Numbers 28:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:5 meticulously details the precise components of the grain offering (KJV: "meat offering") and oil required to accompany the daily burnt offering in ancient Israelite worship. This verse, embedded within a larger section outlining the sacrificial calendar, underscores God's demand for absolute precision and the highest quality in the worship rendered to Him, reflecting His holiness and the serious nature of covenantal relationship. It highlights the Israelites' daily dependence on God and their obligation to honor Him with their substance as a continuous act of devotion and acknowledgment of His provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28:5 is situated within a highly detailed legislative section (Numbers 28-29) that meticulously outlines the offerings to be presented to Yahweh throughout the year. This specific chapter focuses on the daily, weekly, and monthly sacrifices, with subsequent chapters detailing offerings for annual feasts. Verse 5 provides the exact measurements and quality of the flour and oil for the daily burnt offering, known as the *olah tamid* (the continual burnt offering), which was to be offered every morning and evening. This precision emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of God's commands and the structured rhythm of worship central to Israel's covenant life, building upon earlier instructions found in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering"). The surrounding verses detail the animal sacrifice itself, making verse 5 an integral part of the complete daily ritual.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These instructions were given to Israel during their wilderness wanderings, establishing the foundational practices for their worship once they entered the Promised Land. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, served as the central place of worship, where these offerings were meticulously performed by the Levitical priests. In the ancient Near East, offerings were a common practice to appease deities or express devotion. However, Israel's sacrificial system was unique in its divine origin, its emphasis on holiness, and its role in maintaining a covenant relationship with a singular, holy God. The precision of measurements and quality of ingredients, like "beaten oil," reflected a cultural understanding that only the very best was worthy of presentation to a divine sovereign, ensuring the purity and acceptability of the offering in a society where agricultural produce was the primary source of wealth and sustenance.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous details in Numbers 28:5 contribute to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, **Precision in Worship** is paramount; God's commands are not suggestions but exact directives requiring careful adherence, signifying His absolute sovereignty and holiness. This contrasts sharply with human attempts to worship God on their own terms. Secondly, the **Daily Devotion and Dependence** theme is evident in the continual nature of the offering. The daily provision of flour and oil for the altar symbolized Israel's constant reliance on God for their sustenance and their ongoing commitment to Him, a theme echoed in the prayer for "daily bread" in [Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - The Lord's Prayer"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the significance of the **Grain Offering (Minchah)**, which, though often voluntary (as seen in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering")), is here prescribed as a mandatory accompaniment to the daily burnt offering. This emphasizes that worship involved not only atonement for sin but also the presentation of the "firstfruits" of one's labor as an act of thanksgiving and tribute, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider of all good things, as reflected in [Deuteronomy 26:10](/deuteronomy/26-10 "Deuteronomy 26:10 - Firstfruits Offering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchah'_):** In the King James Version, "meat" refers to food in general, not specifically animal flesh. The Hebrew word *minchah* (מִנְחָה) denotes a gift, tribute, or offering, specifically a grain offering made of flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. Unlike the burnt offering (*olah*) which was entirely consumed, or the sin/guilt offerings (*chatta't/asham*) which dealt with specific transgressions, the *minchah* was typically a voluntary offering of thanks, devotion, or acknowledgment of God's provision. In Numbers 28:5, it is a prescribed, mandatory accompaniment to the daily burnt offering, symbolizing Israel's ongoing tribute and dependence on God for their daily bread and sustenance.
* **Ephah (Hebrew, _ephah'_)/Hin (Hebrew, _hin'_):** These are ancient Hebrew dry and liquid measures, respectively, indicating the precise quantities required for the offering. An ephah was approximately 0.6 bushels or 22 liters, making "a tenth part of an ephah" about 2.2 liters of flour. A hin was roughly 1 gallon or 3.7 liters, so "the fourth part of a hin" was about 0.9 liters of oil. The exact specification of these measurements underscores God's demand for meticulous adherence to His commands, leaving no room for approximation or casualness in worship. This precision signifies the sacredness and seriousness of the divine encounter.
* **Beaten Oil (Hebrew, _katit'_):** This refers to olive oil produced by crushing or beating the olives in a mortar, rather than pressing them. This method yielded the purest, finest quality oil, free from sediment. The requirement for "beaten oil" indicates that only the very best, unblemished, and purest ingredients were acceptable for God's service. It symbolizes the offering of one's finest resources and efforts, reflecting a heart of devotion that holds nothing back from the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a tenth [part] of an ephah of flour for a meat offering":** This clause specifies the exact amount of fine flour required for the grain offering. The "tenth part of an ephah" (approximately 2.2 liters) indicates a precise, divinely ordained quantity, emphasizing that God's commands are specific and to be followed without deviation. This flour, as part of the *minchah*, represented the fruit of the land and the labor of the people, offered back to God as a tribute and an act of worship, acknowledging Him as the source of all provision.
* **"mingled with the fourth [part] of a hin of beaten oil":** This clause describes the preparation of the flour and the quality of the oil. The flour was to be "mingled" with the oil, suggesting a thorough mixture that created a unified offering. The "fourth part of a hin" (approximately 0.9 liters) again highlights the precise measurement. Crucially, the oil had to be "beaten oil," signifying the purest, highest quality olive oil. This requirement underscores that only the very best was acceptable for presentation to God, reflecting His supreme holiness and worthiness of the most excellent offerings from His people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 28:5, and indeed throughout Numbers 28-29, is **Precision and Detail**. The meticulous enumeration of exact measurements ("a tenth part of an ephah," "the fourth part of a hin") and specific qualities ("beaten oil") serves to underscore the absolute nature of God's commands and the non-negotiable standards for approaching Him. This level of detail is not merely administrative; it is theological, emphasizing the holiness of God and the seriousness of worship. Furthermore, there is **Symbolism** embedded within the elements themselves. The flour, representing the staple of life and the fruit of human labor, symbolizes dependence on God for sustenance and the offering of one's daily provision. The oil, a precious commodity, often associated with anointing and purity, symbolizes the finest offering, consecrated and set apart, and perhaps even a foreshadowing of the Spirit's anointing. The act of "mingling" the flour and oil also carries symbolic weight, representing the unified nature of the offering and the complete dedication of the worshiper.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:5, with its precise instructions for the accompanying grain and oil offerings, deeply embeds itself within the broader theological framework of the Old Testament sacrificial system. It reinforces the themes of God's absolute holiness, humanity's perpetual need for atonement and communion, and the meticulous nature of worship required to approach a holy God. The daily burnt offering, accompanied by these elements, was a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, signifying both propitiation for general sin and a continuous act of devotion and dependence. It taught Israel that access to God was not casual but required divinely ordained means, executed with utmost care and purity, reflecting the giver's heart and the recipient's worthiness. This system, though temporary, served as a profound pedagogical tool, preparing God's people for the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to come.

* [Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1 - The Grain Offering")
* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Old Testament tabernacle worship are no longer observed by Christians, who live under the new covenant established through Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Numbers 28:5 remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the quality and intentionality of our own worship and devotion. God's demand for "beaten oil" and precise measurements reminds us that our approach to Him should be marked by excellence, not convenience or leftovers. It calls us to offer our purest and best—our time, talents, resources, and affections—as an act of sincere devotion. The daily nature of the offering encourages a consistent, daily walk with God, recognizing His constant provision and our continuous need for Him. This translates into daily prayer, consistent engagement with Scripture, and living in conscious obedience to His will. Ultimately, understanding the meticulousness of these Old Testament requirements deepens our appreciation for the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which makes our access to God possible not through our imperfect offerings, but through His finished work. Our worship now becomes a spiritual offering, empowered by the Holy Spirit, offered in gratitude for His boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's commands in Numbers 28:5 challenge our own approach to worship and daily spiritual disciplines?**
* **What does "offering our best" (like "beaten oil") look like in our contemporary Christian lives, regarding our time, talents, and resources?**
* **How does understanding the detailed requirements of the Old Testament offerings deepen our appreciation for the simplicity and completeness of Christ's sacrifice?**

### FAQ

**Why is the "meat offering" in the KJV actually a grain offering?**

Answer: The term "meat offering" in the King James Version (KJV) can be misleading to modern readers because "meat" in 17th-century English referred to food in general, not exclusively animal flesh. The Hebrew word translated here is *minchah* (מִנְחָה), which specifically denotes a grain offering, typically made of flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. This offering was distinct from animal sacrifices and represented a tribute, gift, or acknowledgment of God's provision, often accompanying other sacrifices. You can read more about the *minchah* in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering").

**What was the significance of "beaten oil" for the offering?**

Answer: "Beaten oil" (Hebrew: *shemen katit*) refers to the purest, highest quality olive oil. It was produced by crushing or beating olives in a mortar, which yielded a finer, clearer oil compared to oil extracted by pressing. This method ensured that the oil was free from impurities and sediment. The requirement for "beaten oil" for the Tabernacle lamps and offerings (as also seen in [Exodus 27:20](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20 - Pure Olive Oil for the Lamp")) underscored that only the very best and purest was acceptable for God's service. It symbolized the offering of one's finest resources and efforts, reflecting a heart of devotion that holds nothing back from the Lord.

**Are these specific Old Testament offerings still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are no longer required to perform the specific animal or grain sacrifices outlined in the Old Testament Law, the underlying principles and theological truths remain highly relevant. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the daily offerings, served as a shadow pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. These rituals taught Israel about God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the importance of worship and obedience. For Christians, these offerings help us appreciate the perfection and completeness of Christ's one-time sacrifice on the cross, which fully atoned for sin (as explained in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). We now offer "spiritual sacrifices" (like praise, service, and our lives) through Him, as encouraged in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices") and [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:5, with its meticulous details for the daily grain and oil offerings, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "tenth part of an ephah of flour" for the *minchah* and the "fourth part of a hin of beaten oil" pointed forward to the perfect, unblemished offering of Christ Himself. He is the true "bread of life" who came down from heaven to give life to the world, as He declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), fulfilling the symbolism of the grain offering as sustenance and provision. Furthermore, the "beaten oil," representing purity and the finest quality, powerfully foreshadows Christ's own sinless life and His anointing by the Holy Spirit without measure, as described in [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure"). Just as the daily offering provided continuous atonement and communion for Israel, Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, offered "once for all" (as proclaimed in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), eternally cleanses us from sin and grants us perpetual access to God. Our worship is no longer dependent on precise measurements of flour and oil, but on the finished work of the Lamb of God, who is both the perfect sacrifice and the High Priest, enabling us to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and lives consecrated to Him, as living offerings in response to His ultimate self-giving, a truth beautifully articulated in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and Spiritual Sacrifices").

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 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.