Numbers 28:7 – “With the first lamb offer a tenth of a hin of fermented drink as a drink offering. Pour out the drink offering to the Lord at the sanctuary.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 28:7 instructs the Israelites to accompany the morning sacrifice of the lamb with a drink offering of fermented drink, measuring a tenth of a hin. This drink offering was to be poured out to the Lord at the sanctuary. The pouring out of the drink offering symbolized the complete dedication of the worshiper to God, much like the lamb’s sacrifice. The drink offering was a fragrant and visible act of worship, reflecting the worshiper’s desire to honor God fully.
The drink offering, alongside the lamb and grain, served to complete the daily act of worship. It represented a surrender of the best the people had, acknowledging God’s provision and His deserving of the finest gifts. The drink offering was an integral part of the overall sacrifice, emphasizing that all aspects of life—food, drink, and labor—were to be devoted to God.
Historical Context
The historical context of Numbers 28:7 finds the Israelites in the wilderness, receiving instructions on how to properly conduct their daily worship. The drink offering, along with the grain and burnt offerings, was part of a larger system of sacrifices that God established to keep the people spiritually connected to Him. This system was instituted at a time when the Israelites were learning to depend on God for everything—guidance, provision, and protection.
Drink offerings were common in the ancient Near East, often used in both pagan and Israelite worship. However, for the Israelites, this offering was not merely a ritual but a significant act of dedication and acknowledgment of God’s blessings. It was a way for the people to express their gratitude and commitment, recognizing that even their everyday provisions, like wine, were gifts from God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 28:7 teaches about the importance of offering all we have to God. The drink offering, poured out at the sanctuary, symbolizes a life fully dedicated to God. It shows that worship is not confined to one part of life but involves every aspect, including what we consume and enjoy. The act of pouring out the drink offering signifies total surrender, as the liquid is completely given up, much like a life poured out in service to God.
The fermented drink, which was often wine, was considered a valuable commodity. By offering it to God, the Israelites were acknowledging that their blessings came from Him and that He was worthy of receiving the best of what they had. It’s a reminder that worship involves sacrifice and that God deserves not just a portion but the whole of our devotion.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 28:7 is written as a direct command, emphasizing the specific actions the Israelites were to take. The mention of pouring the drink offering “to the Lord at the sanctuary” highlights the sacredness of the act. The imagery of pouring suggests a complete giving over to God, leaving nothing held back. This pouring out is both literal and symbolic, representing wholehearted worship.
The structure of the verse, coupled with the detailed measurements, reflects the careful, orderly approach God required in worship. The use of specific terms like “fermented drink” and “pour out” adds depth to the understanding of the offering, illustrating that every part of the sacrifice had meaning and purpose.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 29:40 – Describes the use of wine as a drink offering with daily sacrifices, showing the continuity of this practice.
- Philippians 2:17 – Paul speaks of his life as being poured out like a drink offering, connecting the Old Testament practice to a life of sacrificial service in the New Testament.
- 2 Timothy 4:6 – Paul again uses the imagery of a drink offering to describe his own life’s dedication to God, reflecting the total surrender seen in Numbers 28:7.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 28:7 serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicating every part of our lives to God. The act of pouring out the drink offering symbolizes a life fully surrendered to God’s will. It challenges us to consider whether we are holding back any part of our lives or if we are fully committed in our worship and service.
This verse encourages Christians to see worship as more than just singing songs or attending church. It’s about offering every aspect of our lives—our time, resources, talents, and even our joys and pleasures—to God. It’s a call to live a life that is fully poured out in devotion, holding nothing back from the One who deserves it all.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 28:7 reflects God’s desire for His people to engage in meaningful worship that encompasses every part of their lives. God’s instructions for the drink offering show His appreciation for acts of worship that are wholehearted and genuine. God’s love is evident in how He receives these offerings as a “pleasing aroma,” delighting in the dedication of His people.
This verse shows that God’s commands are not about ritual for its own sake but about inviting His people into a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. By pouring out the drink offering, the Israelites were participating in an act that symbolized trust, gratitude, and surrender—all aspects of a relationship rooted in love.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Numbers 28:7 connects to Jesus Christ, who poured out His life as the ultimate offering for our sins. Just as the drink offering was poured out completely, Jesus gave Himself fully on the cross, holding nothing back. In Matthew 26:28, Jesus speaks of His blood being “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins,” directly linking His sacrifice to the imagery of the drink offering.
Paul’s reference to his own life being poured out like a drink offering (Philippians 2:17) echoes this idea of total dedication seen in Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled the symbolism of the drink offering, demonstrating the ultimate act of love and surrender that brings us into right relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What areas of your life have you fully dedicated to God, and what areas might you be holding back?
- How can you live in a way that reflects the complete surrender symbolized by the drink offering?
- How does understanding the drink offering deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?
- In what ways can you make your daily life an act of worship, pouring out your time, talents, and resources for God’s glory?
This verse calls us to live lives that are fully surrendered to God, recognizing that every aspect of who we are and what we have is a gift from Him. It challenges us to hold nothing back, just as Christ held nothing back in His sacrifice for us.