Numbers 28 5

Numbers 28:5 kjv

And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.

Numbers 28:5 nkjv

and one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil.

Numbers 28:5 niv

together with a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives.

Numbers 28:5 esv

also a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a grain offering, mixed with a quarter of a hin of beaten oil.

Numbers 28:5 nlt

With each lamb you must offer a grain offering of two quarts of choice flour mixed with one quart of pure oil of pressed olives.

Numbers 28 verses

Numbers 28 5 Meaning

Numbers 28:5 prescribes a specific element for the daily morning and evening burnt offerings: a grain offering consisting of one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour thoroughly mixed with oil. This details the precise quantity and preparation method for the accompanying offering, underscoring the meticulous nature of the worship commanded by God. It signifies the Israelites' continuous dedication, thanksgiving for sustenance, and recognition of God's provision in their daily lives.

Numbers 28 5 Context

Numbers chapter 28, along with chapter 29, constitutes a detailed divine mandate concerning the various offerings to be presented to the Lord throughout the year. These chapters are part of the larger legislative corpus within the Pentateuch, specifically provided to Moses for the Israelites in the wilderness. Numbers 28:5 is nested within the description of the tamid (daily) offerings, which included two unblemished lambs sacrificed each day—one in the morning and one in the evening. This verse specifies the accompanying minchah (grain offering) and its precise components, highlighting the integral role of these rituals in establishing and maintaining a covenant relationship with God. Historically, these detailed regulations instilled order, holiness, and constant remembrance of God's presence and provision within the Israelite community, serving as a distinct system of worship that contrasted sharply with the chaotic or arbitrary sacrificial practices of surrounding pagan nations.

Numbers 28 5 Word analysis

• And a tenth part: Hebrew: va'asarone (וַעֲשָׂרוֹן֙). This term, also translated as "tenth-deal," refers to a specific, standardized dry measure. Its precise designation emphasizes the divine instruction for meticulous worship, leaving no room for human arbitrariness.
• of an ephah: Hebrew: 'ephah (אֵיפָה). An ancient Israelite unit of dry capacity, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or 0.6 bushels. The use of this specific unit underscores the detailed and non-negotiable nature of God's commands for the sanctuary service, ensuring conformity to divine standards.
• of flour: Hebrew: kemach (קֶ֤מַח). More specifically, solet (סֹלֶת) which is "fine flour." This signifies the highest quality and purity, representing the best of their produce offered back to God. Fine flour suggests an offering made with care and dedication, fit for a holy God.
• for a meat offering: KJV's "meat offering" is an archaic translation. The Hebrew minchah (מִנְחָה) means "grain offering" or "meal offering." Unlike blood sacrifices primarily for atonement, the minchah was typically a gift or tribute expressing gratitude, devotion, and acknowledgment of God's provision and sustaining power. It often accompanied a burnt offering.
• mingled: Hebrew: balulah (בְּלוּלָ֖ה). A feminine passive participle, meaning "mixed," "blended," or "saturated." It implies a thorough and intimate mixing of the oil with the flour, not just a superficial pouring. This signifies a complete and integrated offering, where ingredients are wholly combined, possibly representing a holistic dedication.
• with oil: Hebrew: ba'shemen (בַּשָּֽׁמֶן). Refers specifically to olive oil. In the ancient world, oil was a precious commodity, signifying wealth, purity, blessing, light, and sustenance. In biblical symbolism, oil is often associated with consecration (e.g., anointing priests and kings) and, especially in the New Testament, with the Holy Spirit. Its inclusion enhanced the offering, making it suitable for sacred use and easier to burn.

Words-group analysis:

• "a tenth part of an ephah of flour": This phrase precisely delineates the quantity and quality of the staple ingredient for the accompanying grain offering. The exact measure (one-tenth of an ephah) points to God's insistence on order, exactness, and adherence to prescribed rituals, signifying that worship should be intentional and obedient rather than haphazard. The use of "flour" (specifically fine flour) denotes an offering of the finest agricultural produce, representing the best of human labor and God's provision.
• "for a meat offering, mingled with oil": This group clarifies the purpose and preparation. The "meat offering" (grain offering) was an expression of gratitude, dependence, and acknowledgment of God's sustenance. Its being "mingled with oil" implies a thorough integration, where the enriching and symbolically significant oil permeates the flour. This speaks to the consecrated nature of the offering, infused with blessing and purity, anticipating the indwelling and empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant worship (though the specific theological meaning evolved later). It points to an offering presented with intention, thoroughness, and a sense of sacredness.

Numbers 28 5 Bonus section

• The quantity of one-tenth of an ephah is frequently prescribed for grain offerings in various sacrifices, suggesting it became a standard measure for an individual accompanying offering (e.g., Num 15:4).
• The ritual meal (minchah) alongside the bloody sacrifice emphasized that the offering of one's produce and livelihood was also an essential aspect of covenant loyalty, complementing the atoning aspects of the animal sacrifices.
• The burnt offering (which Numbers 28:5 supports) symbolized complete surrender and atonement. The accompanying grain offering underscored devotion and the dedication of life's provisions back to God.
• The continuous nature of the daily sacrifice, accompanied by its flour and oil, emphasized constant fellowship and dependence on God's grace and constant provision. This rhythmic, daily ritual structured Israel's understanding of God's faithfulness and their corresponding responsibilities.

Numbers 28 5 Commentary

Numbers 28:5 provides meticulous detail for the accompanying grain offering within the foundational tamid (daily) burnt sacrifice system. The specification of "a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour, mingled with oil" for each daily lamb highlights the unwavering precision and comprehensive nature of God's commands for worship. This consistency instilled a disciplined reverence in the Israelites, teaching them that approaching God required obedience to divine instruction rather than human improvisation. The flour, representing their sustenance from God's provision, became an offering of thanksgiving and dependence, while the oil signified consecration, blessing, and purification. Spiritually, this consistent, consecrated offering pointed to the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered himself once for all (Heb 10:10). While the New Covenant fulfills the need for these literal rituals, the underlying principles endure: living a life of perpetual thanksgiving, offering one's best in spiritual sacrifice (Rom 12:1), and acknowledging God as the source of all provision, empowered by the spiritual anointing (Oil symbolism) of the Holy Spirit. This verse, though brief, encapsulates God's desire for diligent, grateful, and consecrated worship.