Numbers 15:10

KJV

And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, [for] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt bring {H7126} for a drink offering {H5262} half {H2677} an hin {H1969} of wine {H3196}, for an offering made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the drink offering, present two quarts of wine for an offering made by fire, a fragant aroma for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Also present half a hin of wine as a drink offering. It is an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt offer for the drink-offering half a hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:10 meticulously details the requirement for the drink offering, a precise component of Israelite worship, specifying "half an hin" of wine to be presented. This libation was an essential accompaniment to other fire offerings, signifying the worshiper's complete devotion and the pleasing aroma of their obedient worship to the LORD, thereby emphasizing divine acceptance when performed according to God's exact instructions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15:10 is situated within a broader legislative section (Numbers 15:1-16) that provides supplementary laws concerning offerings. This chapter immediately follows the somber narrative of Israel's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, where the generation that refused to enter the Promised Land was condemned to forty years of wilderness wandering and death. Against this backdrop of significant national failure and divine judgment, God mercifully provides detailed instructions for worship *when* they eventually enter the land. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite His people's unfaithfulness, and His enduring desire for them to worship Him correctly and completely. The passage also emphasizes a unified system of worship for both native-born Israelites and resident aliens, underscoring God's singular standard for all who belong to His covenant community, as articulated in [Numbers 15:16](/numbers/15-16 "Numbers 15:16 - One Law for All").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of offering libations was widespread in the ancient Near East, where various liquids like wine, oil, or water were poured out to deities. However, for Israel, this practice was distinctively directed towards Yahweh, the one true God, and was meticulously prescribed as an integral part of His covenant worship. The "hin" was a specific ancient Hebrew liquid measure, roughly equivalent to about 3.8 liters or 0.8 gallons, making "half an hin" approximately 1.9 liters. Wine, as a staple product of the land, symbolized God's abundant provision and the Israelites' dependence on His blessings. Offering a portion back to the LORD was a tangible acknowledgment of His generosity and a profound expression of gratitude and devotion within their agrarian society, signifying that all sustenance ultimately flowed from His hand.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several foundational themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **Completeness of Worship**. The drink offering was never a standalone sacrifice but always accompanied other major offerings (burnt, peace, votive), illustrating the importance of offering a comprehensive and thorough act of worship. It teaches that all prescribed elements must be included for the offering to be truly acceptable, reflecting the holistic nature of devotion. Secondly, the phrase "of a sweet savour unto the LORD" (Hebrew: _reah nihoah_) highlights the theme of **Acceptable Sacrifice**. This recurring concept throughout the Pentateuch signifies that the offering was pleasing and acceptable to God, indicating His delight in obedient and heartfelt worship. This divine acceptance is crucial for establishing and maintaining communion with a holy God, as seen in [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - Burnt Offering as a Pleasing Aroma"). Finally, the offering of wine, a direct product of the promised land's bounty, reinforces the theme of **Divine Provision and Human Dependence**, reminding the Israelites that all they possessed came from God's gracious hand and was to be offered back to Him in gratitude and worship, fostering a posture of humility and reliance on their Creator.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drink Offering (Hebrew, _neçek'_):** (H5262) This term, derived from a root meaning "to pour out," refers to a libation, typically of wine, poured out as part of the sacrificial ritual. Unlike burnt offerings or peace offerings which involved the burning of animal flesh or grain, the _neçek_ was a liquid offering, poured directly onto the altar or at its base. It represented a distinct, yet complementary, act of devotion and was never offered in isolation but always alongside other sacrifices, symbolizing the worshiper's comprehensive dedication and the totality of their gift to God.
* **Half (Hebrew, _chêtsîy'_):** (H2677) This word signifies "the half or middle," emphasizing the precise measurement of the wine. The specificity of "half an hin" underscores the meticulousness of God's instructions for worship. It highlights the divine expectation for exact obedience in cultic practice, leaving no room for arbitrary or casual worship. This precision also conveys the value and intentionality of the offering, as wine was a significant commodity in ancient Israel, and its precise measure demonstrated a careful adherence to divine command.
* **Sweet (Hebrew, _nîychôwach'_): (H5207) Derived from a root meaning "to rest," this word properly means "restful," implying something pleasant or delightful. In the context of offerings, "sweet" (often paired with "savour") signifies divine acceptance and pleasure in the offering. It's not about God literally smelling an aroma, but about the spiritual reality that the sacrifice, offered in obedience and faith according to His command, was fully pleasing and acceptable in His sight, thereby establishing or restoring communion between God and the worshiper.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt bring for a drink offering":** This opening clause establishes a direct divine command, indicating the mandatory nature of this specific offering. The verb "bring" (Hebrew: _qarab_) often carries the connotation of "to draw near" or "to present," emphasizing the act of approaching God with the offering. The "drink offering" (_neçek_) is presented as a necessary component of the broader sacrificial system, indicating that worship was not merely about animal sacrifice but included various elements designed to express complete and multifaceted devotion.
* **"half an hin of wine":** This specifies the exact quantity and substance of the drink offering. The precise measurement (approximately 1.9 liters) underscores the divine demand for obedience and order in worship, reflecting God's meticulous nature and His expectation that His people would follow His instructions without deviation. Wine, as a symbol of joy, blessing, and the fruit of the land, was an appropriate offering to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty over all aspects of their lives.
* **"[for] an offering made by fire":** This phrase clarifies the supplementary nature of the drink offering, connecting it to the burnt offerings or peace offerings which were consumed by fire on the altar. The drink offering itself was not typically burned but accompanied the fire offerings, often poured over them or at the base of the altar. This highlights its integral yet complementary role, reinforcing the idea that it was part of a holistic act of worship, completing and enriching the primary animal or grain sacrifice.
* **"of a sweet savour unto the LORD":** This concluding phrase provides the divine evaluation and purpose of the offering. "Sweet savour" (_reah nihoah_) indicates that the offering, when presented according to God's command and with a right heart, was not merely accepted but was pleasing and delightful to Him. This is the ultimate goal of any sacrifice—to be received favorably by God and to facilitate communion. It speaks to God's delight in the obedience and devotion of His people, signifying His favorable disposition towards them and the efficacy of their worship.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:10 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Prescription**, as the verse is part of a detailed legal code outlining the precise requirements for ritual worship. This prescriptive language emphasizes divine authority, the necessity of strict obedience in approaching God, and the orderliness of His covenant. The specific measurements ("half an hin") and materials ("wine") highlight the rich **Symbolism** inherent in the offering. Wine, as a product of the land and a symbol of joy, sustenance, and blessing, symbolizes God's generous provision and the worshiper's profound gratitude and dependence. The act of pouring out the wine (libation) further symbolizes complete dedication, surrender, and devotion. Additionally, the phrase "sweet savour" is a powerful **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human sensory experience (smell) to God to convey His pleasure and acceptance of the offering. This recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch creates **Repetition** of a core theological concept, reinforcing the idea that God desires and delights in obedient, heartfelt worship that adheres to His revealed will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:10, though seemingly a minor detail within the vast sacrificial system, profoundly illustrates God's demand for meticulous obedience in worship and His desire for a complete, heartfelt offering from His people. The concept of an offering being a "sweet savour" to the LORD underscores the critical theological truth that God is not merely appeased by ritual, but delighted by genuine devotion and adherence to His revealed will. It speaks to the holiness of God, who prescribes the exact manner in which He is to be approached, and simultaneously to the grace of God, who accepts the offerings of His people when presented in faith. This verse, therefore, serves as a microcosm of the entire Old Testament sacrificial system, pointing to the inherent need for a perfect, acceptable offering to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, thereby foreshadowing the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that would truly accomplish reconciliation.

* [Leviticus 2:1-3](/leviticus/2-1-3 "Leviticus 2:1-3 - The Grain Offering as a Sweet Aroma") - Details the grain offering, another non-animal sacrifice that could be a "sweet savour," emphasizing the breadth of acceptable offerings.
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - Christian Giving as a Fragrant Offering") - Describes Christian generosity and sacrificial giving as a "fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God," connecting Old Testament concepts to New Testament ethics.
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices") - Explains the inherent inadequacy of Old Testament sacrifices to truly take away sin, setting the stage for Christ's perfect and final sacrifice.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:10, with its precise instructions for the drink offering, calls us to consider the intentionality, completeness, and heart behind our own worship and devotion to God. While we no longer offer literal wine libations, the timeless principles of giving our best, with a heart of obedience and gratitude, remain profoundly relevant for the believer today. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial or convenient acts of worship to a deep, considered offering of our entire lives—our time, talents, resources, and very selves—to the Lord. It reminds us that God desires not just *some* of us, but *all* of us, presented in a way that is truly pleasing to Him. Our "sweet savour" today is a life lived in humble submission, joyful praise, sacrificial service, and genuine love for God and neighbor, acknowledging that everything we have is from His generous hand. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of radical generosity and absolute dependence, recognizing that true worship involves giving back to the One who first gave to us, striving for excellence and wholeness in every aspect of our spiritual walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to offer "half" of myself or my resources to God, rather than a complete and intentional offering of my best?**
* **What does it mean for my daily life—my work, relationships, and leisure—to be a "sweet savour" to the Lord, and how can I cultivate such a life?**
* **How does understanding the meticulousness of Old Testament worship inform my approach to spiritual disciplines, obedience, and the pursuit of holiness today?**

### FAQ

**What exactly was a "drink offering" and why was wine used?**

Answer: A "drink offering" (Hebrew: _neçek_) was a libation, typically of wine, poured out as a complementary offering alongside burnt offerings, peace offerings, and grain offerings in ancient Israelite worship. It was never offered in isolation. Wine, a product of the land and a symbol of joy, blessing, and abundance (e.g., [Psalm 104:15](/psalm/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine that Makes the Heart Glad")), was chosen because it represented the fruit of God's provision and the bounty of the land He gave to His people. Pouring it out symbolized complete dedication and gratitude, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all good things.

**Why is the quantity "half an hin" specified so precisely?**

Answer: The precise specification of "half an hin" (approximately 1.9 liters) underscores the meticulousness of God's instructions for worship. It highlights the divine demand for obedience and order in cultic practice, leaving no room for arbitrary or casual worship. This specificity reflects God's holy character and His expectation that His people would follow His revealed will exactly, demonstrating their reverence and commitment. It also ensured uniformity in worship practices across the Israelite community, preventing individual discretion from compromising the integrity of the divinely ordained rituals.

**What does "of a sweet savour unto the LORD" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: The phrase "of a sweet savour unto the LORD" (Hebrew: _reah nihoah_) signifies that the offering was pleasing and acceptable to God. It's an anthropomorphism, attributing a human sensory experience (smell) to God to convey His divine approval and delight. Practically, it means that when the Israelites offered sacrifices according to God's specific commands, with a right heart and in faith, God received their worship favorably. It wasn't about the literal aroma, but the spiritual reality of God's acceptance of their obedience and devotion, establishing communion between Him and His people. This concept is foundational to understanding God's desire for genuine, obedient worship, as seen in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love as a Fragrant Offering"), where Christ's self-sacrifice is described as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:10, with its detailed prescription for a "drink offering" as a "sweet savour unto the LORD," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the drink offering, served as a divine shadow, pointing forward to the perfect sacrifice that would truly make atonement for sin and bring genuine acceptance before God. Christ's entire life, culminating in His voluntary death on the cross, was the ultimate "offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD." He perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and willingly poured out His life as a complete and final sacrifice for humanity's sin, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His profound obedience "even unto death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")) was the truly pleasing aroma to God, accomplishing what no animal sacrifice or drink offering ever could ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")). Through His one perfect offering, believers are made holy and acceptable to God, no longer needing to bring physical sacrifices. Now, in Christ, believers are called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")). Our lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit, become the "fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" ([Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering")), a spiritual fulfillment of the ancient ritual, all made possible by the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 15:5

And the fourth [part] of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.

Numbers 6:15

And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.