“And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.”
In this verse, God gives instructions to the Israelites regarding the drink offering to be presented as part of their worship and sacrifices. It is important to understand the historical and cultural context to fully grasp the significance of this verse.
During the time of the Israelites in the wilderness, God provided detailed instructions to Moses concerning various offerings and sacrifices to be made at the tabernacle. These offerings included burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and drink offerings.
The drink offering mentioned in Numbers 15:10 was a complementary offering that accompanied other offerings. It was made by pouring out wine on the altar as a symbol of devotion and surrender to God. The drink offering was meant to be a pleasing aroma or “sweet savour” to the Lord.
While the specific measurement mentioned in this verse, “half a hin of wine,” may not hold much significance for us today, it was a prescribed amount in the ancient Hebrew system of measurement. The hin was a unit of liquid measure roughly equivalent to about 5.5 liters or 1.5 gallons.
The drink offering held symbolic value in the Israelite worship. It represented joy, celebration, and gratitude to God. By offering a portion of their wine to God, the Israelites acknowledged His provision and sought to honor Him.
It’s important to note that the drink offering alone was not sufficient; it was always presented alongside other offerings. The drink offering was an additional act of worship, expressing the worshipper’s desire to give their best to God.
As Christians, we can draw some principles from this verse. Firstly, it teaches us about the importance of worshiping God with our entire being. Just as the Israelites offered their sacrifices and drink offerings, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). Our worship should encompass every aspect of our lives and involve giving our best to Him.
Secondly, the drink offering serves as a reminder to express gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His provision and blessings. We should acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness in our lives and respond with heartfelt gratitude.
Lastly, the drink offering points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as a pleasing aroma to God on our behalf. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, His bloodshed for the forgiveness of sins, and His resurrection provide the foundation for our salvation. As Christians, we no longer offer animal sacrifices or drink offerings, but we are called to offer our lives in service to God, living in obedience to His Word.
In conclusion, Numbers 15:10 illustrates the importance of the drink offering in the Israelite worship and sacrificial system. It teaches us about the principles of wholehearted worship, gratitude, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
