What is the meaning of Numbers 28:12? along with three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each bull The new-moon burnt offering began with two young bulls (Numbers 28:11). For every bull, the worshiper also brought “three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil.” That sizable measure—roughly eleven quarts—highlights three truths: • Proportionate devotion. A large animal calls for a large grain gift (Numbers 15:9-10). God ties the scale of giving to the scale of blessing, echoing Luke 12:48. • Purity and excellence. Fine flour is sifted until only the best remains, matching the unblemished bulls (Leviticus 22:20) and foreshadowing Christ’s sinless perfection (1 Peter 1:19). • Spirit-enabled worship. Oil, a frequent symbol of the Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:6), permeates the flour. Even obedience depends on divine empowerment—Philippians 4:13 expresses the same principle. By coupling costly livestock with costly produce, God teaches that true worship engages every part of life (Romans 12:1). two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with the ram When the sacrifice moves from bull to ram, the flour drops to “two-tenths of an ephah” (about seven quarts), showing God’s ordered fairness: • Consistent ratios. Rams receive two-thirds of the bull’s grain, and lambs later get one-third (Numbers 28:13), reflecting 1 Corinthians 14:33—God is not a God of confusion. • Considerate equity. A family able to offer only a ram still brings an offering scaled to their means (Leviticus 5:7-10). The standard is achievable yet meaningful for all. • Covenant unity. Bulls, rams, and lambs share the same ingredients—flour plus oil—linking every worshiper to the same story that culminates in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12). The repeated phrase “mixed with oil” reminds us that ritual without the Spirit is lifeless (Romans 8:9). Flour alone would be dry; oil makes it fragrant and useful. summary Numbers 28:12 shows worship that is proportional, pure, and Spirit-filled. Larger animals call for larger grain gifts, demonstrating God’s orderly and equitable expectations. Fine flour signals spotless devotion; oil speaks of the Spirit’s enabling presence. Together these offerings foreshadow the flawless, all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ and invite believers today to bring every resource and affection under the Lord’s gracious rule. |
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