Numbers 28:12

And three tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram;

And three {H7969} tenth deals {H6241} of flour {H5560} for a meat offering {H4503}, mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, for one {H259} bullock {H6499}; and two {H8147} tenth {H6241} deals of flour {H5560} for a meat offering {H4503}, mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, for one {H259} ram {H352};

with six quarts of fine flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering for the one ram;

along with three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each bull, two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with the ram,

and three tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with oil, for each bullock; and two tenth parts of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with oil, for the one ram;

Commentary

Numbers 28:12 KJV specifies the precise quantities of flour required for the grain offerings (often translated as "meat offerings" in the KJV) that were to accompany the animal sacrifices in ancient Israel.

Context of Numbers 28:12

This verse is part of a detailed section in the Book of Numbers (chapters 28-29) that meticulously outlines the various offerings and sacrifices God commanded Israel to observe. These chapters cover the daily, weekly (Sabbath), monthly (New Moon), and annual festival offerings. Specifically, Numbers 28:11-15 focuses on the sacrifices for the New Moon celebration, a significant monthly observance. Verse 12 details the accompanying grain offering for the bullock and ram mentioned in the preceding verse, emphasizing the specific and exacting nature of God's requirements under the Mosaic Law for Israel's worship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The detailed measurements ("three tenth deals," "two tenth deals") highlight God's demand for precise obedience in worship. Every aspect of the Israelite sacrificial system was divinely ordained, leaving no room for human improvisation, underscoring the importance of adhering to God's instructions.
  • The Nature of Offerings: The "meat offering" (Hebrew: minchah) was a grain or cereal offering, typically made of flour, often mingled with oil. It was a common accompaniment to burnt offerings, symbolizing dedication, sustenance, and the worshiper's provision. It wasn't a sin offering but an act of devotion and worship, representing a portion of the worshiper's livelihood given back to God.
  • Holiness and Atonement: While the grain offering itself wasn't for atonement, it was part of a larger system designed to maintain Israel's holiness and relationship with God. The accompanying animal sacrifices (like the bullock and ram) addressed sin and made atonement, as seen throughout the laws of grain offerings in Leviticus and the broader sacrificial system.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "meat offering" can be misleading to modern readers, as "meat" today refers to flesh. However, in older English, "meat" could mean food in general. The original Hebrew word is minchah (ΧžΦ΄Χ Φ°Χ—ΦΈΧ”), which more accurately translates to "gift," "present," or "tribute," and in the context of offerings, specifically refers to a grain offering or cereal offering. This offering was typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and could be baked or cooked. The "tenth deals" refers to a tenth of an ephah, a standard measurement of volume in ancient Israel, indicating a specific and regulated quantity.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind these detailed commands remain relevant for believers today:

  • Worship with Intent: Just as the Israelites were meticulous in their offerings, believers today are called to worship God with intentionality, reverence, and their very best. Our worship should be thoughtful and sincere, not haphazard, reflecting our gratitude and devotion.
  • Understanding Christ's Fulfillment: These elaborate Old Covenant sacrifices foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was the once-for-all atonement for sin, making the repetitive animal sacrifices unnecessary (Hebrews 10:10). We now approach God through Him.
  • Living Sacrifices: Believers are now called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), dedicating their lives, talents, and resources to God in grateful response to His grace. Our "offerings" today are acts of obedience, service, and devotion, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 15:4

    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.

  • Numbers 15:12

    According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.

  • Numbers 29:10

    A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

  • Ezekiel 46:5

    And the meat offering [shall be] an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah.

  • Ezekiel 46:7

    And he shall prepare a meat offering, an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs according as his hand shall attain unto, and an hin of oil to an ephah.
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