“And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram.”
Context and Background:The book of Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. It recounts the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In this particular chapter, Numbers 29, God provides instructions for the appointed times of worship and the observance of various feasts and festivals.
The Meat Offering:In Numbers 29:3, the verse mentions the "meat offering" or "grain offering." The meat offering was one of the offerings presented to God as an act of worship and devotion. It consisted of fine flour mixed with oil and frankincense. This offering was not a literal meat offering but rather a cereal or grain offering, symbolizing the dedication of the Israelites’ labor and provision to God.
Quantities of the Offering:The verse specifies the quantities of the grain offering to be presented for different animals during the appointed times. For a bullock (young bull), the offering was three-tenth deals of flour mingled with oil. A tenth deal was a specific unit of measurement, representing a tenth part of an ephah, which was an ancient unit of dry measure. Therefore, for a bullock, the meat offering was three-tenths or 0.3 ephahs of flour mixed with oil.
Similarly, for a ram, the offering was two-tenth deals or 0.2 ephahs of flour mingled with oil. These measurements were precise and were part of the detailed instructions given by God to the Israelites to ensure their worship was done according to His commandments.
Symbolism and Meaning:The grain offering had both practical and symbolic significance. It represented the Israelites’ acknowledgment of God as their provider and sustainer. By offering a portion of their crops and labor, they expressed gratitude and dependency on God’s provision. The oil mixed with the flour symbolized the anointing of God’s Spirit, and the frankincense added a pleasant aroma, signifying the pleasing nature of their worship to God.
The specific quantities mentioned in the verse highlight the importance of precision and obedience in worship. God desired the Israelites to approach Him with reverence and attention to detail, following His instructions meticulously.
Application:While the specific regulations of the grain offering may not directly apply to Christians today, there are valuable principles we can draw from this passage. It reminds us of the importance of offering ourselves wholeheartedly to God in worship, acknowledging His provision and faithfulness in our lives. We can present our time, talents, and resources as an offering to honor and glorify God.
Furthermore, the attention to detail and obedience displayed in the instructions for the grain offering remind us of the significance of following God’s commandments. As believers, we are called to live lives of obedience and devotion to God, seeking to honor Him in all we do.
In conclusion, Numbers 29:3 provides insight into the grain offering presented to God during the appointed times of worship. It teaches us about gratitude, obedience, and the importance of offering ourselves wholeheartedly to God.
