Numbers 15 9

Numbers 15:9 kjv

Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil.

Numbers 15:9 nkjv

then shall be offered with the young bull a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with half a hin of oil;

Numbers 15:9 niv

bring with the bull a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with half a hin of olive oil,

Numbers 15:9 esv

then one shall offer with the bull a grain offering of three tenths of an ephah of fine flour, mixed with half a hin of oil.

Numbers 15:9 nlt

you must also give a grain offering of six quarts of choice flour mixed with two quarts of olive oil,

Numbers 15 verses

Numbers 15 9 Meaning

Numbers 15:9 specifies the accompanying non-blood offering required when a bullock is presented as a sacrifice. It details the precise quantities: three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, meticulously mixed with half a hin of oil. This directive is part of the extensive laws outlining worship and offerings for the Israelite community, emphasizing the intentionality, quality, and generosity expected in their devotion to God. It symbolizes both human labor and divine provision in the act of worship.

Numbers 15 9 Context

Numbers chapter 15 presents a series of laws concerning various offerings and transgressions, given to the Israelites in the wilderness shortly after the rebellion at Kadesh Barnea. While the preceding chapter dealt with their failure to enter the promised land, this chapter begins with regulations for offerings "when you come into the land" (Num 15:2). This highlights that these laws are both immediately relevant for their present wilderness journey and prophetic for their future settled life. The laws include the complementary offerings required alongside burnt and peace offerings, specific provisions for unintentional sins (for both the congregation and individuals), and severe consequences for deliberate, high-handed sins. Verse 9 is specifically part of the detailed instructions for the grain and drink offerings that must accompany an animal sacrifice, detailing the specific proportions when a 'bullock' is offered, which is a significant and costly animal often used for corporate sin or large-scale dedication. The precision in these laws underscores the order, holiness, and intentionality God expected in their worship.

Numbers 15 9 Word analysis

• Then bring: (Heb. Hiqriv) Literally "to cause to come near" or "to present." This verb often describes the act of bringing an offering to the altar, a priestly function, signifying a dedicated approach to God in worship. It is an imperative, a command from God.
• with the bullock: (Heb. `im hapar)
  • bullock: (Heb. par) A young bull, a valuable and substantial animal. Its inclusion signifies an offering of significant cost and scale, often required for serious corporate sins (e.g., Lev 4:13-21) or major national vows (e.g., Num 15:24), emphasizing the magnitude of the accompanying worship.
• a meat offering: (Heb. minchah) In the Old Testament, this term consistently refers to a "grain offering" or "meal offering," typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, not animal flesh. This term is crucial as it signifies a non-blood offering, an expression of gratitude, devotion, or tribute, offered alongside blood sacrifices, and not for atonement itself.
• of three tenth deals: (Heb. sheloshah `essaronim)
  • three tenth deals: An `issaron (one "tenth deal") is one-tenth of an ephah, a standard dry measure (approximately 2.2 liters). Three tenth deals would be about 6.6 liters or roughly 1.5 gallons of flour, a significant quantity. This specified amount demonstrates God's demand for generosity and precision in His worship, corresponding to the large size of the animal sacrifice (the bullock).
• of flour: (Heb. soleth) Specifically refers to "fine flour" or "finest flour," the highest quality, milled from the purest part of the grain. This signifies offering the best of one's produce to God, reflecting a posture of reverence and giving without reservation. It represents the fruit of human labor and God's provision.
• mingled: (Heb. balal) To mix, to blend thoroughly. This implies an intentional, unified preparation where the oil is fully integrated into the flour, not merely poured on top. It suggests a complete offering where components are combined as one.
• with half a hin of oil: (Heb. chatzi hin shemen)
  • half a hin: A hin was a liquid measure (approximately 3.6 to 6.1 liters). So half a hin (about 1.8-3 liters) of oil. This is a substantial amount.
  • oil: (Heb. shemen) Olive oil was a staple and valuable commodity in ancient Israel. In the Bible, oil symbolizes richness, joy (Psa 23:5), light (Ex 27:20), and most significantly, anointing and consecration (Ex 30:22-30), often representing the Holy Spirit's presence or blessing. Its inclusion points to the spiritual enrichment and consecration desired in worship.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then bring with the bullock": This phrase emphasizes the supplementary nature of this offering. The minchah (grain offering) and oil are not standalone sacrifices in this context, but are intrinsically linked as an accompanying component to a primary animal sacrifice (the bullock). This highlights a composite approach to worship, where atonement (via the blood sacrifice) is followed or accompanied by an expression of gratitude and dedication (grain and oil).
• "a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half a hin of oil": This full phrase defines the precise components and quantities of the supplementary offering. The detail demonstrates God's sovereignty and His demand for meticulously planned, costly, and complete worship, contrasting with arbitrary or careless practices common in pagan worship. The combination of flour (sustenance, human labor) and oil (joy, consecration, the Spirit) signifies a desire for complete dedication and a Spirit-filled life in the presence of God.

Numbers 15 9 Bonus section

• The specified measurements (`essaronim and hin) are consistent across Leviticus and Numbers for similar offerings, establishing a standardized and unified system of worship throughout Israel's generations. This contrasts sharply with the often chaotic and unquantified offerings of surrounding pagan religions.
• The absence of leaven (fermentation, often associated with corruption) and honey (often associated with self-indulgence) in most grain offerings, though not directly stated in this verse, is an implicit context of such offerings (Lev 2:11). This further emphasizes purity and integrity in what is offered to God.
• The repetitive nature of these detailed sacrificial instructions throughout the Pentateuch was not just for instruction but for indelible impressment upon the people, ensuring the importance of the ritual, reinforcing their identity as a holy nation, and training them in disciplines of obedience and faith.
• The consistent association of flour, oil, and often wine in offerings teaches that spiritual worship encompasses all aspects of life – sustenance, labor, joy, and the Spirit's anointing. This ancient ritual provides a tangible illustration for New Testament believers that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice enables their continuous "spiritual sacrifices" of self, service, and resources.

Numbers 15 9 Commentary

Numbers 15:9 provides precise instructions for a significant, non-blood offering meant to accompany the sacrifice of a bullock. This directive underscores several core principles of biblical worship. Firstly, God's demand for specificity and exactness in religious ritual highlights His holiness and the serious nature of approaching Him; worship is not an improvisational or casual act, but a divinely ordained one. Secondly, the considerable quantities of fine flour and oil represent the best quality and a substantial contribution, reflecting God's expectation for generous and wholehearted giving from His people, giving of their firstfruits and not merely leftovers. Thirdly, the complementary nature of the grain and oil offering to the bullock (a blood sacrifice often for atonement or consecration) speaks to the multi-faceted nature of covenant worship: atonement is accompanied by gratitude, consecration, and the dedication of daily provisions and human labor. Ultimately, while these physical offerings prefigure the perfect and singular sacrifice of Christ (Heb 9-10), they also serve as a timeless call for believers to offer their "spiritual sacrifices" (1 Pet 2:5) – their lives, resources, and joyful obedience – as a pleasing aroma to the Lord (Rom 12:1; Phil 4:18), fully dedicated and yielded in Spirit and truth.