TRV
Translation
King James Version
According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.
Complete Jewish Bible
For as many animals as you prepare, do this for each one, regardless of how many animals there are.
American Standard Version
According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.
World English Bible Messianic
According to the number that you shall prepare, so you shall do to everyone according to their number.
Geneva Bible (1599)
According to the nomber that yee prepare to offer, so shall yee doe to euery one according to their nomber.
Young's Literal Translation
`According to the number that ye prepare, so ye do to each, according to their number;
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In the KJVVerse 4,166 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Numbers 15 verses 1–21
1 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you,
3 And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:
4 Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil.
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.
6 Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oil.
7 And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
8 And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:
9 Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil.
10 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.
11 Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid.
12 According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.
13 All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
14 And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do.
15 One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD.
16 One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.
17 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
18 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you,
19 Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.
20 Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for an heave offering: as ye do the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.
21 Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.
Here we have,
I. Full instructions given concerning the meat-offerings and drink-offerings, which were appendages to all the sacrifices of animals. The beginning of this law is very encouraging: When you come into the land of your habitation which I give unto you, they you shall do so and so, Num 15:2. This was a plain intimation, not only that God was reconciled to them notwithstanding the sentence he had passed upon them, but that he would secure the promised land to their seed notwithstanding their proneness to rebel against him. They might think some time or other they should be guilty of a misdemeanour that would be fatal to them, and would exclude them for ever, as the last had done for one generation; but this intimates an assurance that they should be kept from provoking God to such a degree as would amount to a forfeiture; for this statute takes it for granted that there were some of them that should in due time come into Canaan. The meat-offerings were of two sorts; some were offered alone, and we have the law concerning those, Lev 2:1, etc. Others were added to the burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, and constantly attended them, and about these direction is here given. It was requisite, since the sacrifices of acknowledgment (specified in Lev 2:3) were intended as the food of God's table, that there should be a constant provision of bread, oil, and wine, whatever the flesh-meat was. The caterers or purveyors for Solomon's temple provided fine flour, Kg1 4:22. And it was fit that God should keep a good house, that his table should be furnished with bread as well as flesh, and that his cup should run over. In my Father's house there is bread enough. Now the intent of this law is to direct what proportion the meat-offering and drink-offering should bear to several sacrifices to which they were annexed. If the sacrifice was a lamb or a kid, then the meat-offering must be a tenth-deal of flour, that is, an omer, which contained about five pints; this must be mingled with oil, the fourth part of a hin (a hin contained about five quarts), and the drink-offering must be the same quantity of wine, about a quart and half a pint, Num 15:3-5. If it was a ram, the meat-offering was doubled, two tenth-deals of flour, about five quarts, and a third part of a hin of oil (which was to them as butter is to us) mingled with it; and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, Num 15:6, Num 15:7. If the sacrifice was a bullock, the meat-offering was to be trebled, three omers, with five pints of oil, and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, Num 15:8-10. And thus for each sacrifice, whether offered by a particular person or at the common charge. Note, Our religious services should be governed, as by other rules, so by the rule of proportion.
II. Natives and strangers are here set upon a level, in this as in other matters (Num 15:13-16): "One law shall be for you and for the stranger that is proselyted to the Jewish religion." Now, 1. This was an invitation to the Gentiles to become proselytes, and to embrace the faith and worship of the true God. In civil things there was a difference between strangers and true-born Israelites, but not in the things of God; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord, for with him there is no respect of persons. See Isa 56:3. 2. This was an obligation upon the Jews to be kind to strangers, and not to oppress them, because they saw them owned and accepted of God. Communion in religion is a great engagement to mutual affection, and should slay all enmities. 3. It was a mortification to the pride of the Jews, who are apt to be puffed up with their birthright privileges. "We are Abraham's seed." God let them know that the sons of the stranger were as welcome to him as the sons of Jacob; no man's birth or parentage shall turn either to his advantage or his prejudice in his acceptance with God. This likewise intimated that, as believing strangers should be accounted Israelites, so unbelieving Israelites should be accounted strangers. 4. It was a happy presage of the calling of the Gentiles, and of their admission into the church. If the law made so little difference between Jew and Gentile, much less would the gospel make, which broke down the partition-wall, and reconciled both to God in one sacrifice, without the observance of the legal ceremonies.
III. A law for the offering of the first of their dough unto the Lord. This, as the former, goes upon the comfortable supposition of their having come into the promised land, Num 15:18. Now that they lived upon manna they needed not such an express acknowledgment of God's title to their daily bread, and their dependence upon him for it, the thing spoke for itself; but in Canaan, where they should eat the fruit of their own industry, God required that he should be owned as their landlord and their great benefactor. They must not only offer him the first-fruits and tenths of the corn in their fields (these had already been reserved); but when they had it in their houses, in their kneading trough, when it was almost ready to be set upon their tables, God must have a further tribute of acknowledgment, part of their dough (the Jews say a fortieth part, at least, of the whole lump) must be heaved or offered up to God (Num 15:20, Num 15:21), and the priest must have it for the use of his family. Thus they must own their dependence upon God for their daily bread, even when they had it in the house with them; they must then wait on God for the comfortable use of it; for we read of that which was brought home, and yet God did blow upon it, and it came to little, Hag 1:9. Christ has taught us to pray not, Give us this year our yearly harvest, but Give us this day our daily bread. God by this law said to the people, as the prophet long afterwards said to the widow of Sarepta (Kg1 17:13), Only make me thereof a little cake first. This offering was expressly kept up by the laws of Ezekiel's visionary temple, and it is a commandment with promise of family-mercies (Eze 44:30): You shall give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thy house; for, when God has had his dues out of our estates, we may expect the comfort of what falls to our share.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–21. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 15:12 encapsulates a foundational principle of Old Covenant worship, emphasizing the divine mandate for absolute precision and unwavering consistency in the preparation and presentation of grain and drink offerings that accompanied various animal sacrifices. This verse decisively reiterates that the specific, divinely prescribed quantities and proportions of flour, oil, and wine, meticulously detailed in the preceding verses, were to be scrupulously followed for every single offering, without any deviation. It powerfully underscores God's unwavering demand for exactness, uniformity, and faithful adherence to His revealed will in all acts of worship, highlighting His holy character and the seriousness of approaching Him.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in Numbers 15:12 is Repetition, specifically the emphatic reiteration of the Hebrew word for "number" (מִסְפָּר, miçpâr) and the verb "do/prepare" (עָשָׂה, ʻâsâh). This repetition serves to create profound Emphasis, powerfully underscoring the divine demand for absolute exactness and unwavering precision within the sacrificial system. The reiteration of "number" highlights that the quantities prescribed were not mere suggestions or flexible guidelines but absolute, non-negotiable requirements from a holy God. This emphatic repetition functions as a form of Didactic Instruction, reinforcing the crucial lesson that God's commands, particularly those pertaining to worship and sacred service, are to be followed with meticulous care, diligent attention, and without any deviation. The verse's concise, direct, and formulaic phrasing also reflects Legal Language, which is characteristic of the Mosaic Law, designed to convey clear, unambiguous, and binding directives for the entire community of Israel, leaving no room for misinterpretation or arbitrary application.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:12, though seemingly focused on minute ritualistic details, profoundly reveals the immutable character of God and His unwavering expectations for His covenant people. It teaches us that God is a God of perfect order, divine precision, and unblemished holiness, who desires to be approached exclusively on His terms, never on human terms or preferences. The meticulousness demanded in the Old Covenant sacrificial system powerfully underscores the absolute perfection and unblemished purity necessary to approach a holy God, thereby serving as a profound foreshadowing of the singular, perfect, and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The principle of precise obedience in worship extends far beyond mere ritual, encompassing all areas of life, and reflecting a heart fully devoted to understanding and obeying God's revealed will. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that genuine worship is never casual, haphazard, or self-serving, but is always intentional, deeply reverent, and meticulously aligned with divine truth.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Old Testament sacrificial system have been gloriously fulfilled and superseded in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles embedded within Numbers 15:12 remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers today. This verse issues a compelling call to a posture of intentionality, profound reverence, and precise obedience in every facet of our spiritual lives. It challenges us to critically examine whether our worship, our generous giving, our selfless service, and our daily walk truly align with God's revealed will as articulated in Holy Scripture, or if we approach Him haphazardly, according to our own fleeting preferences, cultural trends, or personal convenience. Just as the Israelites were divinely commanded to meticulously follow explicit divine instructions, we are likewise called to diligently understand, carefully interpret, and faithfully apply biblical principles with utmost care and unwavering diligence. This recognition stems from the profound truth that God values order, integrity, and wholehearted devotion above all else. Our faith, therefore, should be expressed consistently, thoughtfully, and with unwavering commitment in all areas of our existence, thereby reflecting the supreme value we place on God's commands and His holy, unchanging character.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was such meticulous detail required for these offerings, and is it still relevant today?
Answer: The meticulous detail required for the Old Testament offerings, as powerfully highlighted in Numbers 15:12, served several crucial and interconnected purposes within God's redemptive plan. Firstly, it profoundly underscored God's absolute holiness and His demand for unblemished purity and reverence in approaching Him. Such precision sharply distinguished Israelite worship from the often chaotic, arbitrary, or even morally corrupt rituals of surrounding pagan nations, thereby reinforcing the profound uniqueness of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Secondly, it served as an indispensable pedagogical tool, teaching the Israelites profound lessons in discipline, obedience, and the understanding that God's instructions were to be followed exactly, without alteration, dilution, or compromise by human preference. This meticulousness also served a vital prophetic role, continually reminding the people of the pervasive seriousness of sin and the absolute perfection required for true atonement, thus powerfully foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect, and unblemished sacrifice that would one day be offered.
While the specific ritualistic details of the Old Covenant sacrificial system are no longer practiced by believers today, having been perfectly fulfilled and superseded in the finished work of Christ (as comprehensively explained in Hebrews 10:1-18), the underlying theological principles remain profoundly relevant and eternally applicable. God still desires intentional, orderly, and deeply reverent worship from His people. The call to precision in the Old Testament translates into a profound call for careful adherence to God's inspired Word today (2 Timothy 3:16-17), unwavering integrity in our spiritual walk, and a deep, abiding respect for God's unapproachable holiness. It reminds us that our worship, our service, and our entire lives should be offered with our very best, reflecting a heart wholly devoted to Him according to His revealed will, not according to our own convenience, fleeting desires, or human invention.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:12, with its profound emphasis on the meticulous precision required for Old Covenant offerings, finds its glorious and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the perfect, singular, and eternally efficacious sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The detailed measurements, unblemished requirements, and exact proportions of the Old Testament system served to powerfully highlight humanity's inherent inability to perfectly meet God's holy and righteous standards, thereby underscoring the absolute perfection and unblemished purity necessary for true atonement. This entire system was a magnificent foreshadowing of the flawless offering of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, whose sacrifice was not "according to the number" of countless, imperfect animal offerings, but was a singular, complete, and eternally effective act of redemption. Jesus' offering was perfectly "prepared" and executed "according to their number" in the profound sense that it precisely and completely fulfilled every prophetic, legal, and spiritual requirement of the Mosaic Law, perfectly satisfying God's justice and holiness once and for all. He is the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice, as the author of Hebrews powerfully declares in 10:10-14, rendering all previous precise offerings obsolete because His was the perfect, final "number" of atonement. Our worship now, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, is spiritual, true, and offered through Him who perfectly fulfilled every divine requirement, allowing us to approach God with unwavering confidence and profound reverence, not based on our own precise adherence to external ritual, but solely on the perfect and finished work of Christ.