Numbers 15:7

KJV

And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third [part] of an hin of wine, [for] a sweet savour unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for a drink offering {H5262} thou shalt offer {H7126} the third {H7992} part of an hin {H1969} of wine {H3196}, for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

while for the drink offering, you are to present one-and-one-third quarts of wine as a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

and a third of a hin of wine as a drink offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version

and for the drink-offering thou shalt offer the third part of a hin of wine, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:7 meticulously details the specific quantity of wine required for the drink offering, a libation that was to accompany the ram sacrifice within the divinely ordained Israelite sacrificial system. This instruction is part of a broader set of laws given by God to Moses, anticipating Israel's entry into the Promised Land and emphasizing the supplementary offerings necessary for complete worship. The verse underscores the precise and comprehensive nature of divine worship, highlighting that every element of the offering, down to its exact measure, was intended to be presented as a "sweet savour unto the LORD," signifying God's acceptance and pleasure in His people's obedient devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15 initiates a new legislative section, providing detailed instructions for worship and offerings, which stands in stark contrast to the preceding narrative of Israel's rebellion and divine judgment, particularly the devastating consequences of the [Kadesh Barnea incident](/numbers/13-14 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Rebellion"). Following this period of severe discipline, God graciously provides a pathway for renewed communion and atonement, preparing the nation for their future life in the Promised Land. [Verses 1-16](/numbers/15 "Numbers 15 - Laws for Offerings") specifically outline the "laws for offerings" (Numbers 15:1), detailing the grain and drink offerings that must accompany burnt offerings and peace offerings, with quantities varying based on the type of animal sacrificed. Numbers 15:7, in particular, specifies the quantity of wine for the drink offering when a ram is presented, building directly on the preceding verse's instruction for the ram offering itself ([Numbers 15:6](/numbers/15-6 "Numbers 15:6 - Grain Offering for a Ram")). This section thus marks a significant pivot towards divine order and the re-establishment of proper worship as Israel prepares for a settled existence in Canaan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 15 were delivered to the Israelites during their prolonged wilderness wanderings, yet they were explicitly forward-looking, intended for their life once they had entered and settled in Canaan ("when you come into the land of your dwelling places, which I am giving to you," [Numbers 15:2](/numbers/15-2 "Numbers 15:2 - Command for Offerings in the Land")). This highlights God's foresight and His provision for their established worship practices in the land. While sacrificial systems were prevalent across the ancient Near East, Israel's system was uniquely distinguished by its divine origin, its singular focus on the one true God (Yahweh), and its profound ethical and covenantal dimensions. Drink offerings (libations) were a common ritual practice, often involving wine, water, or oil poured out as an act of devotion or appeasement to various deities. However, Israel's drink offering, specifically prescribed by Yahweh, was fundamentally distinct from pagan practices. It was an integral component of a larger, divinely ordained system of worship, atonement, and fellowship, always directed exclusively to the Lord. The "hin" was a standard liquid measure in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 6.1 liters, underscoring the precise and non-negotiable nature of God's commands in worship.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous regulations presented in Numbers 15, including the precise quantity for the drink offering in Numbers 15:7, reinforce several foundational theological themes. First, the theme of **Prescribed Worship** is paramount; God unequivocally dictates the terms of worship, emphasizing strict obedience over human innovation, preference, or convenience. This meticulousness underscores the absolute holiness of God and the profound seriousness required in approaching Him. Second, the concept of a **Complete and Holistic Offering** is vividly illustrated. The drink offering, alongside the grain offering and the animal sacrifice, formed a comprehensive act of worship, symbolizing the worshiper's full dedication of resources and life to God. It was not merely about the animal but about the accompanying elements that completed the act of devotion, signifying total surrender. Third, the recurring phrase "sweet savour unto the LORD" points directly to **Divine Acceptance and Pleasure**. This motif, found throughout the sacrificial laws (e.g., [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Sweet Savor") and [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Sacrifice as a Sweet Savor")), signifies God's delight and approval of offerings presented in obedience and with a right heart, establishing a pathway for His people to draw near and experience His favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drink offering (Hebrew, _neçek'_):** Derived from the verb _nasak_ (נָסַךְ), meaning "to pour out," _neçek_ refers specifically to a libation. In the context of Israelite worship, it was typically wine, but could also be oil or water, poured out at the altar as an accompaniment to burnt offerings and peace offerings. Unlike pagan libations often meant to appease or nourish deities, the Israelite _neçek_ symbolized devotion, commitment, and the overflowing generosity of the worshiper, an act of consecration and completion of the main sacrifice, signifying the dedication of life itself to God.
* **Hin (Hebrew, _hîyn'_):** An ancient Hebrew unit of liquid measure, approximately 6.1 liters or 1 gallon. The specification of "the third part of a hin" (approximately 2 liters) for the ram's drink offering (as opposed to a quarter hin for a lamb or goat, and half a hin for a bull) underscores the meticulous precision God required in worship. This attention to detail ensured uniformity and prevented arbitrary practices, emphasizing that every aspect of approaching a holy God was to be done according to His exact instruction, reflecting His order and sovereignty.
* **Sweet (Hebrew, _nîychôwach'_):** This word, often translated as "restful," "pleasant," or "delightful," describes the quality of the aroma that ascends to God from an acceptable offering. It is not merely a physical smell but a theological descriptor signifying God's satisfaction and acceptance of the sacrifice. When an offering was presented according to His commands and with a pure heart, it was "sweet" or pleasing to Him, indicating His favor and the establishment of harmonious communion between the worshiper and the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a drink offering":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the specific type of offering being prescribed. The "drink offering" (Hebrew _neçek_) was not a standalone sacrifice but an indispensable accompaniment to the burnt offerings and peace offerings, serving to complete the sacrificial ritual and symbolizing a holistic act of worship, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of Israelite devotion and the comprehensive nature of giving to God.
* **"thou shalt offer the third [part] of an hin of wine":** This clause provides the precise quantity and substance for the drink offering when presented in conjunction with a ram (as indicated by the preceding verses, [Numbers 15:6-7](/numbers/15-6 "Numbers 15:6-7 - Offerings for a Ram")). The specific measurement, "a third of a hin," underscores God's unwavering demand for exactness and obedience in worship. It powerfully demonstrates that worship was not an arbitrary or casual affair but required careful and precise adherence to divine standards, reflecting a profound commitment to God's revealed will in every minute detail.
* **"[for] a sweet savour unto the LORD":** This concluding phrase articulates the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of the offering. The "sweet savour" (Hebrew _rêyach nîychôwach_) signifies God's acceptance, pleasure, and delight in the offering. It indicates that when the sacrifice, including its accompanying drink offering, was presented according to divine instruction and with a right heart, it created a pleasing spiritual aroma to the Lord, establishing or reaffirming the covenant relationship and indicating His favor upon the worshiper. This phrase emphasizes the spiritual efficacy and divine approval of obedient worship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that enhance its theological impact. **Precision and Detail** is a dominant feature, evident in the exact measurements ("the third part of an hin") and specific instructions for the offering. This meticulousness underscores the divine origin of the law and the profound seriousness with which God's commands were to be observed, leaving no room for human improvisation or casualness in worship. The recurring phrase "**sweet savour unto the LORD**" functions as a powerful **motif**, appearing frequently throughout the Pentateuch's sacrificial laws. This repetition emphasizes the theological concept of divine acceptance and pleasure in obedient worship, creating a consistent theological thread that runs through the entire sacrificial system and highlights God's desire for communion. Furthermore, the entire sacrificial system, including the drink offering, operates on a principle of **Typology**. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the pouring out of wine as a libation, acceptable to God, serves as a type or foreshadowing for the ultimate pouring out of blood—Christ's sacrifice—which would be the truly perfect and eternally pleasing aroma to God, fulfilling all the shadows of the Old Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:7, though seemingly a minor detail within the vast body of Israelite law, profoundly connects to core theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over worship, demanding that His people approach Him on His terms, not their own, thereby preserving His holiness and distinction. The meticulous instructions for the drink offering, alongside the animal and grain offerings, reveal that true worship is comprehensive and holistic, involving a complete dedication of resources and life. This signifies a worshiper's sincere desire to honor God with their very best, reflecting a heart fully devoted to Him. The concept of a "sweet savour" highlights God's gracious acceptance of offerings presented in faith and obedience, demonstrating His desire for fellowship with His people. This acceptance is not based on the inherent value of the animal or wine itself, but on the obedient heart behind the offering and God's merciful provision for atonement and communion, establishing a pathway for humanity to draw near to a holy God.

* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Sweet Savor")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - Paul's Offering as a Sweet-Smelling Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 15:7, with its precise instruction for a drink offering, calls believers today to consider the nature of their own worship and devotion. While the Old Covenant sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of intentionality, obedience, and giving our very best remain profoundly relevant for the New Covenant believer. Our worship should not be haphazard, casual, or self-serving, but thoughtfully and reverently offered to God, recognizing His holiness, sovereignty, and the immense grace extended to us. Just as the Israelites were called to offer specific quantities and qualities, we are called to give generously of our time, talents, and resources, not out of mere obligation or ritual, but out of a heart overflowing with gratitude and love for what God has accomplished for us through Christ. The "sweet savour" concept reminds us that God delights not in outward ritual alone, but in the sincere, obedient heart that seeks to honor Him above all else. Our lives, presented as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), become a pleasing aroma to Him, reflecting a deep, abiding, and transformative relationship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's commands for Old Testament worship challenge my own approach to devotion and service today?**
* **In what ways can I offer my "best" to the Lord, not just in terms of material possessions, but also my time, talents, and affections?**
* **What does it mean for my daily life to be a "sweet savour" or "pleasing aroma" to God, and how can I cultivate such a life?**

### FAQ
**What is a "hin" and why is its specific measurement important here?**

Answer: A "hin" was an ancient Hebrew unit of liquid measure, roughly equivalent to 6.1 liters or 1 gallon. In [Numbers 15:7](/numbers/15-7 "Numbers 15:7 - Drink Offering for a Ram"), the instruction to offer "the third part of an hin of wine" (approximately 2 liters) is crucial because it highlights God's demand for absolute precision and meticulousness in the Israelite sacrificial system. This level of detail underscores that worship was not to be a casual or arbitrary affair, but a sacred act performed exactly according to divine command. It emphasized the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him, ensuring uniformity and preventing human innovation in the prescribed rituals. This precision also demonstrated God's complete authority over His people's worship practices, ensuring that all aspects of their devotion were aligned with His revealed will.

**Did God literally "smell" the "sweet savour" of these offerings?**

Answer: The phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew _rêyach nîychôwach_) is an anthropomorphism, a way of describing God's acceptance and pleasure in human terms. It does not imply that God literally possesses olfactory senses or is nourished by physical aromas. Rather, it signifies that the offering, when presented in obedience, faith, and with a sincere heart, was spiritually pleasing and acceptable to Him. It conveyed His delight in the worshiper's act of devotion and His gracious willingness to commune with His people. This concept is beautifully illustrated in [Genesis 8:20-21](/genesis/8-20 "Genesis 8:20-21 - Noah's Sacrifice and God's Promise") where Noah's sacrifice after the flood is described as a "sweet savour" that moved God to promise never again to destroy all life by flood. Ultimately, this concept points forward to Christ's perfect sacrifice, which is described as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:7, with its precise instructions for a drink offering as a "sweet savour unto the LORD," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the meticulous details of the drink offering, served as a profound shadow pointing to the perfect and singular sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Just as the wine was poured out as a libation, symbolizing devotion and the giving of life, Christ's precious blood was poured out on the cross, representing the ultimate act of self-giving love and atonement for humanity's sins ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the Covenant")). His sacrifice was not merely a physical act but a spiritual reality that truly became a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")), perfectly pleasing and eternally acceptable in God's sight, unlike the repeated and imperfect animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - Law's Inadequacy")). Through His once-for-all death and glorious resurrection, Jesus fulfilled every aspect of the sacrificial law, including the need for a "sweet savour" that brings divine acceptance. Now, through faith in Him, believers are made righteous and acceptable to God, not by their own insufficient offerings, but by the perfect offering of Christ, who has opened a new and living way into God's very presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ's Blood")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of every offering, making us a "royal priesthood" who can now offer spiritual sacrifices that are truly acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and Spiritual Sacrifices")).

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.