Numbers 28:23

KJV

Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which [is] for a continual burnt offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall offer {H6213} these beside the burnt offering {H5930} in the morning {H1242}, which is for a continual {H8548} burnt offering {H5930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to offer these in addition to the morning burnt offering, which is the regular burnt offering.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to present these in addition to the regular morning burnt offering.

American Standard Version

Ye shall offer these besides the burnt-offering of the morning, which is for a continual burnt-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:23 delivers a pivotal instruction within the Mosaic sacrificial system, clarifying that all special offerings for Sabbaths, New Moons, or annual feasts were to be presented *in addition to* and never as a replacement for the foundational daily morning burnt offering. This directive profoundly underscores the unwavering commitment to God's prescribed worship, highlighting the perpetual nature of Israel's covenant relationship and the constant need for atonement and devotion, even amidst heightened celebrations and unique observances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28:23 is meticulously placed within a highly detailed section (Numbers 28-29) that outlines Israel's precise sacrificial calendar. These chapters follow the second census of the Israelites in the wilderness and precede the instructions for vows and the final preparations for entering the promised land. The immediate context of this verse is the daily burnt offering, which is initially introduced and commanded in [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3-8 "Numbers 28:3-8 - The Daily Burnt Offering"). Following this, Numbers 28 proceeds to detail the additional offerings required for the Sabbath ([Numbers 28:9-10](/numbers/28-9-10 "Numbers 28:9-10 - Sabbath Offerings")), New Moons ([Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11-15 "Numbers 28:11-15 - New Moon Offerings")), and various annual feasts like Passover ([Numbers 28:16-25](/numbers/28-16-25 "Numbers 28:16-25 - Passover and Unleavened Bread Offerings")) and the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) ([Numbers 28:26-31](/numbers/28-26-31 "Numbers 28:26-31 - Feast of Weeks Offerings")). Verse 23 specifically clarifies that the offerings for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (which immediately follows Passover) were supplementary to the foundational daily sacrifice. This meticulous enumeration ensured that the priests and the people understood the precise requirements for maintaining their covenant relationship with Yahweh through worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Numbers chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egyptian bondage, a formative period during which God established the foundational laws and rituals for their national and spiritual life. The sacrificial system, meticulously centered around the Tabernacle, was the primary means by which Israel approached God, sought atonement for sin, and expressed worship and thanksgiving. While many cultures in the ancient Near East practiced various forms of sacrifice, Israel's system was unique in its divine origin, its profound emphasis on holiness, and its meticulous detail. The "continual burnt offering" (Hebrew: *olah tamid*) was instituted much earlier in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Institution of the Daily Burnt Offering") and served as the bedrock of Israel's daily communion with God, symbolizing constant dedication and ongoing atonement. The cultural expectation was that worship would be regular and consistent, with special occasions demanding an *increase* in devotion, not a substitution or cessation of the regular practice.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of Numbers 28-29, significantly contributes to several profound theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Continual Worship and Devotion**. The "continual burnt offering" underscores the non-stop nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God, signifying an unbroken dedication and a constant need for atonement and fellowship. This daily sacrifice was the rhythmic pulse of Israel's worship, a perpetual reminder of God's presence and their dependence on Him. Secondly, it emphasizes **Order and Precision in Worship**. God's exceedingly detailed instructions throughout these chapters reflect His nature as a God of order, demanding meticulous adherence to His commands. Every offering had its specific place, time, and purpose, ensuring that worship was conducted according to divine prescription, not human whim. Finally, the directive to offer special sacrifices *beside* the daily ones illustrates the theme of **Abundance and Generosity in Giving**. Devotion to God involves going above and beyond the minimum, especially on significant occasions. It speaks to a spirit of generosity and a willingness to give abundantly to the Lord, recognizing His supreme worth and provision. This principle is seen throughout the Mosaic Law, such as in the tithes and firstfruits, and is echoed in later wisdom literature like [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your Wealth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offer (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, this primitive root is broadly translated as "to do or make," encompassing a wide range of actions including accomplishing, performing, preparing, and in this context, "offering" sacrifices. Here, it denotes the active, prescribed action of presenting the sacrifices to God, emphasizing the human responsibility in carrying out divine commands. It highlights the intentionality and obedience required in Israel's worship.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** From H5930, this term refers to a "holocaust" or "that which goes up" (in smoke). It was a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement. Its total consumption signified that the offering was wholly given to God, representing the worshiper's complete surrender and the comprehensive nature of the atonement provided.
* **Continual (Hebrew, _tâmîyd'_):** From H8548, this word means "always," "regularly," "constantly," or "perpetually." When applied to the burnt offering, it designates a sacrifice that was to be offered without fail, every morning and every evening. The *olah tamid* was the rhythmic pulse of Israel's worship, symbolizing an ongoing state of atonement and communion with God. Its "continual" nature underscored the constant need for God's grace and the unbroken nature of the covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning":** This clause directly addresses the priests and the people, instructing them concerning the special offerings prescribed for various occasions (such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, mentioned in the preceding verses). The crucial detail is "beside the burnt offering in the morning," which unequivocally establishes that these additional sacrifices were not substitutes for the regular daily morning sacrifice. This reinforces the principle that the foundational, daily act of worship was paramount and immutable, serving as the constant baseline upon which all other offerings were built. It ensures that the unique celebrations do not overshadow or replace the consistent, fundamental acts of devotion.
* **"which [is] for a continual burnt offering":** This concluding phrase clarifies the nature of the "burnt offering in the morning" to which the verse refers. It is the *olah tamid*, the perpetual or regular burnt offering, which was offered daily, morning and evening, throughout the year. This specification emphasizes the non-negotiable and ceaseless nature of this particular sacrifice, which served as the constant expression of Israel's dedication and the ongoing provision for atonement within the covenant. It underscores the unwavering commitment God expected from His people, a commitment that was to be demonstrated consistently.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently at play in Numbers 28:23, and indeed throughout the detailed instructions of Numbers 28-29, is **Repetition** and its resulting **Emphasis**. The phrase "continual burnt offering" (or its equivalent, referring to the *olah tamid*) is repeated numerous times throughout these chapters, not just in this verse but also in [Numbers 28:3](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3 - Daily Burnt Offering"), [Numbers 28:6](/numbers/28-6 "Numbers 28:6 - Daily Burnt Offering"), [Numbers 28:10](/numbers/28-10 "Numbers 28:10 - Sabbath Offering"), [Numbers 28:15](/numbers/28-15 "Numbers 28:15 - New Moon Offering"), and so on, for each festival. This **Repetition** serves to **Emphasize** the foundational and non-negotiable nature of this daily sacrifice. By consistently reminding the reader that all other offerings are "beside" or "in addition to" the *olah tamid*, the text meticulously reinforces the idea that the baseline of worship and atonement must never be neglected. This literary technique ensures that the reader grasps the centrality of consistent, unceasing devotion within the Mosaic covenant, establishing it as the unwavering core of Israel's relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:23, in its insistence on the "continual burnt offering" as the unchanging baseline for all other sacrifices, underscores a profound theological truth: God desires consistent, unwavering devotion from His people. The daily *olah tamid* was not merely a ritual; it was a tangible expression of Israel's perpetual need for atonement and their ongoing commitment to the covenant. This principle extends beyond the sacrificial system, teaching that a foundational, consistent relationship with God is paramount, and that special acts of worship or service should always build upon, rather than replace, this daily walk. It speaks to God's faithfulness in providing a constant means of reconciliation and His expectation of reciprocal faithfulness from humanity, a faithfulness expressed through diligent and unceasing obedience to His commands.

* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Institution of the Daily Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 6:8-13](/leviticus/6-8-13 "Leviticus 6:8-13 - Law of the Burnt Offering")
* [Daniel 8:11-13](/daniel/8-11-13 "Daniel 8:11-13 - The Daily Sacrifice in Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of Numbers 28:23 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The "continual burnt offering" serves as a powerful metaphor for the consistent, daily rhythms of our spiritual lives. Just as Israel was to maintain a baseline of devotion, we are called to cultivate an unbroken communion with God through daily prayer, consistent engagement with Scripture, and ongoing fellowship with other believers. Our spiritual disciplines should not be sporadic or reserved only for "special occasions" like church services, conferences, or retreats; rather, they should form the bedrock of our existence, a constant offering of our lives to God. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that when we engage in special acts of service, generosity, or focused spiritual pursuits, these should always be *in addition to*, not in place of, our regular, foundational walk with the Lord. Our commitment to God is not merely ritualistic but flows from a heart dedicated to Him in all circumstances, recognizing His constant presence and sovereignty, and expressing our love and gratitude through a life of consistent devotion and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "continual burnt offering" mean for my daily spiritual disciplines and my walk with God?**
* **Am I prone to treat special spiritual events (e.g., conferences, mission trips) as substitutes for consistent daily devotion, rather than supplements?**
* **How can I cultivate a more "continual" sense of God's presence and my dedication to Him in my everyday life, beyond sporadic spiritual highs?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering "special" sacrifices while neglecting the "daily" and foundational aspects of my walk with God?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "continual burnt offering" in Israel's worship?**

Answer: The "continual burnt offering" (Hebrew: *olah tamid*) was the most fundamental and consistent sacrifice in Israel's worship, offered every morning and every evening ([Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Institution of the Daily Burnt Offering")). Its significance was multifaceted: it symbolized Israel's perpetual dedication to God, their ongoing need for atonement for sin, and God's unwavering presence among His people. It was a constant reminder of the covenant relationship, ensuring that a baseline of worship and reconciliation was always maintained, regardless of other special occasions or festivals. The fact that all other offerings were "beside" it, not instead of it, underscored its foundational and non-negotiable importance as the rhythmic pulse of their national and individual devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:23, with its emphasis on the "continual burnt offering" as the unceasing bedrock of Israel's worship, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the *olah tamid*, served as a shadow, pointing forward to the perfect and singular sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the daily animal sacrifices that had to be continually repeated because they could not truly take away sin or perfect the worshiper ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow")), Christ offered Himself "once for all" on the cross ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). His perfect sacrifice is the "continual burnt offering" of the New Covenant, not in the sense of being repeated, but in its *perpetual efficacy* and *eternal sufficiency*. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus forever secured our access to God, making ongoing atonement for sin unnecessary because "by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfected Sacrifice")). Our "continual offering" now is not of animals, but of ourselves as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices")), empowered by the Holy Spirit, in response to Christ's finished work. Furthermore, Christ's intercession for us at the right hand of God is also "continual" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Continual Intercession")), ensuring our constant reconciliation and access to the Father, a perfect and everlasting priesthood that never ceases.

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

Numbers 28:3

And thou shalt say unto them, This [is] the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, [for] a continual burnt offering.

Numbers 28:10

[This is] the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.