What is the meaning of Numbers 15:5?

With the burnt offering or sacrifice

– God specifies that a lamb’s burnt offering must be accompanied by more than just the animal itself.

– Burnt offerings were wholly consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion to the LORD (Leviticus 1:10-13; Romans 12:1 shows the ongoing call to offer ourselves wholly).

– The same principle appears when Noah offered burnt offerings after the flood, and God “smelled the pleasing aroma” (Genesis 8:20-21), underscoring that wholehearted worship pleases Him.

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of each lamb

– Every individual lamb demanded the same accompanying elements, showing that no person’s worship is exempt from God’s pattern (Exodus 12:3-5 links a lamb to each household; John 1:29 points to Christ as “the Lamb of God”).

– Consistency from lamb to lamb highlights God’s unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).

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you are to prepare

– The worshiper had an active role; obedience involved thoughtful preparation, not spur-of-the-moment giving (1 Chronicles 29:3-5; 2 Corinthians 8:12).

– Personal responsibility underscores relationship: God invites participation rather than mere spectatorship.

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a quarter hin of wine

– Roughly one quart/liter, a meaningful yet manageable measure—extravagant enough to honor God, realistic enough for families to supply (Deuteronomy 16:16-17).

– Wine signified joy and blessing (Psalm 104:15; Proverbs 3:9-10). By offering it, the worshiper acknowledged that all gladness ultimately comes from God.

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as a drink offering

– The wine was poured out beside the altar (Exodus 29:40-41; Philippians 2:17 compares Paul’s life to being “poured out”).

– The drink offering complemented the aroma of the burnt sacrifice, illustrating that worship embraces both surrender (the lamb consumed) and celebration (the wine poured).

– Together they foreshadow Christ, whose blood was “poured out for many” (Matthew 26:28), fulfilling every Old Testament type.

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summary

Numbers 15:5 teaches that genuine worship unites total surrender with joyful gratitude. For every lamb wholly burned, the worshiper also brought wine, acknowledging God as both Redeemer and provider. The precise measure, repeated for each offering, calls every believer to consistent, prepared, wholehearted devotion—ultimately pointing to Jesus, the perfect Lamb whose life and blood were completely offered for us.