Numbers 28:21

A several tenth deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

Numbers 28:21 (KJV)

Context

The book of Numbers records Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 28, God gives specific instructions for the daily, Sabbath, monthly, and yearly offerings. This verse focuses on the grain offering that was to accompany each lamb during the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Meaning

The phrase “several tenth deal” refers to a specific measurement of fine flour, commonly understood as one-tenth of an ephah. An ephah was a standard unit of dry measure for grain. The instruction applies to each of the seven lambs sacrificed daily during the feast. For every lamb, a tenth deal of fine flour was to be offered as part of the sacrifice.

The offering of fine flour symbolizes the dedication of the Israelites’ resources to God. By offering a portion of their harvest, they acknowledged that all they had came from God and that He deserved their worship and gratitude. The offering was a tangible expression of their devotion and dependence on God.

Biblical connections

The same formula for the grain offering with the seven lambs is repeated in other contexts, such as the Feast of Tabernacles, showing a consistent pattern in Israel’s sacrificial system. The offering was made of flour mingled with oil and was part of the burnt offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD. This verse highlights that God’s instructions for worship were not vague but specific, and each element of the offering had its designated amount.

Application

While the specific regulations regarding offerings and sacrifices in the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, there are principles we can glean from this verse. It reminds us of the importance of giving to God out of a heart of gratitude and worship. Just as the Israelites offered a portion of their resources, we are encouraged to give back to God generously and cheerfully, recognizing that everything we have is ultimately a gift from Him.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is referred to as the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). His sacrificial death on the cross fulfilled the ultimate offering for sin, making the need for animal sacrifices obsolete. Through faith in Jesus, we can receive forgiveness and salvation. His sacrifice represents the complete atonement for sin, and we are called to respond with a heart of gratitude and surrender.

Reflection

The precision of the command underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in approaching God. The detailed nature of these laws points to the seriousness with which God regarded worship and the need for His people to follow His commands exactly. The verse serves as a reminder that God cares about the details of how He is worshipped and that His people are called to respond in faithful obedience.