What does "three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour" signify in biblical terms? \Setting the Scene\ “Three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour” first appears in the laws governing offerings. For example: “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). Each time a bull—the largest standard sacrifice—was offered, this exact grain measure was required (cf. Leviticus 23:18; 14:10). \How Much Is Three-Tenths of an Ephah?\ • An ephah is about 22 liters (5.8 gallons) dry measure. • Three-tenths equals roughly 6.6 liters (1.7 gallons) or about 7 quarts of flour—enough to feed a family for days. • The quantity underscores that worship was never meant to be a token gesture; it was costly, substantial, and deliberate. \Fine Flour: Purity, Quality, Provision\ • “Fine” indicates sifted, pulverized grain—no lumps, no chaff (cf. Exodus 29:2). • It pictures purity of heart and the best of human labor devoted to God (Psalm 24:3-4). • Grain comes from the sweat of the brow (Genesis 3:19), so offering it acknowledges the Lord as Provider of daily bread. \Why Three-Tenths? Numerical Nuances\ • The number three repeatedly signals completeness or fullness (Genesis 22:4; Jonah 1:17; Luke 24:7). • A “tenth” represents a measured, proportional gift (Leviticus 27:30). • Combined, three-tenths conveys a complete, proportioned tribute attached to the most valuable animal sacrifice, stressing total dedication of strength (the bull) and sustenance (the grain). \Theological Threads\ • Bull + grain symbolized atonement plus fellowship: sin covered, communion restored (Leviticus 1–2). • The flour had no leaven or honey (Leviticus 2:11), pointing to Christ’s sinlessness (1 Peter 2:22). • Oil mixed in (Numbers 15:9) speaks of the Spirit’s anointing; the sacrifice was never merely external. \Practical Takeaways for Today\ • Worship God with our best, not leftovers—He still deserves “fine flour.” • Proportional giving (tithes, offerings) remains a concrete act of gratitude. • True devotion costs something: time, effort, resources—yet God supplies all we bring (2 Corinthians 9:10). |
    |