Overview:
In Numbers 28, God provides Moses with detailed instructions concerning the various offerings Israel is to present throughout the year. These offerings include daily, weekly, monthly, and annual sacrifices, establishing a rhythm of worship and devotion to God. By prescribing specific times and offerings, God emphasizes the importance of continual worship, remembrance, and fellowship. These offerings were not merely rituals but served as reminders of Israel’s dependence on God, His provision, and their covenant relationship with Him. This chapter is foundational to Israel’s worship, providing an ordered structure that points to God’s holiness and the need for consistent dedication.
Key themes in this chapter include the centrality of worship in daily life, the importance of continual devotion to God, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
Historical and Literary Context:
Numbers 28 is situated as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, and these instructions are part of God’s plan to prepare the community for life in their new land. The offerings specified here are not new but restate and reinforce the commands given earlier in Leviticus. The repetition and elaboration on these offerings underscore the importance of maintaining a regular worship life as the people enter a new phase. The structure of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual offerings establishes a cycle that integrates worship into the rhythm of Israel’s communal and individual life.
Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:
The Centrality of Worship in Daily Life:
The offerings outlined in this chapter emphasize the importance of daily worship as a central element of Israel’s relationship with God. The daily morning and evening sacrifices serve as a continual reminder of God’s presence and the people’s dependence on Him.
For Christians, this passage underscores the importance of incorporating worship and prayer into daily life. Jesus encourages believers to abide in Him daily (John 15:4-5). Regular prayer, devotion, and acts of worship foster a constant awareness of God’s presence and cultivate a heart of gratitude. Believers are encouraged to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), making worship a part of their daily rhythm.
Continual Devotion and Sacrifice:
The frequency of the offerings — daily, weekly, monthly, and annually — highlights the importance of continual devotion. The Sabbath offerings, monthly offerings, and annual festivals create a structured rhythm that calls Israel to continually renew their commitment to God.
For Christians, this theme reflects the need for consistent spiritual practices and regular devotion. Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Scripture reading, and gathering with other believers encourage a lifestyle of worship. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds believers not to neglect meeting together, fostering a continuous relationship with God and His people. Christ, through His sacrifice, fulfills these offerings, inviting believers to live daily as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).
Foreshadowing of Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice:
Each offering points to the ultimate sacrifice that Christ would make. The animal sacrifices in Numbers 28 served as a temporary covering for sin, but they foreshadow the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His atonement fulfills the need for repeated sacrifices, providing a complete and lasting reconciliation with God.
For Christians, these offerings serve as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice. Hebrews 10:10 explains that believers are sanctified through the offering of Jesus Christ “once for all.” Understanding the depth of Christ’s atonement encourages gratitude and devotion, as His sacrifice secures eternal forgiveness and access to God.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis:
Numbers 28:1-2:
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Give this command to the Israelites and say to them: “See that you present to me at the appointed time the food for my offerings made by fire, as an aroma pleasing to me.”’”
God commands Moses to instruct the Israelites to present offerings at specific times as a “pleasing aroma.” These offerings symbolize worship, gratitude, and the people’s dependence on God. The phrase “pleasing aroma” reflects God’s delight in His people’s obedience and devotion.
For Christians, this passage highlights the importance of offering our lives in a manner that is pleasing to God. Ephesians 5:2 encourages believers to “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Living a life of love and obedience brings pleasure to God, reflecting the heart of worship.
Numbers 28:3-4:
“Say to them: ‘This is the food offering you are to present to the Lord: two lambs a year old without defect, as a regular burnt offering each day. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.’”
The daily sacrifices, offered each morning and evening, serve as a continual reminder of Israel’s dependence on God’s provision and forgiveness. The offering of two lambs daily signifies a perpetual worship rhythm that keeps the people aligned with God’s presence.
For Christians, the daily offerings symbolize the need for regular prayer and devotion. Psalm 5:3 reflects this daily dependence: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” These offerings remind believers to begin and end each day with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace.
Numbers 28:9-10:
“On the Sabbath day, make an offering of two lambs a year old without defect, together with its drink offering and a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with olive oil. This is the burnt offering for every Sabbath, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering.”
The weekly Sabbath offering reflects God’s command to set apart the Sabbath as a holy day. The Sabbath offerings emphasize rest and reverence, drawing the community into a deeper awareness of God’s holiness and provision.
For Christians, the Sabbath offering reflects the importance of setting aside time each week for worship and rest. Hebrews 4:9-10 points to a spiritual “Sabbath rest” in Christ, reminding believers that rest is both a physical and spiritual practice. By dedicating time to rest and worship, believers honor God’s design and refresh their souls in His presence.
Numbers 28:11-15:
“On the first of every month, present to the Lord a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect. With each bull there is to be a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with oil; with the ram, a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with oil; 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.”
The monthly offerings, made on the first day of each month, signify a fresh beginning and renewal in Israel’s relationship with God. Each new month is marked by gratitude, dedication, and renewal, reaffirming God’s presence and the community’s commitment to Him.
For Christians, the monthly offerings can serve as a reminder of God’s mercies, which are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). These offerings encourage believers to reflect on God’s faithfulness regularly and to begin each new season with gratitude and dedication to God’s purposes.
Numbers 28:16-25:
“On the fourteenth day of the first month the Lord’s Passover is to be held. On the fifteenth day of this month there is to be a festival; for seven days eat bread made without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. Present to the Lord a food offering consisting of burnt offerings, sacrifices of grain and drink offerings, each day for seven days.”
The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, celebrated annually, commemorate Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and emphasize God’s power and faithfulness. The instructions for sacrifices during these festivals reinforce the importance of remembrance and gratitude for God’s salvation.
For Christians, the Passover foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Observing the Lord’s Supper serves as a remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice, inviting believers to celebrate their deliverance from sin and death. This annual commemoration encourages believers to live with gratitude and faith in the redemption Christ provides.
Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:
Numbers 28 presents a structured system of offerings that point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Each offering — daily, weekly, monthly, and annually — serves as a shadow of Christ’s complete atonement. While the Old Testament sacrifices were temporary, Christ’s sacrifice provides eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). His atonement fulfills the requirements of the Law, making it possible for believers to approach God without the need for repeated sacrifices.
In Christ, believers have access to the continual presence of God, no longer reliant on daily or annual sacrifices but welcomed into God’s family through faith. Jesus becomes the ultimate “pleasing aroma” to the Father, a complete and perfect offering that enables believers to live in relationship with God.
Sermon Outline and Flow:
Title: “A Life of Continual Worship: Understanding the Offerings in Numbers 28”
- Introduction
- Introduce the themes of worship, devotion, and the structured offerings in Numbers 28.
- Emphasize how each offering highlights Israel’s continual dependence on God and foreshadows Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
- The Centrality of Daily Worship (Numbers 28:3-4)
- Discuss the daily offerings and their role in keeping Israel connected to God.
- Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are encouraged to practice daily devotion, prayer, and dependence on God (Psalm 5:3).
- Continual Devotion Through Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Offerings (Numbers 28:9-15)
- Examine the rhythm of weekly Sabbath, monthly offerings, and annual festivals, emphasizing the importance of continual worship.
- Apply this to the Christian life, where believers are called to honor God regularly and to observe times of reflection and renewal (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Foreshadowing of Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice (Numbers 28:16-25)
- Highlight how the Passover and other offerings point to Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God who takes away sin.
- Apply this to the Christian life, inviting believers to remember Christ’s sacrifice as they partake in communion and live in gratitude (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
- Conclusion
- Reaffirm the call to live a life of continual worship, dedicating each day, week, month, and year to God in gratitude for Christ’s atoning work.
Illustrations and Examples:
- Personal Story: Share an example of a person who developed a daily practice of prayer and devotion, experiencing a deepened relationship with God.
- Global Example: In many cultures, people observe regular festivals or rituals. Relate this to the biblical importance of regular worship practices and how they bring a sense of rhythm and community.
Application for Today’s Christian:
Numbers 28 calls today’s believers to:
- Develop a Rhythm of Daily Worship: The daily offerings remind believers of the importance of regular prayer and worship. Practicing morning and evening prayer can foster a constant awareness of God’s presence and guidance.
- Honor Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Times of Worship: Just as Israel observed the Sabbath and annual festivals, believers are encouraged to honor these rhythms through weekly gatherings, monthly reflections, and annual commemorations such as Easter and Christmas.
- Live in the Gratitude of Christ’s Atonement: The offerings in Numbers 28 foreshadow Jesus’ sacrifice, inviting believers to live in the light of His finished work. Regularly remembering Christ’s atonement through communion fosters gratitude and deepens the believer’s relationship with God.
Connection to the Father in Numbers 28:
God the Father’s care for Israel is evident in His desire for continual relationship with His people. The offerings and rituals provide a means for Israel to remain connected to Him, emphasizing His holiness and the people’s need for atonement. The Father’s heart is for fellowship with His people, inviting them to draw near to Him through worship. This foreshadows the greater access to God provided through Jesus, who makes it possible for believers to approach the Father with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
Connection to Jesus Christ in Numbers 28:
Numbers 28 ultimately points forward to Jesus, whose once-for-all sacrifice fulfills the requirements of the Law. While Israel’s offerings were temporary, Christ’s atonement provides permanent reconciliation and access to God. Jesus is the “Lamb of God” who completes the need for sacrifices, making it possible for believers to worship God in spirit and truth. The structured offerings of Numbers 28 find their true fulfillment in Christ, inviting believers into a relationship of continual fellowship with God (Hebrews 10:10).
Connection to the Holy Spirit in Numbers 28:
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a life of continual worship, transforming their hearts and aligning their desires with God’s. While the offerings in Numbers 28 required physical sacrifices, the Spirit enables believers to offer spiritual sacrifices, living as “living sacrifices” in response to God’s mercy. The Spirit also cultivates gratitude and devotion, reminding believers of Christ’s sacrifice and empowering them to live in obedience (Romans 8:11, Romans 12:1).
Connection to God’s Love in Numbers 28:
God’s love is evident in His desire for a structured relationship with His people, providing opportunities for them to come before Him in worship. Through Christ, God’s love is fully revealed, granting believers full access to Him without the need for continual sacrifices. God’s love invites believers into a relationship marked by gratitude, devotion, and continual worship, knowing that they are welcomed into His presence by grace (John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10).
Reflection Questions:
- How does the concept of daily offerings challenge you to incorporate worship and devotion into your daily life?
- In what ways can you set aside time each week and month to intentionally focus on worship, reflection, and gratitude?
- How does understanding the foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice in Numbers 28 deepen your appreciation for His atonement?
- What steps can you take to cultivate a lifestyle of worship, responding to God’s love and faithfulness each day?
- How does knowing that Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of sacrifice encourage you to live with gratitude and purpose?