“And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the Lord; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Old Testament and provides a historical account of the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, God instructs Moses to convey to the Israelites the offerings they are to present to the Lord as a burnt offering.
Burnt Offering:The burnt offering was a central form of worship in ancient Israel. It involved the complete consumption of an animal on the altar, symbolizing the surrender and dedication of the worshipper to God. The burnt offering was an act of atonement, expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, or expressing devotion to the Lord.
Sacrificial Requirements:In Numbers 28:3, God specifies the requirements for the daily burnt offering. It consists of two lambs of the first year without any blemish or defect. The choice of young lambs without spot emphasizes the purity and excellence of the offering. This instruction emphasises the need for presenting the best to God.
Continual Offering:The burnt offering was to be offered daily as a continuous act of worship. The repetition of the offering highlights the Israelites’ commitment to honoring and serving God continually. It demonstrates the importance of consistent devotion and dedication to God in their daily lives.
Spiritual Significance:The burnt offering foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Just as the animal was completely consumed by fire, Jesus offered Himself fully as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His sacrifice is eternally effective, providing forgiveness and reconciliation between God and humanity.
Application:While the specific practice of burnt offerings is no longer observed today, the principles underlying this offering are still relevant to our lives as Christians. We can learn from Numbers 28:3 to present ourselves as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). We are called to offer our lives daily, surrendering our will, dedicating our talents, and committing our actions to honour and please the Lord.
In summary, Numbers 28:3 teaches us about the daily burnt offering required by God from the Israelites. The offering was to consist of two unblemished lambs as a continual act of worship, symbolizing surrender, dedication, and atonement. Although we no longer offer burnt sacrifices, we can apply the principles of devotion, surrender, and commitment to our lives as we seek to honour God in all we do.
