Numbers 28 13

Numbers 28:13 kjv

And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

Numbers 28:13 nkjv

and one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour, mixed with oil, as a grain offering for each lamb, as a burnt offering of sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

Numbers 28:13 niv

and with each lamb, a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with oil. This is for a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the LORD.

Numbers 28:13 esv

and a tenth of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering for every lamb; for a burnt offering with a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD.

Numbers 28:13 nlt

and two quarts with each lamb. This burnt offering will be a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Numbers 28 verses

Numbers 28 13 Meaning

Numbers 28:13 outlines the specific accompanying grain offerings required for the burnt offerings made to the LORD on the occasion of the New Moon. While the complete verse details quantities for bulls, rams, and lambs, the emphasis is on the precision and purity of these offerings: fine flour mixed with oil, presented as a tribute for complete dedication. These offerings created a "pleasing aroma," signifying God's acceptance and delight in the obedient and pure worship from His people. The act was a constant reminder of dependence on God and atonement for sin.

Numbers 28 13 Context

Numbers chapter 28 initiates a detailed account of the mușaf (additional) offerings required for various sacred times throughout the year: daily, weekly Sabbaths, monthly New Moons, and annual feasts. These offerings were distinct from personal or specific sin offerings, representing the nation's ongoing covenantal relationship and communal worship. Verse 13 specifically outlines the grain offering components accompanying the New Moon sacrifices, following the description of the animal offerings in verse 12 (two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs). The meticulousness of the prescriptions underscored God's holiness and His demand for precise obedience in worship. Culturally, the New Moon observance was significant, marking the beginning of each new month in the Israelite calendar and functioning as a solemn convocation where normal labor ceased, and specific offerings were made, anticipating God's renewed favor for the coming month. This systematic approach to worship directly countered the arbitrary and often manipulative pagan sacrificial practices of surrounding nations, emphasizing Israel's covenant solely with the one true LORD.

Numbers 28 13 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunctive, linking this instruction with the preceding verse detailing the animal sacrifices. It shows the accompanying nature of the grain offering.
• three tenths (שְׁלֹשָׁה עֶשְׂרֹנִים - sheloshah 'esronim): In the full text of Numbers 28:13, this quantity (three tenths of an ephah) is precisely prescribed for each bull in the burnt offering. It represents a substantial accompanying offering, underscoring the value placed on the primary sacrifice it supports. The full verse then specifies two tenths for the ram and a tenth for each lamb.
• of an ephah (אֵיפָה - ephah): A standard dry measure, roughly equivalent to 3/5 of a bushel or 22 liters. A "tenth" ('isaron) of an ephah was equivalent to an omer. The specific quantity highlights God's demand for precise obedience in all aspects of worship.
• of fine flour (סֹלֶת - solet): This term denotes flour of the highest quality, repeatedly specified for grain offerings. It symbolizes purity, excellence, and the best of the people's produce offered to God. It indicates the sacredness of the offering and the reverence due to the LORD.
• mixed with (בָּלוּל - balul): Signifies that the flour and oil were thoroughly integrated, not merely poured on top. This thorough mixing indicates a complete consecration, a unified offering where all components are integral to its purpose.
• oil (שֶּׁמֶן - shemen): An essential element in grain offerings. Oil, especially olive oil, was a staple of the land and culturally associated with joy, prosperity, healing, and consecration. Biblically, it frequently symbolizes the Holy Spirit and divine anointing. Its inclusion suggests the presence or blessing of God in the offering.
• as a grain offering (מִנְחָה - minchah): This specific term refers to a tribute or gift, distinct from a bloody sacrifice. In this context, it is a complementary offering, accompanying the burnt offering. It signifies gratitude, provision, and dependence, representing the produce of the land and human labor offered back to God.
• for each lamb (לַכֶּבֶשׂ הָאֶחָד - lakkebes ha'echad): As clarified by the complete Numbers 28:13, the accompanying grain offering for each lamb was actually one tenth of an ephah, not three tenths. The meticulous detail per animal emphasizes that each component of the offering, however small, was significant and strictly defined by divine command.
• for a burnt offering (עֹלָה - 'olah): The primary sacrifice of this context. The "olah" means "that which goes up" or "ascends," because the entire animal (except for the skin, which was given to the priest) was consumed on the altar. It symbolized complete dedication, atonement for unintentional sins, and devotion to God, totally surrendered to Him.
• of pleasing aroma (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ - reiach nichoach): This phrase describes God's gracious acceptance and delight in the offering. It's a common phrase used to signify that the sacrifice has been properly made and found acceptable in God's sight, providing propitiation and reconciliation. It reflects God's pleasure in obedience and the aroma rising to Him signifies His divine approval.
• a food offering (אִשֶּׁה - ishsheh): A general term referring to any offering made by fire. It emphasizes that these offerings were "food" or "gifts" presented to the LORD, not for His literal consumption but as something appointed for His presence and symbolic communion, highlighting His proprietorship.
• to the LORD (לַיהוָה - laYHWH): Clearly states the sole recipient of the offerings. They were not for idols, personal gain, or human pleasure, but exclusively for YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This designation underscores His absolute sovereignty and holiness.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And three tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, as a grain offering": This phrase defines the specific quantity and composition of the offering. The "three tenths" denotes a larger quantity of flour, used here as an example for its particular type of accompaniment, such as for the bull (as described in the full Num 28:13), but not the lamb. The flour being "fine" speaks to purity and quality. Being "mixed with oil" highlights thorough consecration and perhaps the Holy Spirit's pervasive influence, as this offering becomes integrated into the overall act of worship, signifying God's blessing on and in the gift. It's a structured, meticulously prepared gift.
• "for each lamb": In the precise context of Numbers 28:13, the actual requirement for "each lamb" is "a tenth of an ephah," not "three tenths." This highlights the differing but specific accompanying grain offering quantities designated for various animals, reflecting the scale and significance of each primary sacrifice in the ritual. Each type of offering had a precise formula given by God, indicating order and intention.
• "for a burnt offering of pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD": This describes the ultimate purpose and divine acceptance of the offering. The grain offering accompanies a "burnt offering" (olah), symbolizing total devotion. The description "pleasing aroma" and "food offering" indicates God's favorable reception of a rightly offered sacrifice. It signifies propitiation, fellowship, and adoration. These elements collectively denote a worship experience wholly consecrated to and graciously accepted by YHWH, revealing His character and the pathway to draw near to Him.

Numbers 28 13 Bonus section

• The term "Minchah" (grain offering) is also used generally in the Bible for any "gift" or "tribute," like Cain's offering in Genesis 4 or Jacob's gift to Esau. Here, it specifically denotes an offering from produce.
• The meticulous detailing of weights and measures in Numbers reflects the Israelite's practical understanding of worship: it was not vague but specific, demanding careful attention and obedience. This was also meant to highlight the divine origin of these commands, as only an infinite God could design such an intricate yet perfect system.
• The recurring phrase "food offering to the LORD" might seem anthropomorphic, but it underscores the concept that the offerings sustained a covenantal relationship, like meals shared in communion. It highlights God's acceptance and participation in the sacred exchange initiated by human devotion.
• The inclusion of grain and oil with animal sacrifices indicates a comprehensive offering of the worshipper's life and produce—all aspects dedicated to God. This speaks to the holistic nature of worship, encompassing physical effort (harvesting, preparing flour, pressing oil), spiritual dedication (pleasing aroma), and material wealth.
• The precision in these offering amounts for each animal also points to a proportional system that teaches fairness and equity in contribution according to what one has (a bull is a larger offering than a lamb, hence more flour).

Numbers 28 13 Commentary

Numbers 28:13 details the grain offering that complements the burnt sacrifices prescribed for the New Moon celebrations. While precise quantities vary based on the primary animal offered (as detailed in the full verse), the core elements—fine flour mixed with oil—remain constant. This "fine flour" symbolized the best of their produce, representing their labor and sustenance given back to God, underscoring gratitude and dependence. The "oil" signified consecration, joy, and importantly, the divine anointing and the pervasive presence of God's Spirit in worship. The fact that the ingredients were "mixed" implies a complete integration and saturation, making the offering whole and intrinsically set apart.

The entire package, when offered, created a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD. This biblical motif expresses God's acceptance and delight in obedient and sincere worship that adheres to His divine pattern. It’s not about God literally smelling something, but His approval and gracious favor resting upon His people through their faithful offerings. This ritual also served as a profound object lesson on atonement and devotion. The sacrifices pointed to the serious cost of sin and the necessity of approaching a holy God through divinely ordained means. Ultimately, these meticulously detailed offerings were shadows pointing to the perfect, ultimate, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose self-giving on the cross was the truest "pleasing aroma" to God, fulfilling every requirement for sin and providing a direct path for fellowship with the Father.