Numbers 28:20

The grain offering shall consist of fine flour mixed with oil; offer three-tenths of an ephah with each bull, two-tenths of an ephah with the ram,

Study Bible

Along with their grain offering
The phrase "grain offering" comes from the Hebrew word "minchah," which signifies a gift or tribute. In the context of the Old Testament, it represents an offering of gratitude and devotion to God. The grain offering was a vital part of the sacrificial system, symbolizing the fruits of human labor and the dedication of one's sustenance to the Lord. It reflects the principle that all provisions come from God, and thus, a portion is returned to Him in acknowledgment of His providence.

of fine flour
The term "fine flour" is derived from the Hebrew "solet," indicating the highest quality of flour, finely milled and pure. This signifies the offering of the best and most refined resources to God, underscoring the importance of giving God our best in worship and service. The use of fine flour in offerings highlights the call for purity and excellence in our spiritual lives, as we present ourselves as living sacrifices to God.

mixed with oil
Oil, or "shemen" in Hebrew, was a symbol of richness, joy, and the Holy Spirit's anointing. Mixing oil with the fine flour in the grain offering signifies the infusion of divine presence and blessing in the offering. It represents the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, enabling and sanctifying our offerings to God. The oil also points to the joy and gladness that should accompany our acts of worship and service.

three-tenths of an ephah with each bull
The measurement "three-tenths of an ephah" indicates a specific and substantial portion, reflecting the importance and value of the offering. An ephah was a unit of dry measure used in ancient Israel, and the precise measurement underscores the order and intentionality in worship. The bull, a significant and valuable animal, represents strength and service, and the substantial grain offering accompanying it highlights the magnitude of the sacrifice and the dedication required in serving God.

two-tenths with the ram
The "two-tenths" portion for the ram indicates a slightly lesser, yet still significant, offering compared to the bull. The ram, often associated with leadership and sacrifice, was used in various offerings and symbolizes obedience and submission to God's will. The specific measurement for the ram's grain offering reflects the structured and thoughtful approach to worship, emphasizing that each offering, whether large or small, is significant in the eyes of God when given with a sincere heart.

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 chosen people of God, who were given these specific instructions for worship and offerings.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence, where these offerings were to be made.

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

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites were journeying towards and where these practices would continue.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Sacrificial System
The sacrificial system was a means for the Israelites to maintain a relationship with God, acknowledging their sin and dependence on Him.

Symbolism of the Grain Offering
The grain offering, made of fine flour and oil, symbolizes dedication and thanksgiving to God. It represents the work of human hands offered back to God in gratitude.

Christ as the Fulfillment
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. His sacrifice on the cross makes the continual offerings of the Old Testament unnecessary, as He is the perfect and final offering.

Living Sacrifices Today
As believers, we are called to live sacrificially, offering our lives in service and worship to God, reflecting the principles of dedication and thanksgiving found in the grain offerings.

Heart of Worship
True worship is not just about ritual but about the heart. God desires a heart that is fully devoted to Him, as seen in the emphasis on the quality and preparation of the offerings.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the grain offering in Numbers 28:20 reflect the Israelites' relationship with God, and what can we learn from this about our own relationship with Him?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the concept of being a "living sacrifice" in our daily lives, as encouraged in Romans 12:1?

4. What does the preparation and quality of the offerings in Numbers 28:20 teach us about the importance of intentionality in our worship and service to God?

5. How can we ensure that our worship is not just ritualistic but truly heartfelt, as emphasized in Psalm 51?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 2
Provides detailed instructions on grain offerings, emphasizing the importance of offerings made with fine flour and oil, similar to the instructions in Numbers 28:20.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the fulfillment of the sacrificial system through Jesus Christ, highlighting the temporary nature of the Old Testament sacrifices.

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of the priests and the offerings required, showing the continuity of sacrificial practices.

Psalm 51
David's psalm of repentance, which emphasizes a contrite heart over ritual sacrifices, pointing to the heart behind the offerings.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament offerings as acts of worship.