Numbers 28:14 – “With each bull there is to be a drink offering of half a hin of wine; with the ram, a third of a hin; and with each lamb, a quarter of a hin. This is the monthly burnt offering to be made at each new moon during the year.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 28:14 describes the specific drink offerings that were to accompany the sacrifices during the New Moon, which was the first day of each month. The drink offering was to include varying amounts of wine: half a hin for each bull, a third of a hin for each ram, and a quarter of a hin for each lamb. These offerings were part of the larger monthly burnt offerings presented to the Lord as a way to start each new month with dedicated worship.
The drink offerings were poured out before the Lord, symbolizing a total surrender and dedication of the worshiper’s resources and life to God. Wine, which was considered a valuable commodity, represented joy, celebration, and the blessings of God’s provision. By pouring out the wine, the Israelites acknowledged that their blessings came from God and were offering back to Him a portion of what He had given them.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, drink offerings were an essential part of the sacrificial system, accompanying the grain and animal sacrifices. The pouring out of wine was a way to express devotion, gratitude, and recognition of God’s blessings. The New Moon sacrifices, which included these drink offerings, marked the beginning of each month and served as a communal act of worship, setting the tone for the days ahead.
The practice of offering drink offerings alongside animal sacrifices distinguished the Israelites’ worship from the surrounding nations. It was not just about the act of sacrifice but about a holistic approach to worship that involved every part of life. The drink offerings reinforced the idea that the Israelites were to honor God not just with their actions but with the best of what they had.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 28:14 highlights the importance of completeness in worship. The drink offering, poured out alongside the grain and animal sacrifices, represents a holistic dedication to God. It teaches that worship is not confined to a single act but involves every part of our lives—what we produce, consume, and enjoy. The act of pouring out the wine symbolizes giving back to God in full measure, recognizing that all we have comes from Him.
This verse also underscores the concept of sacrificial worship. The wine, which was valuable and often a sign of joy and blessing, was poured out completely, reflecting a heart willing to give fully to God. It serves as a reminder that worship is about surrendering all we have and acknowledging God’s rightful place as the source of every blessing.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 28:14 is specific in its details, carefully describing the exact measurements of wine to be used with each animal sacrifice. The repetition of precise quantities—half a hin, a third of a hin, and a quarter of a hin—emphasizes the orderliness and intentionality that God expects in worship. The detailed instructions reflect the importance of obedience and the proper approach to worship.
The language used—“this is the monthly burnt offering”—connects the drink offerings to the broader pattern of regular worship that was part of Israel’s covenant relationship with God. This repetition underscores the ongoing commitment that God’s people were to maintain, reinforcing the rhythm of dedication and sacrifice that shaped their lives.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 29:40-41 – Describes the use of wine as a drink offering alongside daily sacrifices, showing the continuity of this practice in Israel’s worship.
- Leviticus 23:13 – Details drink offerings that accompanied various festivals, highlighting the role of wine in the sacrificial system.
- Philippians 2:17 – Paul speaks of his life being poured out like a drink offering, drawing on the imagery of complete dedication and sacrifice.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 28:14 serves as a reminder to live lives of full dedication and gratitude to God. While we no longer offer wine as drink offerings, the principle of pouring out our best for God remains. This verse challenges us to consider how we use our resources, time, and energy—are we offering them fully to God, or are we holding back?
The act of pouring out a drink offering symbolizes giving generously and joyfully, recognizing that everything we have comes from God. It encourages us to live with open hands, willing to give back to God in gratitude and worship. It’s about making every part of our lives an offering to God, not just in specific moments but as a continual act of devotion.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 28:14 reflects God’s loving desire for His people to be in a continual relationship with Him. By setting aside specific offerings at the start of each month, God invited the Israelites to renew their commitment and focus on Him regularly. The drink offerings, poured out before the Lord, symbolized a life fully given to God—an expression of trust, gratitude, and dependence on His provision.
God’s love is evident in how He structured worship to include regular times of recommitment. The monthly offerings were not about placing heavy burdens on the people but about drawing them closer to God in a meaningful way. It’s a picture of a God who delights in the devotion of His people and desires to be actively involved in every aspect of their lives.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who is often described as the ultimate offering poured out for humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to His own blood as being “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Just as the drink offerings in Numbers 28:14 symbolized dedication and surrender, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of giving everything to God and for us.
Paul’s use of the imagery of a drink offering in Philippians 2:17 reflects how our lives, like Christ’s, are to be lived as offerings to God. Through Jesus, the need for repeated drink offerings was fulfilled, as His death provided the once-for-all sacrifice that brings us into a perfect relationship with God. Christ’s sacrifice invites us to live lives fully surrendered, pouring out ourselves in service and love, just as He did.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean for you to “pour out” your life for God in your daily routine?
- How can you offer the best of your time, talents, and resources to God as an act of worship?
- How does understanding the significance of drink offerings deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice?
- In what ways can you make your life a continuous offering, reflecting a heart fully dedicated to God?
This passage calls us to live with open hands and hearts, offering everything we have back to God in gratitude and dedication. It challenges us to live fully surrendered, recognizing that true worship involves every part of who we are, just as Christ poured out His life for us.