Numbers 8:8

Then let them take a young bullock with his meat offering, [even] fine flour mingled with oil, and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin offering.

Then let them take {H3947} a young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499} with his meat offering {H4503}, even fine flour {H5560} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}, and another {H8145} young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499} shalt thou take {H3947} for a sin offering {H2403}.

Then they are to take a young bull with its grain offering, which is to be fine flour mixed with olive oil; while you take another bull for a sin offering.

Then have them take a young bull with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil, and you are to take a second young bull for a sin offering.

Then let them take a young bullock, and its meal-offering, fine flour mingled with oil; and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin-offering.

Commentary

Numbers 8:8 is a specific instruction within the detailed ritual for the consecration of the Levites, outlining the animal and grain offerings required for their purification and dedication to service in the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the meticulous nature of God's commands regarding holiness and worship in ancient Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage in Numbers 8 (verses 5-26) that describes the purification and dedication ceremony for the Levites. Unlike the priests, who were from the tribe of Levi but specifically from the family of Aaron, the Levites were tasked with assisting the priests in the Tabernacle. Their duties included transporting the Tabernacle, caring for its furnishings, and serving as guardians and musicians. Because they would be handling holy objects and serving in God's presence, a special cleansing and consecration ritual was essential. This particular verse details the specific sacrifices โ€” two young bullocks and their accompanying grain offering โ€” that the Levites themselves were to present for this purification.

Key Themes

  • Purity and Consecration: The primary theme is the necessity of ritual purity and dedication before entering into sacred service. The offerings served to cleanse the Levites from sin and impurity, making them acceptable to God for their holy duties.
  • Sacrifice for Atonement: The inclusion of a "sin offering" underscores the principle that sin requires atonement. Even for those set apart for God's service, purification from sin was a prerequisite, illustrating humanity's inherent need for reconciliation with God.
  • God's Detailed Instructions: The precision with which God commanded these ceremonies reflects His holiness and the serious nature of approaching Him. Every detail, from the type of animal to the accompanying grain offering, was prescribed to ensure proper worship and reverence.
  • Representation: The Levites served as representatives of the entire nation of Israel before God, and their consecration underscored the holiness required of the community in its relationship with the Almighty.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "meat offering" in this verse translates the Hebrew word minchah (ืžึดื ึฐื—ึธื”), which is more accurately understood as a "grain offering" or "meal offering." This offering consisted of fine flour mingled with oil, often presented alongside blood sacrifices. Unlike the sin offering, the minchah was typically an offering of thanksgiving or dedication, symbolizing the worshipper's devotion and provision from God. The "sin offering," chatta'th (ื—ึทื˜ึธึผืืช), was specifically for atonement for sin, particularly unintentional sins or ritual impurities.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind Numbers 8:8 remain relevant for believers today:

  • Holiness in Service: Just as the Levites had to be consecrated, believers are called to live holy lives as they serve God. We are a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices.
  • The Sufficiency of Christ: The repeated animal sacrifices in the Old Testament pointed forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was the once-for-all sin offering, making it possible for us to approach God with confidence, not through animal blood, but through His shed blood.
  • Obedience and Reverence: The meticulous instructions for the Levites emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands and approaching Him with reverence and seriousness. This teaches us that our worship and service should reflect our awe for God's majesty.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 2:1

    ยถ And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be [of] fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

  • Leviticus 16:3

    Thus shall Aaron come into the holy [place]: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.

  • Isaiah 53:10

    ยถ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  • Exodus 29:1

    ยถ And this [is] the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

  • Leviticus 4:14

    When the sin, which they have sinned against it, is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bullock for the sin, and bring him before the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Numbers 15:8

    And when thou preparest a bullock [for] a burnt offering, or [for] a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:
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