (i.e. purify, season, preserve) ourselves rather than others. In so doing, we’ll be more successful at being at peace with those around us, since we won’t be attempting to straighten them out thereby causing offense. Also, through the process of self-seasoning and self-purification, we’re more likely to be the salt and light to those around us that Yeshua commanded us to be (Matt 5:13–14). Our lives instead of being insipid and a dark will be tasteful and light-emanating, thus attracting others to Yeshua and to his spiritual kingdom. We’ll thus be the living sacrifices we’re commanded to be (Rom 12:1), who are seasoned with the salt of a covenantal relationship with YHVH Elohim as we give our lives in service to others for the glory of Yeshua even as our Lord, the Lamb of Elohim, gave himself as a sacrifice for us.
