“Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings”
Context:The book of Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, and it records the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. Numbers contains various instructions given by God to Moses for the organisation of the tabernacle, priesthood, and the offerings to be made. Chapter 28 specifically details the various daily, Sabbath, monthly, and annual offerings and sacrifices the Israelites were to present to the Lord.
The Continual Burnt Offering:In Numbers 28, God outlines the daily sacrifices to be offered on the altar. The phrase “the continual burnt offering” refers to the daily burnt offering that was to be presented to the Lord each morning and evening. This was a significant offering that demonstrated the Israelites’ ongoing commitment to worship and honour God.
The Meat Offering:Along with the continual burnt offering, the Israelites were also commanded to offer a “meat offering” or a grain offering. The meat offering consisted of fine flour mixed with oil and frankincense, and a portion of it was burned on the altar while the rest was given to the priests as food. This offering symbolised the people’s gratitude, dedication, and dependence on God for sustenance.
Without Blemish:God specified that the burnt offering, the meat offering, and their drink offerings were to be presented “without blemish.” This requirement emphasised the importance of offering their best to God. It reflected the concept of offering God something perfect and unblemished, representing the holiness and purity that should be associated with worship and sacrifice.
Drink Offerings:In addition to the burnt offering and the meat offering, the Israelites were also instructed to offer drink offerings. These consisted of wine poured out as a symbol of gratitude, dedication, and pouring out one’s life before God. Drink offerings were often presented along with other offerings and sacrifices as an act of worship.
Application:While the specific instructions in Numbers 28:31 were given to the Israelites for their worship practices, we can draw spiritual lessons from this passage. It reminds us of the importance of offering our best to God in worship and service. We are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). Just as the Israelites were to offer their offerings without blemish, we should strive to offer our lives and service to God without compromise or impurity.
