The drink offering, or "libation," is a significant element in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, symbolizing dedication, consecration, and the outpouring of one's life to God. It is often mentioned alongside other offerings, such as burnt offerings and grain offerings, and serves as a complement to these sacrifices, enhancing their meaning and purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The drink offering is first introduced in Genesis 35:14, where Jacob sets up a pillar at the place where God had spoken to him and pours out a drink offering on it. This act signifies Jacob's devotion and gratitude to God for His promises and protection. The drink offering becomes more formally integrated into the sacrificial system in the Mosaic Law, as detailed in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.

In Exodus 29:40-41, the drink offering is prescribed as part of the daily offerings: "With the first lamb, offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives, and a drink offering of a quarter hin of wine. Offer the second lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and drink offering as in the morning. It is a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD."

Symbolic Meaning

1. Dedication and Consecration: The drink offering symbolizes the complete dedication of the worshiper to God. Just as the wine is poured out and cannot be retrieved, the worshiper is to pour out his life in service and devotion to the Lord. This act of pouring out signifies a total surrender and consecration to God's will.

2. Joy and Celebration: Wine, often associated with joy and celebration in the Bible, adds a dimension of rejoicing to the sacrificial act. The drink offering, therefore, not only represents dedication but also the joy of fellowship with God. In Psalm 104:15, wine is described as something that "gladdens the heart of man," indicating the celebratory aspect of the offering.

3. Foreshadowing of Christ's Sacrifice: The drink offering also serves as a typological foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of the drink offering to describe his own life and ministry. In Philippians 2:17, he writes, "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." This reflects the idea of self-sacrifice and the pouring out of one's life for the sake of the Gospel, mirroring Christ's own sacrificial death.

4. Covenant Relationship: The drink offering is part of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It is a reminder of God's promises and the people's commitment to live according to His statutes. The inclusion of the drink offering in various feasts and celebrations underscores its role in maintaining and renewing the covenant bond.

New Testament Context

While the drink offering is not explicitly mentioned as a practice in the New Testament church, its symbolism is carried forward in the teachings of the apostles. The concept of being "poured out" is echoed in the life of Christ and His followers, emphasizing the call to live sacrificially and wholeheartedly for the Kingdom of God.

In summary, the drink offering in the Bible is a rich symbol of dedication, joy, and covenant relationship, pointing ultimately to the sacrificial life and death of Jesus Christ and the call for believers to live in a similar manner.