Numbers 28:9

KJV

¶ And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117} two {H8147} lambs {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141} without spot {H8549}, and two {H8147} tenth {H6241} deals of flour {H5560} for a meat offering {H4503}, mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, and the drink offering {H5262} thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'On Shabbat offer two male lambs in their first year and without defect, with one gallon of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with olive oil, and its drink offering.

Berean Standard Bible

On the Sabbath day, present two unblemished year-old male lambs, accompanied by a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, as well as a drink offering.

American Standard Version

And on the sabbath day two he-lambs a year old without blemish, and two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with oil, and the drink-offering thereof:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:9 outlines the specific additional sacrifices commanded for the Sabbath day within the Mosaic Law. This verse details the requirement of two unblemished lambs of the first year, along with two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour for a grain offering mingled with oil, and its accompanying drink offering. These offerings were to be presented in addition to the daily burnt offerings, underscoring the unique sanctity and heightened devotion expected on the Sabbath, a day set apart for the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28-29 provides a meticulously detailed schedule of the various public offerings God commanded the Israelites to present regularly. This section, following the census and preparations for entering the Promised Land, emphasizes the importance of precise adherence to divine instructions for worship and national consecration. Numbers 28 begins with the daily burnt offerings ([Numbers 28:3](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3 - Daily Burnt Offerings")), then moves to the weekly Sabbath offerings (verse 9), followed by monthly, and then annual festival offerings in chapter 29. The inclusion of the Sabbath offering here highlights its significance as a foundational, recurring act of worship, distinct from the daily ritual but integral to the continuous cycle of national devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in Numbers were given to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, solidifying their identity as God's covenant people. The sacrificial system was central to their relationship with Yahweh, providing a means of atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication. In the ancient Near East, sacrifices were common, but Israel's system was unique in its monotheistic focus, its detailed divine prescription, and its emphasis on purity and holiness. The Sabbath itself was a distinctive sign of the covenant between God and Israel ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")), a day of rest and holy convocation, set apart from the six days of labor. The additional offerings on this day reinforced its sacred status and the increased spiritual focus expected.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Numbers and the Pentateuch. The **sanctity of the Sabbath** is paramount, demonstrated by the requirement for *additional* sacrifices, signifying its unique status as a day consecrated to the Lord. This underscores God's claim over Israel's time and their covenantal obligation to honor His rest. The **regularity and precision in worship** are also central; God's meticulous instructions regarding quantities, types, and conditions ("without spot") reflect His demand for intentional, consistent, and obedient worship, not arbitrary acts. Furthermore, the offerings served as a means of **atonement and dedication**, expressing Israel's dependence on God and their desire for reconciliation. The requirement for unblemished animals foreshadows the need for purity and perfection in approaching a holy God, ultimately pointing to the [perfect sacrifice of Christ](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). Finally, the inclusion of grain and drink offerings acknowledges **God's provision and sustenance**, recognizing Him as the source of all blessings and returning a portion in thanksgiving.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchah'_):** In the King James Version, "meat" often refers to food in general, not specifically flesh. Here, _minchah'_ denotes a **grain offering** or **meal offering**, typically made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Unlike the burnt offering (which was entirely consumed), the grain offering was often a voluntary offering of thanks and dedication, a portion of which was burned and the rest eaten by the priests. It symbolized the dedication of one's labor and sustenance to God.
* **Without Spot (Hebrew, _tamim'_):** This word signifies physical perfection, wholeness, integrity, and blamelessness. It was a crucial characteristic for all sacrificial animals, emphasizing the purity, excellence, and unblemished nature required when presenting anything to a holy God. Theologically, this concept highlights the absolute perfection necessary for any true atonement and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the [spotless Lamb, Jesus Christ](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - The Precious Blood of Christ"), whose perfect sacrifice atoned for humanity's sins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the sabbath day":** This phrase immediately sets the context, indicating that these offerings were specifically tied to the weekly day of rest and worship, distinguishing them from the daily offerings. It emphasizes the Sabbath's unique sanctity and the heightened spiritual focus it demanded.
* **"two lambs of the first year without spot":** This specifies the primary animal offering. "Two lambs" denotes a doubling of the daily burnt offering of lambs ([Numbers 28:3](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3 - Daily Burnt Offerings")), underscoring the Sabbath's increased significance. "Of the first year" indicates young, prime animals, signifying vitality and value. "Without spot" reiterates the absolute purity and physical perfection required for a sacrifice acceptable to God. These lambs were for a burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
* **"and two tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil":** This details the accompanying grain offering. "Two tenth deals" (two-tenths of an ephah) is also double the amount prescribed for the daily offering, again highlighting the Sabbath's special status. "Flour" indicates a grain offering (_minchah'_), and "mingled with oil" refers to the preparation, where oil (symbolizing blessing, anointing, or the Holy Spirit) was mixed with the flour before baking. This offering represented thanksgiving and the dedication of the fruits of the land to God.
* **"and the drink offering thereof":** This refers to the libation, typically of wine, poured out as an accompaniment to the burnt and grain offerings. It was a common feature of many sacrifices, symbolizing joy, covenant affirmation, and complete devotion poured out before the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Prescriptive Language**, characteristic of legal and cultic texts in the Pentateuch, detailing precise instructions for ritual practice. This highlights the divine authority behind the commands and the necessity of exact obedience. **Symbolism** is pervasive: the "lambs of the first year without spot" symbolize purity, innocence, and the highest quality of offering acceptable to a holy God. The doubling of the offerings (two lambs, two tenth deals of flour) on the Sabbath uses **Emphasis through Quantity**, visually and ritually underscoring the elevated sanctity of this particular day compared to ordinary days. Furthermore, the entire sacrificial system, as presented here, functions as **Typology**, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Sabbath offerings in Numbers 28:9 powerfully illustrate God's demand for holiness, His provision for atonement, and the necessity of dedicated worship from His people. The doubling of the daily offering on the Sabbath underscores that true rest in God is not passive idleness but an intensified focus on Him, expressed through costly and precise acts of devotion. These sacrifices, though temporary and symbolic, pointed to the profound truth that humanity, marred by sin, requires a perfect mediator and an unblemished offering to approach a holy God. They cultivated a rhythm of worship that reminded Israel of their covenant identity and God's unwavering faithfulness.

* [Leviticus 23:3](/leviticus/23-3 "Leviticus 23:3 - The Sabbath as a Holy Convocation")
* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Daily Burnt Offerings")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled and superseded by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the principles embedded in Numbers 28:9 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to consider the intentionality, purity, and generosity of our worship. Just as Israel was commanded to offer specific, regular sacrifices as a priority, we are called to intentional and consistent worship of God, not as an afterthought but as a central aspect of our lives. This includes setting aside dedicated time for spiritual focus, whether in personal devotion, family worship, or corporate gathering on the Lord's Day. The "without spot" requirement reminds us that God desires not just our actions, but our hearts—a genuine dedication and purity in our spiritual offerings, our praise, our service, and our very lives. We are to offer ourselves as a [living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Presenting Your Body as a Living Sacrifice"), recognizing that our ability to do so stems from Christ's perfect sacrifice on our behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the doubling of offerings on the Sabbath challenge our modern understanding of "rest" and "worship"?**
* **In what ways can we offer "unblemished" sacrifices of praise and service to God in our daily lives today?**
* **What practical steps can we take to make our time set aside for God (e.g., Sundays, daily devotions) more intentional and focused?**
* **How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for Christ's finished work?**

### FAQ
**What is the "meat offering" mentioned in the King James Version?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the term "meat offering" (or "meat-offering") is an older English term for food in general, not specifically flesh or meat as we understand it today. In the context of Numbers 28:9 and other Old Testament passages, it refers to a **grain offering** or **meal offering** (Hebrew: _minchah'_). This offering typically consisted of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and could be baked or unbaked. It was usually offered as an act of thanksgiving or dedication to God, often accompanying burnt offerings, as seen in this verse. For more details on its composition and purpose, you can refer to [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering").

**Why were *additional* sacrifices required on the Sabbath day?**

Answer: The requirement for additional sacrifices on the Sabbath underscored the unique sanctity and elevated status of this day within the Israelite calendar. The Sabbath was not merely a day of physical rest but a holy day, a sign of God's covenant with Israel ([Exodus 31:13](/exodus/31-13 "Exodus 31:13 - The Sabbath as a Sign")), set apart for special communion with Him. By doubling the daily offerings, God emphasized that the Sabbath was a time for intensified worship, reflection, and devotion, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision in a unique way. It was a day to cease from ordinary labor and focus more fully on the Lord.

**What does "without spot" signify in the context of sacrificial animals?**

Answer: The phrase "without spot" (Hebrew: _tamim'_) signifies physical perfection, wholeness, and blamelessness. For sacrificial animals, it meant they had no physical defects, blemishes, or diseases that would render them imperfect. Theologically, this requirement was crucial because sacrifices were meant to be a pure and excellent offering to a holy God. It underscored the absolute purity and perfection necessary for any offering to be acceptable for atonement. This concept ultimately finds its fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is described as the [spotless Lamb](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - The Precious Blood of Christ"), whose perfect, unblemished life and sacrifice alone could truly atone for the sins of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 28:9, with its meticulous instructions for Sabbath offerings, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "lambs of the first year without spot" are a powerful type of Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as these lambs had to be physically perfect, Jesus lived a perfectly righteous and sinless life, making Him the [unblemished and spotless sacrifice](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - The Precious Blood of Christ") required to satisfy God's holiness. The doubling of offerings on the Sabbath, signifying heightened devotion, points to the ultimate and complete offering made by Christ, which was not merely an addition to ongoing sacrifices but the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice that rendered all previous animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Through His death, Jesus fulfilled the law's demands, becoming the substance to which the shadows of the Old Covenant pointed ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Fulfillment in Christ")). He is both the perfect Lamb and the High Priest who offered Himself, providing eternal redemption and enabling us to truly rest in His finished work, a rest far deeper than any Sabbath observance could provide ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")).

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.