Numbers 28:4

KJV

The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even;

KJV (with Strong's)

The one {H259} lamb {H3532} shalt thou offer {H6213} in the morning {H1242}, and the other {H8145} lamb {H3532} shalt thou offer {H6213} at even {H6153};

Complete Jewish Bible

Offer the one lamb in the morning and the other lamb at dusk,

Berean Standard Bible

Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight,

American Standard Version

The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:4, "The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even," prescribes the foundational daily burnt offering, known as the *Tamid* offering, which was central to Israelite worship. This verse, part of a larger section detailing various sacrifices and festivals, underscores the perpetual nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God, emphasizing the need for continuous consecration, atonement, and obedient devotion throughout each day.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapters 28 and 29 provide an exhaustive and meticulously detailed schedule of the public sacrifices and offerings required of the Israelite community. This section immediately follows the instructions for vows and the spoils of war, transitioning into the sacred calendar of worship. The daily burnt offering (the *Tamid*), specified in [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3-8 - The Daily Burnt Offering"), forms the bedrock upon which all other communal sacrifices—Sabbath, New Moon, and annual festival offerings—are built. Its placement at the beginning of this liturgical calendar highlights its foundational and continuous nature, establishing a rhythm of worship that permeated every aspect of Israelite life and served as a constant reminder of their covenant obligations and God's enduring presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Numbers were given during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a period of formative instruction for a nascent nation. These detailed sacrificial laws were crucial for establishing a structured system of worship and maintaining ritual purity in the presence of a holy God. The daily burnt offering was performed at the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) by the priests, representing the entire community. Culturally, the offering of lambs in the morning and evening demarcated the sacred boundaries of the day, consecrating its beginning and end to Yahweh. This practice was not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of national identity, communal repentance, and reliance on divine provision and forgiveness, setting Israel apart from surrounding pagan cultures with their often capricious deities and irregular worship.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous instructions for the *Tamid* offering contribute significantly to several overarching themes in Numbers and the Pentateuch. First, it underscores the theme of **Regularity and Consistency in Worship**, emphasizing that devotion to God is not sporadic but a continuous, unwavering commitment, permeating every aspect of life from dawn to dusk (cf. [Psalm 119:164](/psalms/119-164 "Psalm 119:164 - Seven times a day I praise you")). Second, the burnt offering, by its very nature of complete consumption on the altar, highlights **Atonement and Consecration**. It symbolized the nation's perpetual need for purification from sin and their complete surrender and dedication to a holy God, providing a general covering for the daily sins of the community (cf. [Leviticus 1:4](/leviticus/1-4 "Leviticus 1:4 - Atonement through Burnt Offering")). Third, the precise nature of these commands reinforces the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, demonstrating that faithfulness within the covenant required meticulous adherence to God's revealed will, not human innovation. Finally, as with all Old Testament sacrifices, the *Tamid* offering profoundly points to the theme of **Foreshadowing of Christ**, serving as a constant typological pointer to the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose work would render all animal sacrifices obsolete (cf. [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lamb (Hebrew, _keves'_):** Refers specifically to a young male sheep, typically one year old, chosen for its purity, innocence, and unblemished nature. In the sacrificial system, the lamb was a premier offering, symbolizing purity and suitability for presentation before a holy God. Its selection for the daily offering underscored the high standard of purity required for continuous communion with Yahweh.
* **offer (Hebrew, _qārab'_):** This verb literally means "to bring near," "to present," or "to approach." It conveys the act of drawing close to God through the ritual. The offering was not merely a disposal of an animal but an intentional act of worship, a physical manifestation of the worshiper's desire to commune with, honor, and seek atonement from God. It highlights the relational aspect of the sacrifice.
* **morning (Hebrew, _bōqer'_):** This term denotes the earliest part of the day, at sunrise. The morning offering signified the consecration of the new day to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over time and life from its very beginning. It established a sacred rhythm, ensuring that the first act of the day for the community was an act of worship and dependence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning":** This clause establishes the first of the two daily sacrifices. The singular "lamb" emphasizes the specific, unblemished nature of the required offering. The command to "offer" signifies the act of bringing this pure sacrifice near to God, an act of worship and dedication performed by the priests on behalf of the entire community. The timing, "in the morning," highlights the consecration of the new day to the Lord, setting a tone of continuous devotion and dependence from the very outset.
* **"and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even":** This clause completes the daily cycle of sacrifice. "The other lamb" indicates a second, identical offering, reinforcing the consistency and regularity of the ritual. The repetition of "shalt thou offer" underscores the mandatory nature of this act of worship. "At even" (or twilight) marks the conclusion of the day, ensuring that the final act of the waking hours was also one of worship and acknowledgment of God's sustaining presence throughout the day, providing a covering for sins committed during the day and preparing the community for the night under divine protection.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 28:4 effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is evident in the parallel structure of "The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even," emphasizing the dual, consistent nature of the daily offering. This repetition reinforces the idea of continuity and unwavering devotion. **Symbolism** is central, with the "lamb" symbolizing purity, innocence, and the necessary substitute for sin, while "morning" and "evening" symbolize the totality of the day, consecrating all of time to God. The act of "offering" itself is symbolic of drawing near to God and dedicating oneself fully. Furthermore, there is a clear **Parallelism** between the two clauses, highlighting the symmetrical and balanced rhythm of daily worship, ensuring that neither the beginning nor the end of the day was left un-consecrated to the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The daily burnt offering, as commanded in Numbers 28:4, served as a tangible expression of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, constantly reminding them of God's holiness, their own sinfulness, and the necessity of divine provision for atonement. It was a perpetual act of national repentance and consecration, signifying that the entire community lived under the gracious, yet demanding, terms of the Mosaic covenant. The consistency of the offering underscored the unchanging nature of God's character and His ongoing demand for a holy people, while simultaneously demonstrating His faithfulness in providing a means of reconciliation. This daily ritual prepared the people's hearts for the greater revelations of God's redemptive plan, ultimately pointing beyond the temporary efficacy of animal blood to a perfect, eternal sacrifice.

* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Institution of the Daily Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior and Eternal Sacrifice")
* [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - John the Baptist's Proclamation of Jesus as the Lamb of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal offering of lambs is no longer required for believers under the New Covenant, Numbers 28:4 speaks profoundly to the enduring spiritual principles of consistent devotion, complete surrender, and reliance on God's provision. This verse challenges us to cultivate a rhythm of worship that permeates our entire day, not just isolated moments. It calls us to live a life of continuous spiritual offering, acknowledging God's sovereignty over every hour, every task, and every thought. This means consciously inviting God into our mornings, seeking His guidance and consecrating our efforts, and reflecting on His faithfulness in the evenings, offering thanks and seeking forgiveness. It is a call to live "sacrificially" in the sense of dedicating our time, talents, and resources to His glory, understanding that our access to God is not earned through our rituals but freely given through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Lamb.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I practically "offer" my morning and evening to God in today's context?**
* **How does the consistent nature of the *Tamid* offering challenge my own spiritual disciplines and consistency in my walk with God?**
* **What does it mean for me to live as a "living sacrifice" in light of the continuous dedication symbolized by the daily lamb offering?**
* **How does understanding the purpose of the *Tamid* offering deepen my appreciation for Christ's completed work on the cross?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the daily burnt offering (the *Tamid*)?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the *Tamid* offering was to provide a continuous, perpetual atonement for the general sins of the community and to symbolize Israel's ongoing consecration and dedication to God. It was a constant reminder of God's holiness, the people's need for purification, and His gracious provision for reconciliation within the covenant. It also served to maintain the sacredness of the Tabernacle/Temple, ensuring a continuous presence of acceptable worship before Yahweh. The offering was a national, not individual, sacrifice, representing the entire community's relationship with God from morning to evening.

**How does this daily offering relate to the other sacrifices prescribed in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The daily burnt offering (the *Tamid*) was foundational and distinct from other sacrifices. While other offerings, like sin offerings, guilt offerings, peace offerings, and specific festival offerings, addressed particular sins, vows, or expressions of communion, the *Tamid* was a constant, mandatory, and comprehensive offering. It was the bedrock upon which all other communal sacrifices rested, establishing the ongoing covenant relationship. It ensured that even when no specific sin offering was made, the nation remained in a state of general atonement and consecration before God, providing a continuous covering for the community's daily imperfections and maintaining the sanctity of the sanctuary (cf. [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Institution of the Daily Offering")).

**Is the command to offer a daily lamb still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: The literal command to offer a daily lamb is not relevant for believers today, as the entire sacrificial system of the Old Testament found its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ (cf. [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). However, the underlying spiritual principles of Numbers 28:4 remain profoundly relevant. It calls believers to a life of continuous spiritual devotion, consistent prayer, and ongoing consecration of their entire being to God. We are now called to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), acknowledging God's sovereignty over every moment of our day and relying solely on Christ's completed work for our atonement and access to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:4, with its command for a daily, unblemished lamb offered morning and evening, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God. The *Tamid* offering, a continuous act of atonement and consecration, perpetually pointed forward to the single, perfect, and eternally efficacious sacrifice of Christ. Unlike the daily lambs whose blood could only provide a temporary covering for sin, Jesus, through His own blood, entered the most holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His death on the cross was the "once for all" offering (cf. [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")) that perfectly fulfilled the law's demands, rendering all subsequent animal sacrifices obsolete. Just as the *Tamid* consecrated the entire day to God, Christ's sacrifice consecrates our entire lives, from beginning to end, enabling us to live in continuous communion with God, not through ritual, but through His finished work. He is the spotless Lamb, without blemish or defect (cf. [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by the Blood of Christ")), whose eternal priesthood and perfect sacrifice provide constant access to the Father, making Him our perpetual and sufficient offering.

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

Daniel 9:21

Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

1 Kings 18:36

And it came to pass at [the time of] the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am] thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word.

Ezra 9:4

Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

Ezra 9:5

¶ And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,

Exodus 12:6

And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

1 Kings 18:29

And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the [time] of the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that [there was] neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.

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.