How does Numbers 15:9 connect to New Testament teachings on sacrificial giving? Setting of Numbers 15:9 “then present with the bull a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with half a hin of oil.” (Numbers 15:9) Key Observations from the Verse • Sized-to-fit generosity: three-tenths of an ephah is the largest grain amount required in Moses’ law—matching the “bull,” the largest animal sacrifice. • Quality matters: “fine flour” and “oil” indicate the best produce, not leftovers. • Accompanied worship: grain and oil always joined the burnt offering, showing giving is inseparable from wholehearted devotion. Foreshadowing Christ, the Ultimate Offering • The bull points forward to a greater, once-for-all sacrifice—Christ Himself (Hebrews 10:1-10). • The grain and oil anticipate the self-giving life poured out in and through the Messiah (John 6:51). • Because His sacrifice fully satisfies God, our gifts now flow from gratitude, not obligation (Ephesians 5:2). Principles of Sacrificial Giving Carried into the New Testament 1. Proportionate generosity • Numbers 15:9 pairs the largest animal with the largest grain measure. • Paul mirrors this: “each one should give as he has decided in his heart” (2 Corinthians 9:7), meaning gifts scale with ability (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:2). 2. Excellence, not leftovers • “Fine flour” becomes the New Testament call to bring our best—seen in the woman’s costly perfume (Mark 14:3-9) and the Macedonians who gave “beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3). 3. Whole-life worship • Grain with the bull equals worship plus offering. • Romans 12:1: “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” • Hebrews 13:15-16 couples the “sacrifice of praise” with doing good and sharing. 4. Joyful fragrance to God • Numbers’ mixture produced a pleasing aroma on the altar (v.10). • Paul says similar of the Philippians’ gift: “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). 5. Christ-centered motivation • Old Covenant givers trusted God’s promise of future grace. • New Covenant givers look back to the cross: “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ… though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Practical Takeaways for Today • Match the gift to the blessing: larger blessings invite larger offerings. • Give firstfruits quality—time, talent, treasure—before anything grows stale. • Treat every act of generosity as worship; pray over it, celebrate it. • Expect God’s pleasure, not human applause (Matthew 6:3-4). • Let Christ’s self-emptying love be the wellspring of every sacrificial gift. |
    |