Numbers 28:8

KJV

And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, thou shalt offer [it], a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the other {H8145} lamb {H3532} shalt thou offer {H6213} at even {H6153}: as the meat offering {H4503} of the morning {H1242}, and as the drink offering {H5262} thereof, thou shalt offer {H6213} it, a sacrifice made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The other lamb you are to present at dusk; present it with the same kind of grain offering and drink offering as in the morning; it is an offering made by fire, with a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And offer the second lamb at twilight, with the same grain offering and drink offering as in the morning. It is an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meal-offering of the morning, and as the drink-offering thereof, thou shalt offer it, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:8 meticulously details the evening daily sacrifice, a foundational element of Israel's prescribed worship. This verse specifies the offering of a lamb, accompanied by a grain offering and a drink offering, mirroring the morning ritual. It underscores the perpetual nature of Israel's communion with God, emphasizing that these offerings, when performed according to divine instruction, were a "sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD," signifying divine acceptance and pleasure in the obedience and devotion of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28:8 is situated within a lengthy and detailed section (Numbers 28-29) that provides comprehensive instructions for Israel's public sacrifices. This segment meticulously outlines the offerings required for various occasions, including the daily (continual) burnt offerings, Sabbath offerings, monthly new moon offerings, and offerings for the annual feasts such as Passover, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles. The immediate context of Numbers 28 focuses on the *'olah tamid*, the "continual burnt offering," which consisted of two lambs offered daily—one in the morning (Numbers 28:3-4) and the other in the evening, as described in this verse. This repetitive instruction highlights the non-negotiable rhythm of worship central to Israel's covenant life. The precision in these commands speaks to the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These sacrificial commands were given to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, establishing the liturgical framework for their national worship at the Tabernacle, and later, the Temple. The daily offerings were not merely ritualistic acts but served as a constant reminder of God's presence among His people, their dependence on Him, and the need for ongoing atonement for sin. In the ancient Near East, sacrifices were common, but Israel's system was unique due to its monotheistic focus, its specific divine origin, and its emphasis on holiness and atonement rather than appeasement of capricious deities. The inclusion of grain and drink offerings alongside the animal sacrifice represented a comprehensive dedication of life and produce, acknowledging God as the source of all provision. The consistent performance of these rituals fostered national identity and reinforced the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The daily offering in Numbers 28:8 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. First, **Consistency in Worship** is paramount; the mandate for daily morning and evening sacrifices underscores the importance of regular, uninterrupted devotion and acknowledgement of God's sovereignty and provision. This perpetual offering symbolized Israel's unbroken communion with God, ensuring that atonement and worship were a constant feature of their national life. Second, the **Completeness of Offering** is highlighted by the combination of the lamb (burnt offering), grain offering (often called "meat offering" in KJV, but referring to `minchah` or "tribute/grain offering"), and drink offering. This combination signified a comprehensive act of worship, involving various aspects of life and produce, all consecrated to God, representing a total surrender and dedication. Third, the phrase "a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD" emphasizes **Divine Acceptance**. This concept of a "sweet savour" (Hebrew: `reach nichoach`) is frequently used in the Pentateuch to describe God's delight in offerings that reflect obedience and genuine devotion, indicating that these offerings, when performed according to God's precise instructions, were pleasing and acceptable to Him, as seen strikingly in [Noah's post-flood sacrifice](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - God's Acceptance of Noah's Offering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **even (Hebrew, _`'erev'_):** This term refers to the evening, or twilight, specifically the time between the two evenings (Exodus 12:6, Numbers 9:3). Its inclusion here highlights the precise, divinely ordained timing for the second daily sacrifice, establishing a sacred rhythm of worship that punctuated the day, beginning with the morning offering and concluding with the evening offering. This consistent timing underscored the perpetual nature of Israel's relationship with God.
* **meat offering (Hebrew, _`minchah'_):** In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic term for a grain offering, not an offering of animal flesh. The Hebrew word `minchah` primarily denotes a "gift," "tribute," or "grain offering," typically made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It was a bloodless offering that accompanied the burnt offering, symbolizing dedication of one's produce and livelihood, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty over all aspects of life.
* **drink offering (Hebrew, _`nesek'_):** This refers to a libation, typically of wine, poured out at the altar. The drink offering was always an accompaniment to burnt offerings and grain offerings, never offered alone. It symbolized the pouring out of one's life or joy before the Lord, a complete dedication and expression of worship, often associated with covenant affirmation and thanksgiving.
* **sweet savour (Hebrew, _`reach nichoach'_):** This significant theological phrase literally means "a soothing aroma" or "a restful fragrance." It does not imply that God literally smells the burning sacrifice, but rather that the offering, when presented in obedience and with a right heart, brought pleasure, satisfaction, and acceptance to God. It signifies divine approval and the establishment of a harmonious relationship between the worshiper and the Holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even:"** This clause specifies the second of the two daily lambs for the continual burnt offering. While the first lamb was offered in the morning, this command establishes the evening sacrifice, ensuring a consistent, daily rhythm of atonement and worship. The precision of "at even" emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's commands for sacred service.
* **"as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, thou shalt offer [it],"** This part clarifies that the evening lamb was to be accompanied by the same prescribed grain offering (the `minchah`) and drink offering (the `nesek`) that accompanied the morning sacrifice. This consistency underscored the unchanging nature of God's requirements and the comprehensive scope of the daily dedication, involving both animal life and agricultural produce.
* **"a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD."** This final phrase describes the method and outcome of the offering. "Made by fire" refers to the burnt offering (`'olah`), where the entire animal (except for the skin) was consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God. The crucial element, "of a sweet savour unto the LORD," signifies that this offering, when presented according to divine command and with a right heart, was pleasing, acceptable, and brought delight to God, affirming His gracious reception of His people's worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is implicit in the context of the daily offering, reinforcing the idea of a perpetual, consistent act of worship. The very nature of the instruction, mirroring the morning sacrifice, emphasizes this unwavering commitment. **Symbolism** is central, with the lamb symbolizing atonement and substitution, the grain offering representing sustenance and the dedication of human labor, and the drink offering symbolizing the pouring out of life and joy. Fire itself is symbolic of purification, divine consumption, and the transformation of the offering into something acceptable to God. Furthermore, the phrase "sweet savour" is a powerful **anthropomorphism** or **metaphor**, attributing human sensory experience (smell) to God to convey divine pleasure and acceptance. It is a tangible image used to describe an intangible spiritual reality: God's delight in obedient and heartfelt worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 28:8, in its detailed prescription of the evening sacrifice, profoundly underscores the theological truth of God's desire for consistent, comprehensive, and acceptable worship from His people. It reveals a God who not only demands holiness but also provides the means for His people to approach Him and maintain covenant relationship. The daily rhythm of atonement and dedication highlighted Israel's perpetual need for cleansing and their constant dependence on divine grace. This ritual served as a tangible expression of their faith and obedience, demonstrating that true worship involves both precise adherence to God's commands and a heart posture that seeks to please Him. The "sweet savour" signifies that God's acceptance is not arbitrary but is tied to the integrity and purpose of the offering, reflecting a deep desire for communion with a devoted people.

* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Institution of the Continual Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma to the Lord")
* [Psalm 50:14](/psalm/50-14 "Psalm 50:14 - Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific sacrificial rituals of the Old Testament have been fulfilled and superseded by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles embedded in Numbers 28:8 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The command for a daily, consistent offering challenges us to prioritize our relationship with God in our everyday lives, not just on designated days. Just as the Israelites offered their best, we are called to offer our time, talents, and resources to God with excellence and intentionality. Our "continual sacrifice" now takes the form of consistent prayer, diligent study of God's Word, and active participation in Christian community. The concept of a "sweet savour" reminds us that God desires not merely outward religious performance, but a heart of genuine devotion, obedience, and love. We are encouraged in the New Testament to offer "spiritual sacrifices" that are pleasing to God, which include presenting our bodies as a "living sacrifice" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), offering a "sacrifice of praise" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering the Sacrifice of Praise to God")), and doing good and sharing with others ([Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Doing Good and Sharing as Sacrifices Pleasing to God")). These acts, flowing from a heart transformed by Christ, are our contemporary "sweet savour" to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the consistent, daily nature of the Old Testament sacrifices challenge my own patterns of devotion and worship?**
* **In what practical ways can I offer my "best" to God in my daily life, mirroring the completeness of the Old Testament offerings?**
* **What does it mean for my actions and worship to be a "sweet savour" to the Lord today, and how can I cultivate such a heart attitude?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the daily sacrifices in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the daily sacrifices, including the evening offering in Numbers 28:8, was multifaceted. They served as a perpetual atonement for the sins of the people, a constant reminder of their need for God's forgiveness and grace. They also symbolized Israel's unwavering covenant relationship with Yahweh, affirming their devotion and dependence on Him. Furthermore, these offerings maintained the holiness of the Tabernacle/Temple, allowing God's presence to dwell among His people. The consistent, twice-daily ritual ensured that worship and reconciliation were a continuous part of Israel's national life, covering the entire day from morning to evening.

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

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic English term for "food offering" in general, but specifically for a bloodless offering made of grain. The Hebrew word is `minchah` (`מנחה`), which refers to a "gift" or "tribute," most commonly a "grain offering" (e.g., fine flour, oil, frankincense). It is distinct from animal sacrifices. Modern translations typically render it as "grain offering" or "meal offering" to avoid confusion with animal flesh, which "meat" now commonly implies. This `minchah` was an essential accompaniment to the burnt offerings, symbolizing the dedication of the fruits of the land and human labor to God.

**How could a physical sacrifice be a "sweet savour" to the LORD, who is Spirit?**

Answer: The phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew: `reach nichoach`) is an anthropomorphism, attributing a human sensory experience (smell) to God to convey His divine pleasure and acceptance. It doesn't mean God literally "smelled" the burning animal. Instead, it signifies that the offering, when presented in strict obedience to His commands and with a sincere, repentant, and devoted heart, was pleasing and acceptable to Him. It indicated a state of harmony and right relationship between God and the worshiper. For example, after the flood, [Noah's sacrifice](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - God's Acceptance of Noah's Offering") was described as a "sweet savour" because it came from a heart of gratitude and faith, leading God to promise never again to curse the ground or destroy all living creatures in the same manner. It is the spiritual disposition behind the ritual that makes it acceptable to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:8, with its emphasis on a daily, continual, and divinely acceptable sacrifice, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, including the evening lamb, were but shadows pointing forward to the perfect reality of Christ. The daily repetition underscored the temporary and incomplete nature of the animal offerings, which could never truly take away sin. However, Jesus, as the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")) as the perfect sacrifice. His death on the cross was not merely a physical act but a spiritual offering, made in perfect obedience to the Father's will, and it was indeed "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love as a Fragrant Offering")), the ultimate "sweet savour." Unlike the temporary Old Testament offerings, Christ's sacrifice was completely sufficient and eternally effective, perfecting for all time those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice")). Through His precious blood, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by the Precious Blood of Christ")), fulfilling the atoning purpose of every lamb offered at even, and opening the way for us to approach God with confidence, not through ritual, but through faith in His Son.

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.