Numbers 28:7

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Numbers 28:7 details a specific component of the daily burnt offering commanded by God to the Israelites: the drink offering. This verse specifies that for each lamb offered, a fourth part of a hin of strong wine was to be poured out in the holy place as an offering to the LORD. It underscores the precision and totality required in the worship practices of ancient Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers chapter 28, which meticulously outlines the various sacrifices and offerings that were to be made regularly by the Israelite community. These included daily, Sabbath, monthly, and annual festival offerings. The instructions here for the daily burnt offering (Numbers 28:3-8) are a reiteration and expansion of earlier commands, such as those found in Exodus 29:38-42. The "holy place" refers to the courtyard of the Tabernacle, where the altar of burnt offering stood, emphasizing the sacred space where direct interaction with God occurred through prescribed rituals.

Key Themes

  • Precision in Worship: The detailed measurements and types of offerings highlight God's demand for exact obedience and carefulness in His worship. Every aspect, from the quantity of wine to the location of pouring, was divinely ordained.
  • Total Consecration: The drink offering, like the burnt offering, was entirely dedicated to God. It was poured out, not consumed by priests or people, signifying a complete surrender and devotion of a portion of their produce to the Lord.
  • Regularity and Remembrance: The daily sacrifice, including this drink offering, served as a constant reminder of God's covenant with Israel and their ongoing need for atonement and communion with Him. It was a consistent act of worship that permeated their daily lives.
  • Symbolism of Provision: Wine, a product of the land, represented God's provision and the fruit of their labor. Offering it back to God acknowledged His sovereignty over all aspects of their lives and their gratitude for His blessings.

Linguistic Insights

The term "hin" (Hebrew: hîn) was a liquid measure, approximately equivalent to one gallon or about 3.8 liters. Thus, "the fourth part of an hin" would be about one quart or 0.95 liters. The phrase "strong wine" (Hebrew: yayin) indicates fermented grape juice, signifying the best and most potent of their wines, underscoring the principle of offering God the choicest of their produce. The "drink offering" (Hebrew: nesek) literally means "a pouring out," reinforcing the complete dedication of the offering.

Practical Application

While the specific ritual of pouring out wine as a physical sacrifice no longer applies to believers today due to Christ's ultimate and perfect sacrifice, the principles behind this verse remain profoundly relevant:

  • Intentional Worship: Our worship of God should be intentional, thoughtful, and prepared, not haphazard. We are called to offer Him our best, not merely our leftovers.
  • Total Devotion: The pouring out of the wine symbolizes a complete surrender and dedication of our lives to God. As Paul encourages, we should present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
  • Gratitude and Acknowledgment: Recognizing that all we have comes from God, our offerings (whether of time, talent, or treasure) are expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment of His sovereign provision.
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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

  • 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.
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