and you present an offering made by fire to the LORD from the herd or flock to produce a pleasing aroma to the LORD--either a burnt offering or a sacrifice, for a special vow or freewill offering or appointed feast-- and you presentThe Hebrew root for "present" is "qarab," which means to come near or approach. This word signifies the act of drawing near to God, emphasizing the relational aspect of worship. In the ancient context, presenting an offering was not merely a ritualistic duty but an intimate act of devotion and reverence, symbolizing the worshiper's desire to be close to the divine presence. an offering made by fire
The phrase "offering made by fire" translates from the Hebrew "ishsheh," which refers to sacrifices consumed by fire on the altar. Fire in the biblical context often symbolizes purification and the presence of God. This offering signifies the complete dedication of the worshiper, as the fire consumes the sacrifice, transforming it into a spiritual act of worship. to the LORD
The term "LORD" is derived from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God. This name emphasizes God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. Offering sacrifices to the LORD underscores the acknowledgment of His sovereignty and the worshiper's submission to His divine will. from the herd or the flock
This phrase indicates the source of the offerings, either cattle or sheep/goats. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, these animals represented wealth and sustenance. Offering them to God was a significant act of faith and trust, acknowledging that all provisions ultimately come from Him. a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The Hebrew "nihoah" means soothing or tranquilizing, and "reach" means aroma. Together, they convey the idea of a sacrifice that is acceptable and delightful to God. This phrase reflects the spiritual truth that sincere worship and obedience are pleasing to God, transcending the physical act of sacrifice. either a burnt offering or a sacrifice
The "burnt offering" (Hebrew "olah") was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God. The "sacrifice" (Hebrew "zebach") could refer to various offerings, including peace offerings, which were shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer. These offerings represent different aspects of worship, from complete surrender to communal fellowship with God. to fulfill a vow
The Hebrew "neder" refers to a solemn promise made to God. Vows were voluntary commitments that, once made, were binding. Fulfilling a vow through sacrifice demonstrates integrity and faithfulness, reflecting the worshiper's commitment to uphold their word before God. or as a freewill offering
The "nedabah" in Hebrew signifies a voluntary offering given out of gratitude or devotion, not out of obligation. This type of offering highlights the importance of giving to God with a willing heart, emphasizing the joy and freedom found in worship. or at your appointed feasts
The Hebrew "moed" refers to divinely appointed times for worship and celebration. These feasts were communal gatherings that reinforced Israel's identity as God's chosen people. Offering sacrifices during these times was an expression of collective worship and remembrance of God's faithfulness and provision throughout their history. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is the recipient of the offerings. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who are instructed to bring offerings. 3. OfferingsThese include burnt offerings, sacrifices to fulfill vows, freewill offerings, and festival offerings. 4. The TabernacleThe central place of worship where offerings are presented. 5. MosesThe leader through whom God communicates these instructions to the Israelites. Teaching Points Understanding OfferingsThe offerings in Numbers 15:3 symbolize dedication, thanksgiving, and atonement. They remind us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and gratitude. Pleasing AromaThe phrase "pleasing aroma" signifies God's acceptance and delight in the offerings. In our lives, actions and attitudes that align with God's will are like a pleasing aroma to Him. Heart of WorshipTrue worship involves more than ritual; it requires a heart fully devoted to God. Our offerings, whether in service, praise, or resources, should reflect genuine love and commitment. Fulfillment in ChristJesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. His sacrifice on the cross is the perfect offering, making it possible for us to approach God with confidence. Living SacrificesAs believers, we are called to be living sacrifices, offering our lives in service to God. This involves daily surrender and obedience to His will. Bible Study Questions 1. What types of offerings are mentioned in Numbers 15:3, and what do they signify in the context of Israelite worship? 2. How does the concept of a "pleasing aroma" in Numbers 15:3 relate to our spiritual lives today? 3. In what ways can we present ourselves as living sacrifices, as encouraged in Romans 12:1, in our daily walk with God? 4. How does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ? 5. Reflect on a time when you offered something to God (time, resources, praise) and felt it was a "pleasing aroma" to Him. What was the impact on your spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 1-7Provides detailed instructions on various offerings, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings, which are similar to those mentioned in Numbers 15:3. Hebrews 13:15-16Discusses the concept of offering sacrifices of praise and doing good, which are pleasing to God, drawing a parallel to the pleasing aroma of Old Testament sacrifices. Romans 12:1Encourages believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, echoing the idea of offerings that produce a pleasing aroma to the LORD. People Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces Egypt, Wilderness of ParanTopics Accomplish, Appointed, Aroma, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Clearly, Connection, Feasts, Festival, Fire, Fire-offering, Flock, Fragrance, Freely, Freewill, Freewill-offering, Free-will-offering, Fulfil, Fulfill, Fulfilment, Herd, Oath, Odor, Odour, Offer, Offering, Offerings, Performance, Performing, Pleasant, Pleasing, Prepared, Regular, Sacrifice, Sacrifices, Savor, Savour, Seasons, Separating, Smell, Solemn, Soothing, Special, Sweet, Uttered, Voluntary, Vow, Vows, WhetherDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 15:3 8460 pleasing God
8488 tithing Numbers 15:1-4 4404 food Numbers 15:1-10 7368 grain offering Numbers 15:1-12 1680 types
4456 grain Numbers 15:2-4 5741 vows Library List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings Quoted in this Work.
THE Mishnah is always quoted according to Tractate, Chapter (Pereq) and Paragraph (Mishnah), the Chapter being marked in Roman, the paragraph in ordinary Numerals. Thus Ber. ii. 4 means the Mishnic Tractate Berakhoth, second Chapter, fourth Paragraph. The Jerusalem Talmud is distinguished by the abbreviation Jer. before the name of the Tractate. Thus, Jer. Ber. is the Jer. Gemara, or Talmud, of the Tractate Berakhoth. The edition, from which quotations are made, is that commonly used, Krotoschin, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the MessiahWe are Drawing Near the End, and to the Highest Conclusions of True Human Wisdom...
We are drawing near the end, and to the highest conclusions of true human wisdom; and full of deepest interest it is to mark the character of these conclusions. Reason speaks; that faculty that is rightly termed divine, for its possession marks those who are "the offspring of God." He is the Father of spirits, and it is in the spirit that Reason has her seat; whilst in our Preacher she is enthroned, and now with authority utters forth her counsels. Here we may listen to just how far she can …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience.
Ye have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: ye shall be unto me an holy nation.'--Ex. xix. 4-6. Israel has reached Horeb. The law is to be given and the covenant made. Here are God's first words to the people; He speaks of redemption and its blessing, fellowship with Himself: 'Ye have seen how I brought …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Worship of the Synagogue
One of the most difficult questions in Jewish history is that connected with the existence of a synagogue within the Temple. That such a "synagogue" existed, and that its meeting-place was in "the hall of hewn stones," at the south-eastern angle of the court of the priest, cannot be called in question, in face of the clear testimony of contemporary witnesses. Considering that "the hall of hew stones" was also the meeting-place for the great Sanhedrim, and that not only legal decisions, but lectures …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question
THE last day in the Temple was not to pass without other temptations' than that of the Priests when they questioned His authority, or of the Pharisees when they cunningly sought to entangle Him in His speech. Indeed, Christ had on this occasion taken a different position; He had claimed supreme authority, and thus challenged the leaders of Israel. For this reason, and because at the last we expect assaults from all His enemies, we are prepared for the controversies of that day. We remember that, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 15:3 NIVNumbers 15:3 NLTNumbers 15:3 ESVNumbers 15:3 NASBNumbers 15:3 KJV
Numbers 15:3 Commentaries
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