Numbers 28:7

KJV

And the drink offering thereof [shall be] the fourth [part] of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy [place] shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD [for] a drink offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the drink offering {H5262} thereof shall be the fourth {H7243} part of an hin {H1969} for the one {H259} lamb {H3532}: in the holy {H6944} place shalt thou cause the strong wine {H7941} to be poured {H5258} unto the LORD {H3068} for a drink offering {H5262}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Its drink offering is to be one-quarter hin for one lamb; in the Holy Place you are to pour out a drink offering of intoxicating liquor to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The drink offering accompanying each lamb shall be a quarter hin. Pour out the offering of fermented drink to the LORD in the sanctuary area.

American Standard Version

And the drink-offering thereof shall be the fourth part of a hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou pour out a drink-offering of strong drink unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:7 meticulously details a specific component of the daily burnt offering mandated by God for the Israelites: the drink offering. This verse specifies that for each lamb offered, a precise quantity—a fourth part of a hin of strong wine—was to be poured out in the holy place as a dedicated offering to the LORD. It underscores the divine demand for precision, totality, and regularity in the worship practices of ancient Israel, highlighting the sacred nature of their covenant relationship with God through prescribed rituals.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28:7 is situated within a comprehensive section of the book of Numbers (chapters 28-29) that provides a detailed calendar and specifications for the various public sacrifices and offerings to be observed by the Israelite community throughout the year. These chapters serve as a liturgical manual, reiterating and expanding upon earlier instructions found in books like [Exodus](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests and Daily Offerings") and [Leviticus](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the LORD"). Specifically, [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3-8 - The Daily Burnt Offering") outlines the daily burnt offering, which was to be presented morning and evening. The drink offering, as described in this verse, was an indispensable accompaniment to the animal sacrifice, emphasizing the holistic nature of Israelite worship where various elements combined to form a complete act of devotion. The meticulous detail in these chapters highlights the unchanging nature of God's commands and the importance of adherence to His revealed will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 28 were given to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, establishing a foundational framework for their national worship once settled. The "holy place" refers to the courtyard of the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple), specifically the area around the brazen altar of burnt offering, where these public sacrifices were performed by the Levitical priests. This was the designated sacred space where God's presence was manifested and where the community could approach Him through prescribed rituals. Wine, a staple agricultural product of the ancient Near East and a symbol of blessing and prosperity (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:13](/deuteronomy/7-13 "Deuteronomy 7:13 - Blessings of Obedience")), held significant cultural value. Its offering as a drink offering (libation) was a common practice in many ancient cultures, but in Israel, it was uniquely directed to Yahweh, signifying an act of exclusive devotion and acknowledgment of His sovereignty over their produce and lives.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous instructions for the drink offering in [Numbers 28:7](/numbers/28-7 "Numbers 28:7 - The Daily Drink Offering") contribute to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, **Precision and Obedience** are paramount; God's detailed commands regarding measurements, types of offerings, and locations underscore His demand for exact adherence in worship, reflecting His holy character and the seriousness of approaching Him. Secondly, **Total Consecration** is evident, as the drink offering, like the burnt offering it accompanied, was entirely dedicated to God—poured out and not consumed by priests or people. This act symbolized a complete surrender and devotion of a portion of their produce, representing their entire lives, back to the Lord. Thirdly, the **Regularity and Remembrance** of the daily sacrifice, including this drink offering, served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's covenant with Israel, their ongoing need for atonement, and the continuous communion He desired with His people. It was a rhythmic act of worship that permeated their daily existence, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen nation. Finally, the **Symbolism of Provision** is highlighted, as wine, a product of the land, represented God's gracious provision and the fruit of their labor. Offering it back to God acknowledged His ultimate sovereignty over all aspects of their lives and expressed their profound gratitude for His blessings, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 14:23](/deuteronomy/14-23 "Deuteronomy 14:23 - Tithing and Feasting Before the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hin (Hebrew, _ḥîn'_):** A liquid measure, primarily used in the Tabernacle and Temple contexts. While its exact modern equivalent is debated, it is generally estimated to be approximately one gallon (or about 3.8 liters). Thus, "the fourth part of a hin" would be roughly one quart (or 0.95 liters). This precise measurement highlights the divine requirement for exactness in worship, ensuring that the offering was neither arbitrary nor diminished, but meticulously prepared according to God's command.
* **Strong Wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** The Hebrew word used here is `yayin`, which is a general term for fermented grape juice or wine. The KJV's translation "strong wine" is an interpretive nuance, suggesting a wine of good quality, potent, or perhaps unmixed, rather than a specific type of wine. This implies that the offering to the LORD was to be of the best available, not diluted or inferior. It underscores the principle of offering God the choicest of their produce, reflecting the honor and reverence due to Him.
* **Drink Offering (Hebrew, _neseḵ'_):** Literally meaning "a pouring out" or "libation," this term refers to the act of pouring liquid, typically wine or oil, onto the altar as an offering to God. Unlike other sacrifices where portions might be consumed by priests or worshippers, the `neseḵ` was entirely dedicated to God, signifying a complete surrender and devotion. It was a supplementary offering, always accompanying a burnt offering or grain offering, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of worship and the dedication of the fruit of the land alongside the life of an animal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the drink offering thereof [shall be] the fourth [part] of a hin for the one lamb:"** This clause specifies the precise quantity of wine required for the drink offering, directly linking it to the single lamb of the daily burnt offering. The "thereof" refers back to the daily burnt offering mentioned in the preceding verses ([Numbers 28:3-6](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3-6 - The Daily Burnt Offering")). The meticulous measurement ("fourth part of a hin") emphasizes God's demand for exactness and proportionality in worship, ensuring that the offering was neither arbitrary nor left to human discretion. It underscores that every component of the prescribed ritual was divinely ordained and held significance.
* **"in the holy [place] shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD [for] a drink offering."** This second clause details the location, action, and recipient of the offering. The "holy place" refers to the courtyard of the Tabernacle, specifically where the altar of burnt offering stood, emphasizing the sacredness of the space where direct interaction with God occurred through ritual. The command "shalt thou cause... to be poured" indicates the priestly responsibility for executing this ritual, signifying a deliberate and intentional act of worship. The "strong wine" (as discussed above, the best quality wine) was to be poured out "unto the LORD," signifying that the offering was exclusively for God, a complete dedication. The repetition of "for a drink offering" reinforces the nature and purpose of this specific libation, distinguishing it from other uses of wine and reiterating its role as an act of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 28:7 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "drink offering," which appears twice in the verse. This repetition emphasizes the specific nature and importance of this particular type of offering, ensuring clarity and reinforcing its central role as an accompaniment to the daily burnt offering. **Symbolism** is profoundly present through the "strong wine" and the act of "pouring." Wine, as a product of the land and a source of joy and sustenance, symbolizes God's provision and the fruit of human labor. Its pouring out signifies a complete dedication and surrender of this blessing back to the divine Giver, an act of total consecration. The act of pouring itself is a symbolic gesture of giving entirely to God, with nothing reserved or consumed by humans. Furthermore, the **Precision** of the divine instruction—the specific quantity ("fourth part of a hin") and location ("holy place")—serves as a literary feature that highlights God's meticulousness and His expectation of strict obedience from His people. This precision underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:7, though seemingly a minor detail in a complex sacrificial system, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the principle that worship of God requires intentionality, precision, and a complete dedication of what is valuable. The pouring out of the wine, a symbol of life's blessings and the fruit of human labor, signifies that all of life's provisions come from God and are ultimately to be offered back to Him in gratitude and devotion. This act of libation, entirely consumed by the earth or fire and not by human hands, emphasizes the concept of total consecration and the unreserved nature of true worship. It points to a God who demands and deserves the very best, not merely leftovers or convenient offerings. Furthermore, the daily nature of this offering reinforced the constant need for Israel to acknowledge God's sovereignty and their ongoing covenant relationship, serving as a perpetual reminder of their dependence and His faithfulness.

* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering and Drink Offering") - Details the institution of the daily burnt offering, including the drink offering, establishing its foundational importance.
* [Leviticus 23:13](/leviticus/23-13 "Leviticus 23:13 - Drink Offering with the Wave Sheaf Offering") - Mentions drink offerings in the context of other festival sacrifices, showing its pervasive role in Israelite worship.
* [Philippians 2:17](/philippians/2-17 "Philippians 2:17 - Paul's Life Poured Out as a Drink Offering") - Paul uses the metaphor of being "poured out as a drink offering" to describe his sacrificial service to Christ, illustrating the New Testament spiritualization of this concept.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of pouring out wine as a physical sacrifice no longer applies to believers today due to the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the profound principles embedded in Numbers 28:7 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian life. This verse calls us to intentionality and excellence in our worship, reminding us that God is worthy of our very best—not haphazard efforts or convenient leftovers. The complete pouring out of the wine symbolizes a total surrender and dedication of our lives to God, echoing the New Testament call to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). It compels us to acknowledge that all we have—our time, talents, resources, and even our very breath—are gifts from God, and our offerings back to Him, whether in service, generosity, or devotion, are expressions of gratitude and recognition of His sovereign provision. Our worship, therefore, should be a continuous, deliberate act of giving our whole selves to the One who gave His all for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I holding back from offering my "best" to God, perhaps giving Him only my leftovers?**
* **How can I cultivate a more intentional and precise approach to my worship, both individually and corporately?**
* **What does it mean for me to "pour out" my life as a drink offering to the Lord in a practical, daily sense?**
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate provider of all blessings influence my willingness to dedicate my resources back to Him?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "holy place" for this offering?**

Answer: The "holy place" refers to the courtyard of the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple) where the altar of burnt offering was located. This was the designated sacred space where God's presence was manifested, and where the priests performed the prescribed rituals for the community. Pouring the wine "in the holy place" emphasized the sanctity of the act and its direct dedication to the LORD within His consecrated dwelling. It underscored that worship was not a casual affair but a solemn, precise act performed in a divinely appointed location.

**Why was "strong wine" specified if the Hebrew word `yayin` generally means wine?**

Answer: The KJV's translation "strong wine" for the Hebrew `yayin` is an interpretive choice, likely emphasizing the quality and potency expected for the offering. While `yayin` is a general term for wine, the context of offerings often implies the use of the best available produce. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of offering God the choicest and unblemished, not something diluted or inferior. The emphasis is on the purity and excellence of the offering, reflecting the honor due to God, rather than a specific alcoholic strength.

**Was the drink offering consumed by anyone, or was it entirely for God?**

Answer: The drink offering (`neseḵ`) was entirely for God. It was poured out onto the altar, symbolizing a complete dedication. Unlike some other offerings where portions were consumed by the priests or the offerers, the drink offering was a libation, completely surrendered to the LORD. This act of "pouring out" signifies total consecration, with nothing reserved for human consumption, underscoring the unreserved nature of the offering and its exclusive dedication to the divine.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:7, with its detailed command for a daily drink offering of wine poured out to the LORD, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The repeated, precise pouring of wine in the Old Covenant pointed forward to the single, perfect, and unrepeatable "pouring out" of Christ's blood on the cross. His blood, shed for the remission of sins ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - The Blood of the Covenant")), is the true and final drink offering, establishing the New Covenant ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")). The daily Tabernacle ritual, a shadow, is replaced by the substance of Christ's finished work ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, the concept of a life "poured out" for God finds its supreme example in Jesus, who emptied Himself ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")) and gave His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). In the New Testament, believers are called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), echoing the complete dedication symbolized by the drink offering. Paul himself speaks of his life being "poured out as a drink offering" in service to Christ ([Philippians 2:17](/philippians/2-17 "Philippians 2:17 - Paul's Life Poured Out as a Drink Offering"); [2 Timothy 4:6](/2_timothy/4-6 "2 Timothy 4:6 - Paul's Imminent Departure")), demonstrating that the principle of total consecration, once ritualized, is now spiritually fulfilled in the believer's life of sacrificial service and worship through Christ.

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

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.

Joel 2:14

Who knoweth [if] he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; [even] a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

Numbers 15:10

And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, [for] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Exodus 29:40

And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine [for] a drink offering.

Joel 1:9

The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests, the LORD'S ministers, mourn.

Numbers 28:14

And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third [part] of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth [part] of an hin unto a lamb: this [is] the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.

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.