Numbers 28:7
The drink offering accompanying each lamb shall be a quarter hin. Pour out the offering of fermented drink to the LORD in the sanctuary area.
And the drink offering
The concept of a drink offering, or "nesek" in Hebrew, is a fascinating aspect of ancient Israelite worship. It involved the pouring out of a liquid, typically wine, as an act of devotion and submission to God. This practice symbolized the offering of one's life and resources to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. The drink offering was often paired with other sacrifices, enhancing the communal and holistic nature of worship.

with it shall be a quarter hin
A "hin" is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to about 3.7 liters or 1 gallon. A quarter hin, therefore, would be approximately 0.925 liters or about 1 quart. This specific measurement underscores the precision and intentionality in worship practices, reflecting a God who values order and detail. It also highlights the importance of obedience in following God's instructions exactly as given.

of fermented drink
The use of "fermented drink," or "shekar" in Hebrew, indicates that the offering was not just any liquid but one that had undergone a process of fermentation, typically wine. This fermentation process can symbolize transformation and maturity, suggesting that offerings to God should come from the best and most refined of what we have. It also points to the joy and celebration inherent in worship, as wine is often associated with gladness in the Bible.

with each lamb
The pairing of the drink offering with the sacrifice of a lamb is significant. The lamb, a central figure in sacrificial rituals, represents innocence and purity. In a broader biblical context, it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The combination of the lamb and the drink offering emphasizes the completeness of the sacrifice, involving both solid and liquid elements, and pointing to the totality of Christ's offering for humanity.

Pour out the drink offering
The act of pouring out the drink offering is rich in symbolism. It signifies a complete giving over to God, holding nothing back. This act of pouring is a vivid representation of surrender and dedication, mirroring the believer's call to pour out their lives in service and worship to the Lord. It is a reminder that true worship involves the whole self, not just a part.

to the LORD
The direction of the offering is crucial. It is not just a ritualistic act but one directed "to the LORD," emphasizing the personal relationship between the worshiper and God. This phrase underscores the covenantal relationship, where God is the recipient of worship and devotion, and the people are His chosen ones, called to live in obedience and reverence.

in the sanctuary
The sanctuary, or "miqdash" in Hebrew, is the designated holy place where God's presence dwells among His people. Offering the drink offering in the sanctuary signifies the sacredness of the act and the holiness of the space. It reminds believers of the importance of approaching God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and the privilege of being in His presence. The sanctuary serves as a physical reminder of God's dwelling among His people and the call to live lives set apart for His glory.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Sanctuary
The sacred place where the Israelites were to offer sacrifices and offerings to God. It represents God's dwelling among His people and the place of divine worship.

2. The Drink Offering
A libation of wine poured out as part of the sacrificial system. It symbolizes the pouring out of one's life in service and devotion to God.

3. The Lamb
Represents the sacrificial animal offered daily. It prefigures Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, to whom the offerings are made. It emphasizes His holiness and the relationship with His people.

5. The Holy Place
The area within the tabernacle or temple where the priests performed their duties. It signifies the presence of God and the need for purity and reverence.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Worship
The drink offering reminds us of the importance of regular, dedicated worship in our lives. Just as the Israelites had daily offerings, we should cultivate daily habits of worship and devotion.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The pouring out of the drink offering symbolizes a life fully surrendered to God. We are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The sacrificial system, including the drink offering, points to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets. Our faith is rooted in His ultimate sacrifice.

Holiness and Reverence
The setting of the sanctuary and the holy place underscores the need for holiness and reverence in our approach to God. We should approach Him with awe and respect.

Community and Covenant
The communal aspect of the offerings highlights the importance of community in worship. We are part of a covenant community, called to worship together and support one another.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of a drink offering in Numbers 28:7 enhance our understanding of worship and sacrifice in the Christian life?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the principle of daily offerings into our modern spiritual practices?

3. How does the imagery of the lamb in Numbers 28:7 connect to the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as the Lamb of God?

4. What does the setting of the sanctuary and the holy place teach us about the nature of God's presence and our approach to Him?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in living lives that are poured out in service to God, similar to the drink offering?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 29:40
This verse provides instructions for the daily offerings, including the drink offering, establishing a pattern of worship and devotion.

Leviticus 23:13
Discusses the drink offering in the context of the Feast of Weeks, showing its role in Israel's worship calendar.

Philippians 2:17
Paul uses the imagery of a drink offering to describe his own life poured out in service to God, connecting the Old Testament practice to New Testament living.

John 1:29
Refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God, linking the sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
The Daily OfferingD. Young Numbers 28:1-8
Of the Daily SacrificesW. Attersoll.Numbers 28:1-31
The New Moon FestivalW. Seaton.Numbers 28:1-31
The Lessons of the Daily Burnt OfferingE.S. Prout Numbers 28:3-8
People
Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Jericho, Mount Sinai
Topics
Cause, Drained, Drink, Drink-offering, Fermented, Fourth, Hin, Holy, Lamb, Libation, Offering, Pour, Poured, Quarter, Sanctuary, Strong, Thereof, Wine
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 28:3-8

     4492   olive

Numbers 28:3-13

     7422   ritual

Numbers 28:7-10

     7350   drink offering

Library
Whether the Third Precept of the Decalogue, Concerning the Hallowing of the Sabbath, is Fittingly Expressed?
Objection 1: It seems that the third precept of the decalogue, concerning the hallowing of the Sabbath, is unfittingly expressed. For this, understood spiritually, is a general precept: since Bede in commenting on Lk. 13:14, "The ruler of the synagogue being angry that He had healed on the Sabbath," says (Comment. iv): "The Law forbids, not to heal man on the Sabbath, but to do servile works," i.e. "to burden oneself with sin." Taken literally it is a ceremonial precept, for it is written (Ex. 31:13):
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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

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