What is the meaning of Numbers 29:27? Their grain and drink offerings “and their grain and drink offerings…” (Numbers 29:27) • Every animal sacrifice at the Feast of Tabernacles was paired with a grain and a drink offering. Numbers 15:4-10 lays out the exact ratios of fine flour mixed with oil and the corresponding measure of wine—showing that worship involved the fruit of the field as well as the flock. • Leviticus 2:1-2 underscores that the grain offering was “a pleasing aroma to the LORD,” reminding Israel that daily sustenance comes from Him (cf. Deuteronomy 8:10). • The drink offering (Exodus 29:40-41) poured out before the altar symbolized rejoicing in God’s provision, anticipating the “new wine” imagery later used by the prophets (Joel 2:24-27) and even by Jesus at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:27-29). • Taken together, the threefold presentation—blood, grain, and wine—reveals a picture of comprehensive devotion: life, labor, and joy all offered back to the One who gave them. For the bulls, rams and lambs “…for the bulls, rams and lambs…” • Each class of animal carried a distinct symbolism already familiar from earlier sacrifices (Leviticus 1): – Bulls—strength and leadership (Psalm 50:13; 1 Kings 8:63). – Rams—substitution and covenant faithfulness, echoing Abraham’s ram in Genesis 22:13. – Lambs—innocence and daily dependence, foreshadowing the ultimate Lamb of God (John 1:29). • The Feast of Tabernacles featured a descending number of bulls across the seven days (Numbers 29:12-32), drawing attention to God’s orderly plan and Israel’s growing anticipation of complete redemption. • Yet, no matter how many animals were offered, each one still required its own grain and drink accompaniment—a reminder that no part of worship is optional (Colossians 3:17). According to the number prescribed “…according to the number prescribed.” • The phrase points back to God’s precise instructions in Numbers 15:11-12: “For every bull or ram or lamb… you must prepare each one in this way.” Obedience was measured not by good intentions but by exact compliance (1 Samuel 15:22). • This precision taught Israel that holiness is defined by God, not by human improvisation (Leviticus 10:1-3). • By obeying “the number prescribed,” the people declared trust in God’s wisdom. They rested under booths (Leviticus 23:42-43) while offering sacrifices exactly as ordered—celebrating both their wilderness past and their promised future (Zechariah 14:16-19). summary Numbers 29:27 highlights the grain and drink offerings that accompanied every bull, ram, and lamb during the Feast of Tabernacles. God required these additional gifts to signal that all facets of life—life-blood, daily bread, and celebratory wine—belong to Him. The verse also stresses precision: each animal received its own set quantity, teaching that true worship honors God’s exact Word. Far from a mere ritual footnote, verse 27 calls believers to wholehearted, orderly, and joyful devotion, offering every strength, resource, and delight back to the Lord who faithfully provides. |
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