“And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.”
Numbers 28:5 is part of a larger passage that outlines the daily offerings to be presented to the Lord in the tabernacle. These offerings were part of the system of worship established by God for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness.
In this specific verse, the focus is on the “meat offering” or grain offering that was to be presented to the Lord. The meat offering was not primarily composed of meat but rather consisted of fine flour mixed with oil and frankincense. It was an offering of gratitude and devotion to God, symbolising the acknowledgment of His provision and dependence on Him.
Let’s break down the verse further:
- “And a tenth part of an ephah of flour”: The flour mentioned here refers to fine flour made from wheat. The measurement “a tenth part of an ephah” represents a specific quantity that was to be used for the offering. An ephah was a unit of dry measure, and a tenth part of it signifies a portion or fraction of the whole.
- “for a meat offering”: The meat offering, as mentioned earlier, was a grain offering made to the Lord. It was a way for the Israelites to express their worship, gratitude, and devotion to God.
- “mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil”: The flour was to be mixed with oil. Here, a hin is a liquid measure, and a fourth part of a hin represents another specific quantity. The oil was essential to bind the flour together and add richness to the offering.
The phrase “beaten oil” refers to the process of extracting oil from olives by beating or crushing them. This indicates that the oil used for the offering was pure and of good quality.
Together, this verse highlights the precise measurements and ingredients required for the grain offering. It emphasises the importance of offering to God with sincerity, obedience, and attention to detail. The Israelites were to present this offering daily as part of their worship and to maintain their relationship with God.
In summary, Numbers 28:5 emphasises the significance of the grain offering in the worship practices of the Israelites. It reminds us of the importance of expressing our devotion to God, acknowledging His provision, and offering our gratitude. While the specific measurements and ingredients mentioned in this verse were relevant to the ancient Israelites, the underlying principles of worship, gratitude, and dependence on God continue to resonate with believers today.
