Numbers 29:6

KJV

Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beside the burnt offering {H5930} of the month {H2320}, and his meat offering {H4503}, and the daily {H8548} burnt offering {H5930}, and his meat offering {H4503}, and their drink offerings {H5262}, according unto their manner {H4941}, for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381}, a sacrifice made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is to be in addition to the burnt offering for Rosh-Hodesh with its grain offering, the regular burnt offering with its grain offering, and their drink offerings, according to the rule for them; this will be a fragrant aroma, an offering made by fire to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

These are in addition to the monthly and daily burnt offerings with their prescribed grain offerings and drink offerings. They are a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

American Standard Version

besides the burnt-offering of the new moon, and the meal-offering thereof, and the continual burnt-offering and the meal-offering thereof, and their drink-offerings, according unto their ordinance, for a sweet savor, an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:6 concludes the specific instructions for the Feast of Trumpets, emphasizing that its unique sacrifices were presented *in addition* to the regular daily and monthly offerings already mandated. This verse meticulously details the various components of these offerings—burnt, grain, and drink offerings—all presented "according unto their manner" as a "sweet savour" to the Lord, signifying divine acceptance and pleasure in Israel's meticulous and abundant devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29:6 stands as the concluding verse for the instructions concerning the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), which is detailed in [Numbers 29:1-6](/numbers/29-1 "Numbers 29:1-6 - Offerings for the Feast of Trumpets"). This specific section is part of a larger, highly prescriptive block within the Book of Numbers ([Numbers 28-29](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28-29 - Laws Concerning Offerings and Feasts")) that meticulously outlines the precise sacrificial requirements for Israel's annual calendar of holy days. These include the Sabbaths, New Moons, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths. The phrase "beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering" explicitly connects the special offerings for the Feast of Trumpets to the standing, perpetual calendar of sacrifices, underscoring the cumulative and comprehensive nature of Israel's covenant worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 29:6 were given to Israel during their wilderness wanderings, subsequent to the giving of the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai. The annual feasts were deeply integrated into the religious, agricultural, and historical life of the Israelite community, serving as communal acts of worship, remembrance, and covenant renewal. The sacrificial system itself was the divinely ordained means by which God's people could approach Him, express repentance, offer thanksgiving, and demonstrate devotion. The "meat offering" (KJV) refers to a grain or meal offering (Hebrew _minchah_), typically made of flour, oil, and frankincense, which often accompanied animal sacrifices or stood alone. "Drink offerings" (Hebrew _nesek_) were libations of wine poured out, symbolizing joy and devotion. The recurring phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew _reah nihoah_) was a common theological descriptor across the ancient Near East, signifying an offering that was pleasing and acceptable to the deity, indicating divine favor and reception.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Cumulative Worship and Abundance**, as the phrase "beside the burnt offering of the month... and the daily burnt offering" emphasizes that the special feast offerings were *additions* to, rather than substitutions for, the regular, ongoing worship. This principle underscores a call to abundant and consistent devotion to the Lord, giving beyond the minimum. Secondly, it reinforces **Divine Specificity and Obedience**, as the meticulous detailing of each offering (burnt, grain, drink) throughout [Numbers 29](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Offerings for Feasts") demonstrates God's precise requirements for worship, demanding Israel's strict adherence as a reflection of their commitment and obedience to the covenant. Finally, the phrase **"Sweet Savour"** is a crucial theological theme, signifying that the offering was pleasing and acceptable to the Lord, implying divine acceptance, reconciliation, and often, the forgiveness associated with atonement. The sacrifices were made "by fire unto the LORD," indicating their consecrated nature and the way they ascended to God as a sacred act.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Meat offering" (Hebrew, _minchah_):** In the King James Version, "meat" (from Old English _mete_) was a general term for food. Here, it specifically refers to a grain or meal offering, not animal flesh. The _minchah_ was typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and could accompany animal sacrifices or be offered independently as an act of devotion or thanksgiving. It represented the fruit of human labor offered back to God.
* **"Sweet savour" (Hebrew, _reah nihoah_):** Literally meaning "a soothing aroma" or "pleasing odor," this phrase is a theological idiom used consistently throughout the Pentateuch to describe sacrifices that were acceptable to God. It signifies God's favorable reception of the offering and, by extension, the worshiper's devotion and obedience. It implies that the sacrifice has achieved its intended purpose of reconciliation, propitiation, or communion, bringing pleasure to the divine.
* **"Drink offerings" (Hebrew, _nesek_):** These were libations, typically of wine, poured out as an accompaniment to other sacrifices. The act of pouring out symbolized devotion, joy, and praise poured out to God, often complementing the burnt and grain offerings. They were an integral part of the complete sacrificial ritual, as seen in [Numbers 15:5](/numbers/15-5 "Numbers 15:5 - Drink Offering with a Burnt Offering").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering":** This clause emphasizes that the special offerings for the Feast of Trumpets were *in addition* to the regular monthly burnt offering (the New Moon offering) and its accompanying grain offering. It underscores the cumulative nature of Israel's worship, where special occasions did not negate standing obligations but rather augmented them.
* **"and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering":** Further reinforcing the cumulative principle, this specifies that the feast offerings were also *in addition* to the perpetual daily burnt offering and its associated grain offering. This highlights the continuous, unwavering nature of Israel's obligation to God's covenant.
* **"and their drink offerings, according unto their manner":** This indicates that the prescribed drink offerings were to accompany all the aforementioned sacrifices (monthly, daily, and feast-specific), performed precisely "according unto their manner," meaning according to the specific ritualistic instructions given for each type of offering. This speaks to the meticulousness and precision required in Israel's worship.
* **"for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD":** This concluding phrase states the purpose and nature of all these offerings. They were intended to be a "sweet savour," pleasing and acceptable to God. The phrase "made by fire unto the LORD" signifies their consecrated nature, consumed by fire as a means of ascending to God, symbolizing dedication and acceptance.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 29:6 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated mention of "burnt offering" and "meat offering" in relation to both monthly and daily sacrifices. This serves to emphasize the cumulative nature of the offerings required for the Feast of Trumpets, reinforcing that these special sacrifices were *additions* to the already established regular worship. The phrase "for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD" is an example of **Formulaic Language** or a **Liturgical Refrain**. This recurring phrase throughout the Pentateuch signifies divine acceptance and the proper, consecrated nature of the sacrifice, lending a sense of sacred ritual and divine approval to the act. Furthermore, the verse, like the surrounding chapters, utilizes **Enumeration** and **Detailing** to meticulously list the various components of the offerings. This precision underscores the exhaustive nature of God's commands and the exactitude required of Israel in their obedience and worship, leaving no room for ambiguity in their sacred duties.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:6, with its emphasis on cumulative offerings and the concept of a "sweet savour," articulates profound theological truths about the nature of worship and God's relationship with His people. The meticulous detail and the "beside" clause demonstrate that true devotion to God is not about minimum compliance but about abundant, consistent, and intentional giving of one's best. The Old Testament sacrificial system, though temporary, was a divinely instituted shadow, pointing to the need for atonement and the possibility of a pleasing relationship with a holy God. The "sweet savour" signifies God's gracious acceptance of the offering and, by extension, the worshiper, highlighting His desire for communion and reconciliation. This concept foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would truly be a "sweet savour" to God, bringing about complete and eternal reconciliation.

* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma")
* [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - Consecration Offering, a Sweet Aroma")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ceremonial laws of the Old Testament sacrificial system have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles embedded in Numbers 29:6 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The call to offer "beside" our regular obligations challenges us to move beyond mere duty or minimum requirements in our spiritual lives. It invites us to cultivate a spirit of abundant generosity, consistent devotion, and wholehearted worship that extends beyond formal gatherings into every aspect of our daily existence. Our lives are to be "living sacrifices," offered continually to God, seeking to live in a manner that is pleasing and acceptable to Him. The pursuit of being a "sweet savour" to the Lord translates into intentional obedience, genuine love for God and neighbor, and a life marked by integrity and faithfulness, reflecting our profound gratitude for His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "cumulative worship" in Numbers 29:6 challenge my understanding of Christian giving and service today?**
* **In what specific ways can my daily life be a "sweet savour" or "fragrant offering" to the Lord, beyond formal acts of worship?**
* **What does God's emphasis on detailed instructions in the Old Testament teach me about the importance of intentionality and reverence in my worship and obedience in the New Covenant?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "beside" in this verse?**

Answer: The word "beside" (Hebrew _'al_) is crucial because it emphasizes the *cumulative* nature of Israel's worship. It means that the special offerings prescribed for the Feast of Trumpets were *additional* to the regular daily and monthly sacrifices already mandated by the Mosaic Law. This highlights that special occasions did not negate or replace standing obligations but rather augmented them. It underscored the abundance, comprehensiveness, and continuous nature of Israel's devotion to God, signifying that their worship was not merely a matter of meeting minimum requirements but of offering generously and consistently, as seen throughout the sacrificial instructions in [Numbers 28-29](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28-29 - Laws Concerning Offerings and Feasts").

**Why is the "meat offering" called that in the KJV, if it's not animal flesh?**

Answer: In the King James Version (KJV), the term "meat" (from Old English _mete_) was a general word for food, not specifically animal flesh as it is understood today. The Hebrew word translated as "meat offering" is _minchah_, which refers to a grain or meal offering. This offering was typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and could be presented alone or, as in this verse, accompany animal sacrifices. This distinction is vital for understanding the full spectrum of offerings in the Mosaic Law, which included both blood sacrifices (like the burnt offering) and non-blood sacrifices (like the grain offering), each with its unique significance and purpose, as detailed in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intricate system of sacrifices detailed in Numbers 29:6, with its daily, monthly, and feast-specific offerings, all presented "for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose singular, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross superseded and completed the Old Testament ritual system. Christ's offering was the true and eternally effective "sweet savour" to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")), perfectly pleasing and fully acceptable, achieving what countless animal sacrifices could never fully accomplish—the complete atonement for sin and the perfect reconciliation of humanity to God ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus fulfilled the Law's demands ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), rendering the need for these detailed, repetitive offerings obsolete. Now, believers are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices"))—lives of praise, service, and obedience—made acceptable to God not by their own merit, but by virtue of Christ's finished work, embodying the "sweet savour" principle in a new covenant reality ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living 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

Numbers 28:3

And thou shalt say unto them, This [is] the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, [for] a continual burnt offering.

Numbers 28:8

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.

Numbers 28:11

And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;

Numbers 28:15

And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

Numbers 15:11

Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid.

Numbers 15:12

According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.

Ezra 3:4

They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as [it is] written, and [offered] the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;