Numbers 28:14

Their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine with each bull, a third of a hin with the ram, and a quarter hin with each lamb. This is the monthly burnt offering to be made at each new moon throughout the year.

Study Bible

Their drink offerings
The term "drink offerings" refers to libations of wine that accompanied sacrifices. In Hebrew, the word is "nesek," which implies a pouring out, symbolizing the outpouring of one's life and devotion to God. Historically, drink offerings were a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying the completion of a sacrificial meal and the joy of fellowship with the divine.

shall be half a hin of wine
A "hin" is an ancient Hebrew unit of liquid measure, approximately equivalent to 3.5 liters or about 0.92 gallons. The specification of "half a hin" for the bull indicates the abundance and richness of the offering, reflecting the importance of the sacrifice. Wine, in biblical symbolism, often represents joy, celebration, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

with each bull
The bull was a significant sacrificial animal, often representing strength and leadership. In the context of Israel's sacrificial system, the bull was used for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. The use of a bull underscores the gravity and solemnity of the offering.

a third of a hin with the ram
The ram, another important sacrificial animal, often symbolizes substitution and redemption, as seen in the account of Abraham and Isaac. The "third of a hin" of wine for the ram indicates a lesser, yet still substantial, offering compared to the bull, reflecting the hierarchical nature of the sacrificial system.

and a quarter of a hin with each lamb
The lamb, a symbol of innocence and purity, is central to the sacrificial system, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God. The "quarter of a hin" of wine for the lamb signifies a modest yet meaningful offering, emphasizing the accessibility of worship and atonement for all people.

This is the burnt offering
The "burnt offering," or "olah" in Hebrew, signifies a complete offering to God, wholly consumed by fire. It represents total dedication and surrender to the Lord, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture as a call to wholehearted devotion and obedience.

for each month
The phrase "for each month" indicates the regularity and consistency of worship in the Israelite calendar. It underscores the importance of continual remembrance and dedication to God, aligning with the lunar calendar that governed Israel's religious observances.

throughout the months of the year
This phrase emphasizes the perpetual nature of the offerings, highlighting the ongoing relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the need for regular, intentional worship and sacrifice as a response to His covenant love.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the laws and instructions from God, including the sacrificial system outlined in Numbers.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were given these instructions to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3. Tabernacle
The place where the Israelites were to bring their offerings and sacrifices, serving as the dwelling place of God among His people.

4. Sacrificial System
The system of offerings and sacrifices instituted by God for the Israelites, which included burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings.

5. Drink Offering
A specific type of offering involving wine, which was poured out as part of the sacrificial rituals.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Sacrificial System
The sacrificial system was a means for the Israelites to maintain a right relationship with God. It pointed to the need for atonement and the seriousness of sin.

Symbolism of the Drink Offering
The drink offering, involving wine, symbolizes joy and celebration in the presence of God. It also signifies the pouring out of one's life in service to God.

Consistency in Worship
The regularity of the offerings ("throughout the months of the year") teaches the importance of consistent and faithful worship in the life of a believer.

Christ as the Fulfillment
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. Believers are called to live lives of spiritual sacrifice, offering themselves wholly to God.

Application in Daily Life
Just as the Israelites were to offer their best to God, Christians are encouraged to offer their time, talents, and resources in service to God and others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the regularity of the offerings in Numbers 28:14 reflect the importance of consistency in our spiritual practices today?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of the drink offering be applied to our lives as Christians, particularly in terms of joy and service?

3. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice as described in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical ways we can offer our "best" to God in our daily lives, similar to the offerings described in Numbers 28?

5. How can the concept of spiritual sacrifice, as seen in Romans 12:1, be integrated into our understanding of worship and service to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 23
This chapter outlines the various feasts and offerings, providing a broader context for the sacrificial system, including the drink offerings.

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of the priests and the offerings associated with their ordination, highlighting the importance of offerings in maintaining holiness and dedication to God.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ, emphasizing that the Old Testament sacrifices were a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus.