The Evening Offering, also known as the evening sacrifice, is a significant aspect of the worship practices outlined in the Old Testament. It is part of the daily sacrificial system instituted by God for the Israelites and holds deep spiritual and symbolic meaning.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the Evening Offering is rooted in the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 29:38-39 , God commands, "This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar: two lambs a year old, day by day, continually. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight." The term "twilight" refers to the time of the evening sacrifice, which was to be offered daily.

Purpose and Significance

The Evening Offering served multiple purposes in the religious life of Israel. It was a time of daily communion with God, a reminder of His continual presence and provision. The offering symbolized the people's dedication and obedience to God, acknowledging Him as the source of their sustenance and protection.

The Evening Offering also had a communal aspect, as it was a time when the entire nation could come together in worship and reflection. It was a moment to seek forgiveness, offer thanksgiving, and renew their covenant relationship with God.

Ritual and Practice

The ritual of the Evening Offering involved the sacrifice of a lamb, which was accompanied by a grain offering and a drink offering. Numbers 28:4-8 provides further details: "You are to offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight, along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives. It is a regular burnt offering, established at Mount Sinai as a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD."

The offering was to be made at the Tabernacle, and later at the Temple in Jerusalem, by the priests who were consecrated for this sacred duty. The timing of the offering, at twilight, symbolized the transition from day to night, a time of reflection and preparation for the new day.

Theological Implications

The Evening Offering holds theological significance as it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:11-12 states, "Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God." The daily sacrifices, including the Evening Offering, foreshadowed the perfect and final sacrifice of Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided eternal redemption for humanity.

Historical Context

Throughout Israel's history, the Evening Offering was a central element of worship. It was observed during the reigns of faithful kings and was restored during times of religious reform, such as under King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:20-21) and Ezra (Ezra 9:4-5). The offering was a constant reminder of God's covenant with His people and their responsibility to live according to His statutes.

Contemporary Reflection

While the physical practice of the Evening Offering ceased with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, its spiritual principles continue to resonate. For Christians, the Evening Offering serves as a reminder of the importance of daily devotion, prayer, and reflection on the sacrifice of Christ. It encourages believers to live lives of continual worship and gratitude, acknowledging God's presence and grace in every aspect of life.