Numbers 28:5

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 (KJV)

Context

Numbers 28:5 belongs to a larger passage that describes the daily offerings presented to the Lord in the tabernacle. God gave these instructions to the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The verse specifies the grain offering that accompanied the daily burnt offering, forming a regular part of Israelite worship.

Meaning

The KJV calls this a “meat offering,” but the Hebrew word “minchah” more accurately means a grain, meal, or bread offering. It was not made of meat. The offering consisted of a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour, about 2.3 liters, mingled with a fourth part of a hin of beaten oil, about one quart. The fine flour and oil together made a bread offering.

The phrase “beaten oil” refers to oil pressed from olives by beating or crushing them. This process produced pure, high-quality oil. The oil was essential to bind the flour and add richness, and its quality showed reverence for God.

The precise measurements and ingredients emphasize obedience and attention to detail in worship. The offering was a sweet savour to the Lord, meaning it was pleasing and acceptable to Him. It symbolized gratitude and devotion, acknowledging God’s provision and the worshiper’s dependence on Him.

Biblical connections

The same basic instruction for a grain offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with a fourth part of a hin of oil appears in Numbers 15:4, where it is prescribed for offerings brought by individuals. This shows consistency in the worship system. The daily offering in Numbers 28:5 is part of regular, continual worship, distinct from special festival offerings described elsewhere, such as in Numbers 29:5, which includes a drink offering of wine.

Application

While the specific regulations for these offerings are not directly applicable to Christians today, the spiritual principles remain relevant. The offering points to complete consecration and surrender of one’s labor and sustenance to God, recognizing that all blessings come from Him. The fire of the burnt offering, which this grain offering accompanied, represented purification and offering oneself wholly to God.

Believers today can express gratitude and devotion through their daily lives, giving God their best and acknowledging their dependence on Him. The attention to detail in the offering reminds us that worship involves sincerity, obedience, and wholehearted commitment.

Reflection

This verse calls us to consider how we present ourselves to God. Just as the flour and oil were mingled together, our lives should blend faith and action, devotion and daily work. The offering was a sweet savour to the Lord, and our lives can be pleasing to Him when offered with a humble and grateful heart.