Numbers 28:2

KJV

Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, [and] my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, [for] a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season.

KJV (with Strong's)

Command {H6680} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, My offering {H7133}, and my bread {H3899} for my sacrifices made by fire {H801}, for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto me, shall ye observe {H8104} to offer {H7126} unto me in their due season {H4150}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Give an order to the people of Isra'el. Tell them, 'You are to take care to offer me at the proper time the food presented to me as offerings made by fire, providing a fragrant aroma for me.'

Berean Standard Bible

“Command the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to Me at its appointed time the food for My offerings by fire, as a pleasing aroma to Me.

American Standard Version

Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My oblation, my food for my offerings made by fire, of a sweet savor unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:2 serves as the foundational command for Israel's prescribed system of national offerings and sacrifices. It underscores God's sovereign right to dictate the terms of worship, emphasizing that the various burnt offerings, referred to as "My offering" and "My bread," were to be presented as a "sweet savour" to Him. This verse initiates a detailed divine calendar, mandating consistent and precise adherence to these rituals "in their due season" as an essential expression of their covenant relationship and a means of maintaining divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28:2 inaugurates a highly detailed section (chapters 28-29) that meticulously outlines the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual communal sacrifices. This extensive legislative block follows the second census of Israel (Numbers 26) and the appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor (Numbers 27), signifying a crucial shift in focus from past rebellion and future leadership to the practicalities of covenantal living as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land. The preceding chapters established the people and their leadership; these chapters now establish the ongoing framework for their worship, ensuring that religious observance would remain central to their national identity and land tenure. The specific instructions here build upon and elaborate on earlier sacrificial laws found in Leviticus, providing a comprehensive calendar for the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the cusp of entering Canaan, transitioning from a nomadic wilderness existence to a settled agricultural society. In this new context, a consistent and centralized system of worship was vital to prevent syncretism with the idolatrous practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations. The detailed sacrificial calendar served to distinguish Israel from other peoples, reinforcing their unique relationship with Yahweh. Sacrifices were a common feature of ancient Near Eastern religions, but Israel's system was distinct in its monotheistic focus, its emphasis on holiness, and its divine origin. The concept of "bread" or "food" for God, while anthropomorphic, was also understood in the ancient world as a means of sustaining the divine-human relationship, ensuring God's presence and blessing among His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the subsequent chapters, powerfully articulate several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Mandate**, as God explicitly "Commands" His people, asserting His absolute authority over their worship and lives. Secondly, the phrase "in their due season" emphasizes the theme of **Ordered and Consistent Worship**, demonstrating that Israel's devotion was not to be spontaneous or sporadic, but a disciplined, rhythmic expression of their covenant commitment. This regular observance was crucial for maintaining their relationship with God and for national well-being, as seen throughout the Law, such as in the warnings of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the designation "My offering" and "My bread" underscores **God's Ownership and Provision**, reminding Israel that all they possessed, including the very means of sacrifice, originated from Him. Finally, the description "for a sweet savour unto me" introduces the theme of **Acceptable Worship and Divine Pleasure**, indicating that when offered according to His precise instructions, these sacrifices were pleasing and brought delight to God, signifying His acceptance and presence among His people, as also seen in [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Command (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative directive, an imperative from a superior to an inferior. It implies a non-negotiable instruction that demands immediate and complete obedience. In this context, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over Israel's worship and national life, establishing the offerings not as optional suggestions but as divine mandates essential for maintaining the covenant relationship.
* **My offering / My bread (Hebrew, _qorbani_ / _lachmi'_):** The possessive pronoun "My" emphasizes God's ownership and prerogative over these sacrifices. "Offering" (_qorban_) is a general term for anything brought near to God, signifying an act of drawing near. "Bread" (_lechem_) here refers to the food portion of the sacrifices, particularly the fat and other parts consumed on the altar, which were considered God's "food" in an anthropomorphic sense, symbolizing His sustenance from and delight in His people's worship. This highlights that the sacrifices were not gifts from Israel to God, but a return of what was already His, offered in prescribed ways to sustain their relationship.
* **Sweet savour (Hebrew, _reah nihoah'_):** This phrase literally means "a soothing aroma," "a restful fragrance," or "an aroma of contentment." It is a technical term used throughout the Pentateuch to describe an offering that is acceptable to God, signifying His pleasure and satisfaction. It implies that the sacrifice has fulfilled its intended purpose, whether for atonement, fellowship, or dedication, and has been received favorably by the divine recipient. It is not merely a pleasant smell but a theological declaration of divine approval and acceptance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Command the children of Israel, and say unto them,"**: This opening imperative establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the subsequent instructions. It highlights God's direct communication through Moses to the entire nation, emphasizing the universal applicability and mandatory observance of these laws for all Israelites.
* **"My offering, [and] my bread for my sacrifices made by fire,"**: This clause defines the nature of the items to be offered. The repeated "My" underscores God's ownership and the sacredness of these provisions. "My offering" is a general term for that which is brought near to God, while "my bread" or "my food" refers specifically to the portions of the sacrifices consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing God's sustenance and intimate involvement with the sacrificial system. These were not arbitrary human inventions but divinely instituted rituals.
* **"[for] a sweet savour unto me,"**: This phrase describes the desired outcome and divine reception of the sacrifices. When offered correctly, these fire offerings produced an aroma that was pleasing and acceptable to God. This signifies God's delight in the obedience and devotion of His people, and His acceptance of their efforts to draw near to Him through the prescribed means. It indicates that the sacrifice achieved its purpose in establishing or restoring fellowship.
* **"shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season."**: This final clause emphasizes the crucial elements of consistency, precision, and timeliness. "Observe to offer" conveys the necessity of diligent adherence to these commands. "In their due season" highlights the importance of the divinely appointed times for these offerings—daily, weekly, monthly, and annually—reinforcing the structured, disciplined nature of Israel's worship and their ongoing commitment to the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 28:2 employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. The opening word, "**Command**," establishes an immediate tone of **imperative voice** and **divine authority**, setting the entire section as non-negotiable law rather than suggestion. The repeated use of the possessive pronoun "**My**" ("My offering," "My bread," "My sacrifices," "unto me") functions as **anaphora** and **emphasis**, powerfully underscoring God's absolute ownership and prerogative over the entire sacrificial system and indeed, over His people themselves. This repetition reinforces the idea that the offerings are not gifts from man to God, but a return of what is already His. The phrase "sweet savour" is a form of **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human sensory experience (smell) to God, which serves to communicate God's pleasure and acceptance in terms comprehensible to humanity. It also functions as a **metaphor** for divine approval and the successful completion of the sacrificial ritual. The meticulous detail that follows in the subsequent verses (implied by "in their due season") points to the **legalistic and prescriptive nature** of the covenant, emphasizing precision and adherence as central to Israel's relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:2 serves as a theological linchpin, connecting the meticulous details of Israel's sacrificial system to fundamental truths about God's character and humanity's relationship with Him. It establishes that worship is not optional but a divinely commanded obligation, rooted in God's sovereignty and His desire for a consecrated people. The emphasis on "My offering" and "My bread" reveals God's ultimate ownership of all things, challenging Israel to recognize that their acts of worship were a response to His prior provision, not an independent act of generosity. The "sweet savour" signifies divine acceptance, pointing to the necessity of proper approach and the delight God takes in obedient, heart-felt worship that adheres to His revealed will. This verse thus lays the groundwork for understanding the purpose of the entire sacrificial calendar: to maintain covenant fellowship, atone for sin, and express devotion through prescribed means, all for God's glory and His people's blessing.

* [Exodus 29:41](/exodus/29-41 "Exodus 29:41 - The Daily Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma")
* [Psalm 50:10-12](/psalms/50-10 "Psalm 50:10-12 - God Owns Everything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 28:2, while rooted in the Old Covenant's sacrificial system, offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that worship is fundamentally a response to God's command, not a matter of personal preference or convenience. Our devotion should be intentional, consistent, and offered "in their due season"—meaning regularly and with discipline, whether in personal prayer, corporate worship, or acts of service. Just as the ancient Israelites were called to present their best to God as a "sweet savour," we too are called to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), knowing that our obedience, love, and faith-filled service are pleasing and acceptable to Him. This verse challenges us to examine the quality and consistency of our worship, asking if our offerings, whether of time, talent, or treasure, truly reflect God's ownership and our desire to bring Him delight. It calls us to a disciplined spiritual life, recognizing that God desires not merely our occasional attention, but our continual, consecrated devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "commanding" worship shape my understanding of its importance and my personal responsibility?**
* **In what ways can I ensure my worship and spiritual disciplines are offered "in their due season" rather than sporadically?**
* **What does it mean for my daily life to be a "sweet savour" to God, and how can I practically live this out?**
* **How does recognizing God's ownership ("My offering") influence my perspective on giving and serving?**

### FAQ

**What does "My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire" mean?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes God's absolute ownership and prerogative over the sacrificial system. "My offering" (Hebrew: *qorban*) is a general term for anything brought near to God as an act of worship or dedication. "My bread" (Hebrew: *lechem*) refers to the portions of the sacrifices that were consumed by fire on the altar, specifically the fat and sometimes other parts. While God does not literally eat, this anthropomorphic language signifies that these portions were exclusively for Him, symbolizing His sustenance from and delight in His people's obedience and worship. It highlights that the sacrifices were divinely instituted and were to be given back to God as a recognition of His ultimate provision and sovereignty, sustaining the covenant relationship between Him and Israel. This concept is further elaborated in passages like [Leviticus 3:11](/leviticus/3-11 "Leviticus 3:11 - God's Food Offering") where the fat is called "the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD."

**Why is it important that the offerings be made "in their due season"?**

Answer: The phrase "in their due season" underscores the critical importance of regularity, consistency, and adherence to God's divinely appointed times for worship. It signifies that Israel's devotion was not to be spontaneous or haphazard, but a disciplined, rhythmic expression of their covenant commitment. God established a precise calendar of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual sacrifices (detailed in the subsequent verses of [Numbers 28](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28 - Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Offerings") and [Numbers 29](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Offerings for Feasts")). This ensured that worship remained central to their national life, fostering a continuous awareness of God's presence, their dependence on Him, and their need for atonement. It also served as a safeguard against spiritual complacency and syncretism, reinforcing their distinct identity as God's chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:2, with its emphasis on commanded offerings, divine ownership, and a "sweet savour" to God, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The myriad Old Testament sacrifices, including those meticulously detailed here, were shadows pointing to the singular, perfect sacrifice of Christ. He is the ultimate "My offering," the Lamb of God whom the Father Himself provided, as foreshadowed in [Genesis 22:8](/genesis/22-8 "Genesis 22:8 - God Will Provide the Lamb"). His life, obedient unto death on the cross, was the perfect "bread" and "sacrifice made by fire," consumed by divine judgment for the sin of humanity. Crucially, Christ's sacrifice was the quintessential "sweet savour unto God," not merely acceptable, but supremely pleasing, for it perfectly accomplished God's redemptive plan and fully satisfied His justice. [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering") explicitly states that Christ "gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Unlike the Old Testament offerings that had to be repeated "in their due season" because they could not truly take away sin ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow")), Christ's sacrifice was "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), establishing a new covenant where believers are made holy through His body. Thus, the rigid demands of Numbers 28:2 are perfectly met and eternally superseded in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the ultimate priest and the perfect sacrifice.

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

Leviticus 3:11

And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Genesis 8:21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Exodus 29:18

And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Numbers 9:13

But the man that [is] clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.

Numbers 9:2

Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.

Numbers 9:3

In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.

Numbers 9:7

And those men said unto him, We [are] defiled by the dead body of a man: wherefore are we kept back, that we may not offer an offering of the LORD in his appointed season among the children of Israel?