Numbers 29:14

And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,

Numbers 29:14 (KJV)

Context

God gave Moses these instructions during the wilderness journey, as part of the Feast of Tabernacles, also called the Feast of Booths. This festival combined remembrance of the wilderness years with thanksgiving for the harvest.

Meaning

The “meat offering” here is a grain offering of fine flour mixed with olive oil. It accompanied the burnt offerings of thirteen bullocks and two rams on the first day of the feast. The prescribed amounts were three tenth deals of flour for each bullock and two tenth deals for each ram. A tenth deal was about two quarts, so each bullock required roughly six quarts and each ram about four quarts. These precise measurements show that God cares about the details of worship.

The grain offering was a non-animal sacrifice expressing gratitude and dedication. Flour and oil were staple products of the land, so offering them acknowledged that all good things come from God. The people depended on Him for daily bread and for the oil that sustained life.

Biblical connections

These quantities follow the general rules for grain offerings given in Numbers 15:4-10, and they match the pattern used for other feasts, such as the new moon offerings in Numbers 28:11-12. This consistency shows that the worship system was orderly and deliberate.

Application

The grain offering teaches believers to present their lives as a pleasing offering to God. Just as the Israelites gave their best flour and oil, Christians can offer their time, talents, and resources with thankful hearts. The exactness of the command reminds us that obedience matters in worship, even in small details.

Reflection

This verse calls us to examine our own worship. Do we approach God with careful reverence and gratitude? The Feast of Tabernacles was a time of rejoicing, and the offerings were a sweet savour to the Lord. Our worship should also be marked by joy and thankfulness for God’s faithful provision.