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Commentary on Numbers 28 verses 16–31
Here is, I. The appointment of the pass-over sacrifices; not that which was the chief, the paschal lamb (sufficient instructions had formerly been given concerning that), but those which were to be offered upon the seven days of unleavened bread, which followed it, Num 28:17-25. The first and last of those seven days were to be sanctified as sabbaths, by a holy rest and a holy convocation, and on each of the seven days they were to be liberal in their sacrifices, in token of their great and constant thankfulness for their deliverance out of Egypt: Two bullocks, a ram, and seven lambs. A gospel conversation, in gratitude for Christ our passover who was sacrificed, is called the keeping of this feast (Co1 5:8); for it is not enough that we purge out the leavened bread of malice and wickedness, but we must offer the bread of our God, even the sacrifice of praise, continually, and continue herein unto the end. 2. The sacrifices are likewise appointed which were to be offered at the feast of pentecost, here called the day of the first-fruits, Num 28:26. In the feast of unleavened bread they offered a sheaf of their first-fruits of barley (which with them was first ripe) to the priest (Lev 23:10), as an introduction to the harvest; but now, about seven weeks after, they were to bring a new meat-offering to the Lord, at the end of harvest, in thankfulness to God, who had not only given, but preserved to their use, the kindly fruits of the earth, so as that in due time they did enjoy them. It was at this feast that the Spirit was poured out (Act 2:1, etc.), and thousands were converted by the preaching of the apostles, and were presented to Christ, to be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. The sacrifice that was to be offered with the loaves of the first-fruits was appointed, Lev 23:18. But over and above, besides that and besides the daily offerings, they were to offer two bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs, with a kid for a sin-offering, Num 28:27-30. When God sows plentifully upon us he expects to reap accordingly from us. Bishop Patrick observes that no peace-offerings are appointed in this chapter, which were chiefly for the benefit of the offerers, and therefore in them they were left more to themselves; but burnt-offerings were purely for the honour of God, were confessions of his dominion, and typified evangelical piety and devotion, by which the soul is wholly offered up to God in the flames of holy love; and sin-offerings were typical of Christ's sacrifice of himself, by which we and our services are perfected and sanctified.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 28:20 meticulously details the grain offering, or minchah, that was to accompany specific animal sacrifices within ancient Israel's divinely ordained system of worship. This verse, embedded within a larger block of comprehensive sacrificial regulations, precisely specifies the quantities of fine flour mingled with oil required for a bullock (three-tenths of an ephah) and a ram (two-tenths of an ephah). It powerfully underscores God's demand for meticulous adherence to His prescribed forms of worship, highlighting the Israelites' profound dependence on God, their gratitude for His abundant provision, and the foundational principles of purity, consecration, and covenant fidelity in their relationship with Yahweh.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Numbers 28:20 is situated within a highly detailed legislative corpus spanning Numbers 28-29. This section meticulously outlines the public sacrifices required for the daily, weekly (Sabbath), monthly (New Moons), and annual festival observances in Israel. Chapter 28, specifically, details the offerings for the regular daily burnt offering, the Sabbath, and the New Moon celebrations, while Chapter 29 enumerates the offerings for Passover, the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. The immediate context of verse 20 is the specification of grain offerings (known as minchah) that were an indispensable accompaniment to the burnt offerings. For instance, the daily burnt offering, introduced in Numbers 28:3-8, stipulates a lamb with its accompanying grain and drink offerings. Similarly, Numbers 28:11-15 details the New Moon offerings, including two bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs, each requiring specific grain offerings as outlined in verses like Numbers 28:12-13, culminating in the general principle reiterated in verse 20 for these larger animals. This legislative precision underscores the non-negotiable and comprehensive nature of God's commands regarding corporate worship.
Historical & Cultural Context: The instructions in Numbers 28:20 are deeply rooted in the highly ritualized and centralized worship system of ancient Israel, which revolved around the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In a pre-scientific, agrarian society, offerings of grain, oil, and animals represented the very sustenance and livelihood of the people. These offerings were not merely ritualistic acts but profound theological statements, signifying the Israelites' utter dependence on God for provision and their acknowledgment of His absolute sovereignty over all creation. The act of offering was a primary means of maintaining covenant fidelity, seeking atonement for sin, expressing profound gratitude, and fostering communion with a holy God. The priests, acting as divinely appointed mediators, played a crucial role in executing these precise instructions, ensuring that the offerings were acceptable to God according to the intricate framework of the Mosaic Law, which governed every facet of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. The meticulousness also reflects a cultural understanding of giving one's "first fruits" and "best" as a sign of true devotion and honor.
Key Themes: This verse, along with the broader sections on offerings in Numbers and Leviticus, contributes to several foundational theological themes. The theme of Divine Precision and Order is paramount, as God dictates exact quantities and types of offerings, leaving no room for human improvisation or arbitrary worship. This meticulousness underscores the absolute holiness of God and the seriousness with which His commands regarding sacred space and worship were to be treated. It also highlights the theme of Covenant Maintenance and Atonement, as these offerings were integral to Israel's ongoing relationship with God, providing a prescribed means for the community to approach a holy God, confess sin, and achieve ritual purity. Furthermore, the theme of Dependence and Gratitude is profoundly evident, as the grain and oil offerings represented the fruit of the land and human labor, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all blessing and provision. This prompted the people to offer the first and best of their produce back to Him, recognizing His benevolent hand in their lives, echoing sentiments found in Deuteronomy 26:1-11.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 28:20, characteristic of the Pentateuchal legal sections, primarily employs Legal Prescription and Numerical Precision. The text functions as a direct, imperative command, outlining specific, non-negotiable requirements for the Israelites' worship. The use of exact numerical quantities ("three tenth deals," "two tenth deals") is a clear instance of Numerical Precision, emphasizing the divine demand for meticulous adherence and leaving no ambiguity regarding the expected offering. This precision serves a crucial Didactic purpose, instructing the people about God's absolute holiness, His sovereign authority, and the seriousness of approaching Him. Furthermore, the systematic presentation of similar instructions throughout Numbers 28-29, all following a consistent pattern of animal and accompanying grain/drink offerings, exemplifies Repetition for Emphasis, reinforcing the paramount importance of these sacrificial laws within the covenant framework and ensuring their memorization and proper execution.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:20, with its precise instructions for grain offerings, profoundly underscores the Old Covenant's emphasis on meticulous obedience and the comprehensive nature of worship. These regulations were not arbitrary but served as pedagogical tools, teaching Israel about God's absolute holiness, their complete dependence on Him for all provision, and the indispensable need for a divinely prescribed means of atonement and communion. The offering of the best of their produce (fine flour and oil) signified a complete dedication and profound gratitude to the Provider of all life. The theological principle is clear: God demands worship that is intentional, costly, and offered according to His divine revelation, reflecting His perfect order and the seriousness of the covenant relationship. This foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth, where true worship involves offering our whole selves—our very best—not just material goods, in response to God's ultimate provision.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, including the specific quantities of grain offerings, are no longer binding on believers in Christ, the underlying principles of Numbers 28:20 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian life and worship. This verse challenges us to consider the intentionality and quality of our "offerings" to God today. Just as the Israelites were commanded to bring their finest flour and precise measures, we are called to offer our best—our time, talents, resources, and indeed our very lives—in service and worship to God. This means approaching our spiritual disciplines, acts of service, and financial giving with thoughtfulness, generosity, and a heart overflowing with gratitude, rather than haphazardly or with mere leftovers. It cultivates a posture of reverence and dependence, reminding us that all we have comes from God, and our response should be one of wholehearted dedication. This echoes the same precision and devotion that God commanded in the Old Covenant, now expressed through the freedom and grace found in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "three tenth deals" and "two tenth deals" for different animals?
Answer: The "tenth deal" (Hebrew: ‘issârôwn) refers to one-tenth of an ephah, a standard dry measure in ancient Israel. The specific quantities—three-tenths of an ephah for a bullock and two-tenths for a ram—reflect the principle of proportionality within the sacrificial system. A bullock was a larger, more valuable animal, typically offered for more significant occasions or for the community's sins, and thus required a larger accompanying grain offering. A ram was a smaller animal, and its accompanying grain offering was proportionally less. This precision underscored God's demand for exactitude and order in worship, ensuring that every aspect of the offering was meticulously prescribed and executed. This demonstrated the seriousness and intentionality required in approaching a holy God. This level of detail is consistent throughout the Mosaic Law, emphasizing that God's covenant demands were not to be taken lightly or fulfilled haphazardly, but with careful adherence to His revealed will, as seen in other sacrificial instructions in Leviticus and Numbers.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:20, with its rigorous demands for precise grain offerings accompanying animal sacrifices, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fine flour" and "oil" of the Old Testament offerings, symbolizing purity, dedication, and the best of human labor, pointed forward to the spotless perfection of Christ, who offered Himself as the ultimate and unblemished sacrifice. The meticulous quantities and types of offerings under the Old Covenant revealed humanity's inability to perfectly meet God's holy standards through ritual alone, thereby highlighting the profound need for a perfect mediator. Jesus, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, perfectly fulfilled every requirement of the Law, offering His body "once for all" (as powerfully declared in Hebrews 10:10) as the perfect and final sacrifice, rendering the intricate system of animal and grain offerings obsolete. Our "offerings" now are not of flour and oil, but of spiritual sacrifices—our lives, praise, and service—presented to God through faith in Christ, who is our great High Priest and the very substance of all the Old Testament shadows, allowing us direct, confident access to God's holy presence by His blood, as beautifully articulated in Hebrews 10:19-22.