“Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oil.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It contains various laws and regulations given by God to Moses for the people of Israel.
The Offerings:In Numbers 15:6, God instructs Moses regarding the offerings that the Israelites were to present to Him. Specifically, this verse pertains to the meat offering or grain offering. The meat offering was a non-blood sacrifice made of flour and oil, which was a way for the Israelites to show their gratitude and dedication to God.
The Ingredients:According to the verse, the meat offering required two tenth deals of flour mixed with the third part of a hin of oil. A hin is a unit of measurement for liquids, and it is approximately equal to 1.5 gallons or 5.7 litres. So, the meat offering consisted of a specific amount of flour mixed with a specific amount of oil.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
- Flour:Flour is a basic ingredient in making bread, which is a staple food. It symbolises sustenance and provision. In the context of the offering, it represents the provision and sustenance provided by God to His people.
- Oil:Oil often symbolises the Holy Spirit in the Bible. The presence of oil in the offering signifies the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit upon the lives of God’s people.
- Proportions and Precision:The specific measurements prescribed by God indicate the importance of following His instructions precisely. It teaches us the value of obedience and attention to detail in our worship and service to God.
- Giving our Best:The offerings required by God were not to be haphazardly thrown together but were to be carefully prepared. It teaches us to give our best to God in everything we do, offering Him our time, resources, and talents with a sincere and devoted heart.
Application:
- Gratitude and Dedication:Like the meat offering, we should approach God with gratitude for His provision and dedication to His service. We can express our gratitude through prayer, worship, and acts of service.
- Obedience and Attention to Detail:Just as God expected the Israelites to follow His instructions precisely, we should strive to obey God’s Word and pay attention to the details of our faith. It means being diligent in studying the Bible, seeking God’s guidance, and aligning our lives with His commands.
- Giving our Best:God desires our wholehearted devotion. We should offer Him our best in every aspect of our lives-our time, talents, and resources. This includes using our skills and abilities to honour God, serving others, and living in a way that brings glory to Him.
In summary, Numbers 15:6 emphasises the significance of the meat offering in the worship of the Israelites. It symbolises provision, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of obedience and giving our best to God. It encourages us to approach God with gratitude and dedication, obey His Word, and offer our best to Him in every area of our lives.
