Numbers 28:9

On the Sabbath day, present two unblemished year-old male lambs, accompanied by a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, as well as a drink offering.

Study Bible

On the Sabbath day
The Sabbath, or "Shabbat" in Hebrew, is a day of rest and worship observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It is rooted in the creation narrative where God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). The Sabbath is a covenant sign between God and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17), emphasizing rest, reflection, and renewal. It is a day set apart for holiness, reminding the Israelites of God's provision and their dependence on Him.

present
The Hebrew word for "present" is "qarab," which means to bring near or offer. This act of presenting offerings is a form of worship and obedience, symbolizing the Israelites' desire to draw near to God. It reflects the heart of worship, where offerings are not just rituals but expressions of devotion and reverence.

two unblemished year-old lambs
The requirement for "unblemished" lambs underscores the importance of purity and perfection in offerings to God. In Hebrew, "tamim" means complete or without defect. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who was without sin (1 Peter 1:19). The age of the lambs, "year-old," signifies their prime, representing the best of what the Israelites could offer.

along with two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour
The "ephah" is an ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure, and "fine flour" indicates the highest quality. This offering represents the fruits of human labor and God's provision. The grain offering, or "minchah," is a tribute to God's sustenance and a symbol of dedication and thanksgiving.

mixed with oil
Oil, often symbolizing the Holy Spirit and anointing, is mixed with the flour to create a pleasing aroma. In the ancient Near East, oil was a valuable commodity, representing richness and blessing. The mixture signifies the blending of divine presence with human effort, creating a holistic offering to God.

as a grain offering
The grain offering, or "minchah," is a non-blood sacrifice that complements the burnt offering. It signifies gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. This offering is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God provides and the people respond with thankfulness.

and its drink offering
The drink offering, or "nesek," typically consisted of wine poured out at the altar. It symbolizes the pouring out of one's life in service and devotion to God. This act of libation is a vivid expression of surrender and commitment, reflecting the believer's willingness to be poured out for God's purposes.

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 laws to follow as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3. Sabbath
The seventh day of the week, set apart by God as a day of rest and worship, during which these specific offerings were to be made.

4. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God and where these offerings were presented.

5. Priests
The descendants of Aaron who were responsible for performing the sacrifices and maintaining the rituals as prescribed by the law.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Worship
The specific instructions for Sabbath offerings highlight the importance of regular, intentional worship in the life of a believer.

Holiness and Purity
The requirement for unblemished lambs signifies the need for purity and holiness in our approach to God.

Consistency in Devotion
The regularity of the Sabbath offerings teaches us the value of consistent devotion and commitment to God.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The offerings symbolize the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, encouraging us to reflect on His atonement and our response to it.

Rest and Reflection
Observing the Sabbath as a day of rest allows for reflection on God's provision and grace, reminding us of our dependence on Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for unblemished lambs in Numbers 28:9 reflect God's standards for worship and sacrifice?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the principle of Sabbath rest into our modern lives, considering the demands of contemporary society?

3. How do the Sabbath offerings in Numbers 28:9 point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" in our daily lives, as encouraged in Romans 12:1?

5. How can understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation for the New Testament teachings on worship and devotion?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:8-11
This passage provides the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy, establishing the foundation for the Sabbath offerings.

Leviticus 23:3
Reinforces the importance of the Sabbath as a day of rest and a holy convocation, connecting to the offerings made on this day.

Hebrews 4:9-10
Discusses the concept of Sabbath rest in the New Testament, drawing a spiritual parallel to the rest found in Christ.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, connecting the physical offerings of the Old Testament to spiritual worship in the New Testament.