Numbers 28:7
And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the Lord for a drink offering.
Numbers 28:7 (KJV)
Context
In Numbers 28, God gives Moses instructions for the daily, weekly, monthly, and festival offerings. This verse belongs to the description of the regular daily burnt offering, which included a lamb each morning and evening.
Meaning
A drink offering was wine poured out to the Lord, usually accompanying a burnt or grain offering. The amount for one lamb was a fourth part of a hin, a liquid measure of about 3.6 litres, so this was roughly 0.9 litres. The wine was to be “strong,” meaning it was of good quality and value, not diluted or weak.
The command says to pour it “in the holy place.” In the tabernacle, the holy place was the tent area with the altar of incense, just outside the Most Holy Place. The altar of burnt offering stood in the outer court, so the wine was poured at its base within the sacred precinct. This location marked the act as holy worship, not a common meal.
Biblical connections
Numbers 15:5 gives the same measure of a fourth of a hin of wine for each lamb, and Exodus 29:40 applies it to the consecration of priests. These parallel instructions show that this practice was consistent throughout Israel’s worship. The drink offering pointed forward to Christ, who poured out His life completely as an offering for sin.
Application
Pouring out wine symbolised giving back to God a portion of what He provided. It represented dedication, surrender, and gratitude. Believers today can offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), giving their whole lives to God rather than holding back. The joy associated with wine also reminds us that obedience brings the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).
Reflection
This verse calls for wholehearted devotion. The cost of the strong wine and the sacred place of pouring show that true worship values quality and reverence. A grateful heart, offered fully to God, remains a fitting response to His faithfulness.
