What is the meaning of Numbers 29:4? Setting and Context • Numbers 29 describes the offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles on the seventh month; each day had specific sacrifices (Leviticus 23:34–36; Numbers 28:2–3). • Verse 4 falls within instructions for Day 1, following a list of thirteen bulls, two rams, and seven male lambs without blemish (Numbers 29:12). • The phrase “a tenth of an ephah with each of the seven male lambs” focuses on the grain offering that accompanies the lambs, not the animals themselves. What Is an Ephah? • An ephah was a standard dry measure; a tenth is roughly two quarts/liters. • Each lamb required the same amount—showing uniform devotion and equality before God (Exodus 29:40; Numbers 15:4–5). • Mixing the flour with oil symbolized the Spirit’s empowering presence (Leviticus 2:1–2). Why the Grain Offering Matters • It acknowledged God as provider of daily bread while the burnt offering expressed total surrender (Deuteronomy 8:10; Psalm 104:14–15). • Burning a portion produced “a pleasing aroma to the LORD,” affirming God’s fellowship with His people (Leviticus 2:9). • Grain was bloodless—reminding Israel that every aspect of life, not just life-blood, belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:1). The Number Seven • Seven lambs mirrored the biblical pattern of completeness and covenant fullness (Genesis 2:2–3). • Throughout Tabernacles, the daily counts of bulls decreased, but the seven lambs stayed constant, underscoring continual perfection in worship (Numbers 29:17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 35). Looking Ahead to Christ • The whole sacrificial system foreshadowed Christ, the “once for all” offering (Hebrews 10:10). • The grain accompanying each lamb hints at Jesus, the “bread of life,” presented to the Father in perfect obedience (John 6:35; Ephesians 5:2). • Just as oil mixed with flour, the Spirit rested on Him without measure (Luke 4:18; John 3:34). Personal Application • Worship still involves bringing God our best in grateful recognition of His provision (2 Corinthians 9:10–11). • Consistency—“with each of the seven male lambs”—calls believers to regular, wholehearted giving, whether resources, time, or praise (Hebrews 13:15–16). • The uniform measure encourages fairness and sincerity, avoiding partiality in devotion (James 2:1). summary Numbers 29:4 instructs Israel to present “a tenth of an ephah” of fine flour with each of the seven lambs offered on the first day of Tabernacles. This precise, repeated grain offering underscored God’s provision, Israel’s continual gratitude, and the completeness of their worship. Ultimately, the practice points to Christ—the perfect Lamb and living Bread—inviting us today to respond with consistent, wholehearted devotion. |
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