Numbers 15 7

Numbers 15:7 kjv

And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savor unto the LORD.

Numbers 15:7 nkjv

and as a drink offering you shall offer one-third of a hin of wine as a sweet aroma to the LORD.

Numbers 15:7 niv

and a third of a hin of wine as a drink offering. Offer it as an aroma pleasing to the LORD.

Numbers 15:7 esv

And for the drink offering you shall offer a third of a hin of wine, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Numbers 15:7 nlt

and give a third of a gallon of wine as a liquid offering. This will be a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Numbers 15 verses

Numbers 15 7 Meaning

This verse details the specific requirements for the accompanying grain offering (minchah) and liquid offering when a ram is presented as a sacrifice. It prescribes that for each ram offered, two-tenths of an ephah (a dry measure) of fine flour must be prepared, mixed thoroughly with one-third of a hin (a liquid measure) of olive oil. These precise measurements and the finest quality ingredients underscore the divinely appointed standards for acceptable worship, symbolizing an act of complete dedication and acknowledgment of God's provision.

Numbers 15 7 Context

Numbers chapter 15, specifically verses 1-16, lays out supplementary laws concerning offerings, primarily specifying the required accompanying grain offerings (minchah) and drink offerings for various types of sacrifices, particularly burnt offerings and peace offerings. These detailed instructions were given by God to Moses, to be observed by the Israelites "when you come into the land of your dwelling" (Num 15:2), signaling preparation for life in Canaan. This passage ensures the meticulous adherence to divine standards of worship for both native-born Israelites and resident foreigners. Coming after the tragic failure and rebellion of the Israelites following the spies' report (Numbers 13-14), these laws highlight God's enduring commitment to His covenant people, providing them with guidelines for maintaining proper fellowship and worship, even amidst their sin and punishment. Historically, these elaborate and precise ritual requirements distinguished the worship of Yahweh from the often haphazard and impure practices of surrounding pagan cultures, emphasizing holiness, order, and complete devotion in service to the one true God.

Numbers 15 7 Word analysis

• and for a ram: (וּלְאַיִל, ūlə’ayil) The word ‘ayil (ram) signifies a male sheep, usually a high-value animal often used for burnt offerings (Lev 8:18), peace offerings, sin offerings, or guilt offerings due to its strength and purity. Rams represented significant sacrificial value, often employed for communal or significant individual atonement, or in priestly consecrations.
• you shall prepare: (תַּעֲשֶׂה, taʿaśeh) Literally "you shall make" or "do." This active verb denotes responsibility and intention in the preparation of the offering. It implies adherence to divine command, not mere suggestion.
• as a grain offering: (מִנְחָה, minchah) A "grain offering" (often rendered "meal offering") is a bloodless sacrifice, typically composed of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It usually accompanied burnt offerings or peace offerings (as here), but could also be a stand-alone offering. It symbolized devotion, sustenance, the fruits of one's labor, fellowship with God, and thanksgiving for His provision, serving as an acknowledgement that all provisions come from Him.
• two-tenths of an ephah: (עִשָּׂרוֹנִים שְׁנֵי אֵיפָה, shenêy ʿisaronîm ʾêpāh) "Two tenths" refers to a measure. An ephah was a dry measure, roughly 22 liters or two-thirds of a bushel. Two-tenths of an ephah therefore specifies a precise quantity of flour required, indicating the meticulous detail God demanded in worship, contrasting with arbitrary human offerings. This exactness speaks to divine order and precision.
• of fine flour: (סֹלֶת, sōleth) Solet denotes the finest, sifted flour, signifying the best possible quality. Sacrifices were to be unblemished and of premium grade, reflecting the giver’s intention to offer only what is truly excellent and honorable to God. This choice underscored the sacredness of the offering and the reverence due to the Almighty.
• mixed: (בָּלוּל, balûl) Meaning "mingled" or "poured together." This isn't merely flour with oil on top, but the oil is incorporated throughout the flour. This speaks of the thoroughness required in preparing the offering, and symbolically, the integration of all aspects of life (represented by flour and oil) into worship. The "mixing" could also hint at the complete blending of the believer's offering with God's purposes.
• with one-third of a hin: (שְׁלִישִׁית הַהִין, shelîshît hahîn) "One-third of a hin." A hin was a liquid measure, approximately 3.7 liters (one gallon). This precisely calibrated quantity of oil further demonstrates the specific, non-negotiable nature of God's instructions for worship.
• of oil: (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) Specifically, olive oil was typically used. Oil symbolized several things: anointing (consecration), light (God's presence), prosperity, healing, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit in later theology. Its inclusion suggests the need for spiritual anointing, purity, and the rich abundance God provides, which is offered back to Him.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "grain offering two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour": This phrase emphasizes that God required a specific type of offering (non-bloody, from grain) and a precisely measured quantity, ensuring quality and conformity. It represents the dedication of human sustenance and labor back to God.
• "mixed with one-third of a hin of oil": The mixture of oil and flour signifies a complete and integrated offering. Oil permeates the flour, symbolizing the necessary blend of spiritual substance (oil/Spirit) with physical dedication (flour/labor). It also points to the sufficiency and richness of God’s provision, from which a portion is consecrated back to Him.
• "for a ram, you shall prepare...": This highlights the proportional nature of offerings – different animals required different, specified accompanying offerings, demonstrating a divine scale and order in worship. It shows that higher-value sacrifices like a ram warranted more substantial accompanying offerings.

Numbers 15 7 Bonus section

The progressive nature of these laws (compare the offering for a lamb in Num 15:5, a ram here, and a bull in Num 15:8-9) illustrates a proportional giving based on the value of the main sacrifice. A ram required more flour and oil than a lamb, and a bull required even more. This shows God's consistent principles applied across different scales of offering. The "pleasant aroma" (not explicitly in this verse but intrinsic to the burnt and grain offerings, cf. Num 15:3) implies acceptance and delight from God, not merely in the ritual act, but in the heart attitude and adherence to divine instruction that it represents. Furthermore, the inclusion of resident aliens in these same laws (Num 15:15-16) underscored the unifying nature of God's covenant and His expectation for all within the community to adhere to His worship standards, embodying a singular body of faith. These grain and oil offerings were foundational expressions of covenant relationship, acting as both an acknowledgment of divine bounty and an expression of dependent obedience.

Numbers 15 7 Commentary

Numbers 15:7 provides a precise divine prescription for a part of Israel's sacrificial worship: the specific grain and oil accompanying a ram offering. This meticulous detail—"two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one-third of a hin of oil"—underscores several profound truths. First, it emphasizes God's expectation of excellence in worship; "fine flour" (solen) represents the purest and best quality, not leftovers or inferior ingredients. This reflects that our devotion to God should be our utmost and finest, given freely and sincerely, acknowledging His supreme worthiness. Second, the precision of the measurements highlights the ordered and specific nature of God's demands for worship, contrasting with arbitrary human worship methods or the haphazard offerings common in pagan religions. God prescribes; humanity obeys. Third, the ingredients themselves carry rich symbolism: flour (bread) speaks of sustenance, life, and labor, while oil signifies anointing, light, and in Christian understanding, the Holy Spirit. The act of "mixing" them implies an integrated offering—physical sustenance dedicated and permeated by spiritual purpose, indicating that our whole life is to be consecrated. These accompanying offerings ensured that worship was a complete act, covering various aspects of life dedicated back to the Provider. They prefigure Christ, who, as our ultimate "fine flour" and "oil," offers himself completely as the perfect sacrifice and our ultimate sustenance and anointing (Jn 6:35, Lk 4:18), fulfilling all these shadowy figures of the Old Covenant.Examples for practical usage:

• Giving our best in work and talent to God's service, rather than what's convenient.
• Being specific and intentional in our spiritual disciplines, like prayer or Bible study, not just vague or haphazard.
• Acknowledging God as the source of our provision, even our daily sustenance, and dedicating it back to Him through worship and faithful living.