Numbers 28:20 – “With each bull offer a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with oil; with the ram, two-tenths;”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 28:20 provides specific instructions for the grain offerings that were to accompany the burnt sacrifices during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This verse details the required amounts of the finest flour mixed with oil: three-tenths of an ephah for each bull and two-tenths of an ephah for the ram. The grain offering was an essential part of the sacrificial system, symbolizing the work of human hands offered to God in gratitude and recognition of His provision.
The flour mixed with oil represented the best of what the Israelites had to offer, symbolizing their dependence on God for daily sustenance. By offering the finest flour, they acknowledged that all their resources, even the basic staples of life like food, were gifts from God. The oil, often seen as a symbol of blessing, added richness to the offering, reflecting the generosity of God’s provision.
Historical Context
The grain offerings described in Numbers 28:20 were part of the broader sacrificial system that God established for the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. These offerings were not merely about fulfilling religious duties; they were deeply symbolic acts that connected the people to God’s ongoing provision and their dependence on Him. The grain offerings were to be prepared with the finest ingredients, emphasizing the importance of quality and intention in worship.
In the ancient Near East, offering food, including grain and oil, was a common practice in various religious traditions, but for the Israelites, these offerings were distinct because they were tied directly to their covenant relationship with God. The offerings during the Feast of Unleavened Bread were a way for the Israelites to express their gratitude for God’s deliverance from Egypt and to reaffirm their commitment to live as His people.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 28:20 teaches about the importance of bringing our best to God in worship. The specific instructions to use the finest flour mixed with oil highlight that God values the quality of what we offer Him. Worship isn’t just about the act; it’s about the heart behind it. This verse shows that God desires intentional, thoughtful offerings that reflect our gratitude and dependence on Him.
The grain offering also symbolizes the work of our hands dedicated to God. It’s a reminder that everything we have is from God, and our worship should reflect a spirit of thankfulness. By mixing the finest flour with oil, the Israelites were making a statement of faith, demonstrating their willingness to give back to God what He had first given to them.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 28:20 uses specific, detailed language to emphasize the exactness of the offerings. The careful measurement of flour and oil for each animal shows that God’s instructions for worship are deliberate and purposeful. This attention to detail reflects the broader biblical theme that worship requires preparation, intention, and a commitment to giving God our best.
The structure of the verse, with its clear instructions on the ingredients and their measurements, highlights the orderliness of the sacrificial system. It wasn’t about random acts of devotion but a carefully laid out pattern of worship that connected the people to God in meaningful ways. The repetition of precise terms serves to reinforce the idea that every part of the offering had significance.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 2:1-3 – Provides additional details about the grain offerings, emphasizing the use of the finest flour and oil as a sign of dedication to God.
- Exodus 29:40-41 – Describes similar grain offerings that were part of the daily sacrifices, highlighting the regularity and importance of these acts of worship.
- Philippians 4:18 – Paul refers to gifts from the church as a “fragrant offering,” showing how offerings in the Old Testament connect to generous giving in the New Testament.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 28:20 is a reminder to bring our best to God in all that we do. While we may not offer grain and oil on an altar, the principle of giving God the finest of what we have remains relevant. This verse challenges us to think about how we approach worship—whether in our work, our service, or our personal devotion. Are we giving God the best of our time, talents, and resources?
This verse encourages us to live with intentionality, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. It’s not about the size of the gift but the heart behind it. The grain offering teaches us that our worship should reflect a spirit of gratitude and dedication, offering back to God in acknowledgment of His constant provision.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 28:20 reflects God’s loving desire to receive the best from His people, not out of obligation but out of a genuine relationship. God’s instructions for these offerings show that He values quality in worship and that He delights in the sincere, thoughtful acts of His people. The grain offering of the finest flour mixed with oil symbolizes a relationship built on trust, gratitude, and recognition of God’s blessings.
God’s love is seen in His invitation to His people to participate in worship that acknowledges His provision and goodness. These offerings were not just about meeting requirements; they were opportunities for the Israelites to express their devotion and love for God. It’s a picture of a God who cares deeply about His relationship with His people and who desires meaningful, heartfelt worship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all the Old Testament offerings. Just as the finest flour was offered as a grain offering, Jesus offered His perfect life as the ultimate sacrifice. In John 6:35, Jesus describes Himself as the “bread of life,” drawing a parallel between the grain offerings and His role as our spiritual nourishment.
Through Jesus, the need for repeated grain and animal sacrifices is fulfilled, as His death on the cross provides a complete offering that satisfies God’s requirements. Christ’s sacrifice is the perfect example of giving everything to God, holding nothing back. His life, death, and resurrection allow us to approach God with confidence, knowing that through Jesus, our imperfect offerings are made perfect.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you offer your best to God in your daily worship and activities?
- In what ways does your life reflect the intentionality and gratitude seen in the grain offerings?
- How does understanding the significance of the grain offerings deepen your appreciation for Jesus as the “bread of life”?
- How can you make your worship more intentional, reflecting a heart that desires to honor God with the best?
This passage invites us to approach God with gratitude and intentionality, recognizing that every act of worship is an opportunity to connect with Him in a meaningful way. It encourages us to live lives that reflect the kind of dedication and purpose seen in the grain offerings, pointing us toward the ultimate fulfillment of all offerings in Jesus Christ.