Numbers 28:5

And a tenth [part] of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth [part] of an hin of beaten oil.

And a tenth {H6224} part of an ephah {H374} of flour {H5560} for a meat offering {H4503}, mingled {H1101} with the fourth {H7243} part of an hin {H1969} of beaten {H3795} oil {H8081}.

along with two quarts of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with one quart of oil from pressed olives.

along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives.

and the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil.

Commentary

Numbers 28:5 is part of a detailed set of instructions regarding the various offerings and sacrifices that the Israelites were commanded to present to God. Specifically, this verse specifies the accompanying grain offering (often translated as "meat offering" in the KJV) and oil required for the daily burnt offering.

Context

This verse is found within Numbers chapter 28, which meticulously outlines the offerings to be made on specific days: daily, weekly, monthly, and at annual festivals. These regulations were crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, ensuring a consistent rhythm of worship and atonement. Verse 5 details the specific flour and oil components for the daily burnt offering (olah tamid), which was to be offered continually, morning and evening, as commanded in the Mosaic Law. These precise instructions underscore the importance of obedience and the sanctity of approaching God.

Key Themes

  • Precision in Worship: The exact measurements—"a tenth part of an ephah of flour" and "the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil"—highlight God's demand for meticulous adherence to His commands in worship. This wasn't a casual affair but required careful attention to detail.
  • Daily Devotion and Sustenance: The daily nature of the offering, including these specific food components, symbolizes a constant recognition of God's provision and a perpetual act of devotion and dependence upon Him. It represents the ongoing spiritual sustenance required for the community.
  • The Grain Offering (Minchah): Although the KJV translates it as "meat offering," this refers to a grain offering (Hebrew: minchah), which was typically a voluntary offering of thanks or devotion, often accompanying a burnt offering. Here, it is prescribed as a mandatory part of the daily ritual, signifying Israel's tribute and dependence on God for their daily bread.

Linguistic Insights

  • Ephah: An ancient Hebrew dry measure, approximately 0.6 bushels or 22 liters. "A tenth part of an ephah" signifies a precise, prescribed amount of flour.
  • Hin: An ancient Hebrew liquid measure, approximately 1 gallon or 3.7 liters. "The fourth part of an hin" refers to about a quart of oil.
  • Meat Offering (Minchah): In the King James Version, "meat" often refers to food in general, not just animal flesh. The Hebrew word minchah (מִנְחָה) denotes a gift, tribute, or offering, particularly a grain offering. This offering often represented the fruit of one's labor and was a way of honoring God with one's substance, as detailed in Leviticus 2.
  • Beaten Oil: This refers to oil made from olives that were crushed or beaten, not pressed. This method yielded the purest, finest quality oil, indicating that only the best was acceptable for God's service.

Practical Application

While the specific rituals of the Old Testament tabernacle worship are no longer observed by Christians, who live under the new covenant, the principles behind Numbers 28:5 remain highly relevant:

  • Intentional Worship: Just as the Israelites were meticulous in their offerings, believers today are called to approach God with intentionality and reverence in worship, prayer, and service. It reminds us that God cares about the details of our devotion.
  • Daily Dependence: The daily nature of the offering encourages a consistent, daily walk with God, recognizing His constant provision and our continuous need for Him. This can be expressed through daily prayer, Bible study, and living in obedience.
  • Offering Our Best: The requirement for "beaten oil" symbolizes offering our purest and best to God, not just leftovers or what is convenient. This applies to our time, talents, and resources.
  • Pointing to Christ: Ultimately, all Old Testament sacrifices, including the daily offerings, pointed forward to the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all to fully atone for sins. Our worship now is in light of His finished work.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 2:1

    ¶ And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be [of] fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

  • Exodus 16:36

    Now an omer [is] the tenth [part] of an ephah.

  • Exodus 29:38

    ¶ Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.

  • Exodus 29:42

    [This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

  • 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 15:5

    And the fourth [part] of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.
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