Numbers 28:13

and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each lamb. This is a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

Study Bible

and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour
The ephah was a unit of dry measure used in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about 5.8 gallons. A tenth of an ephah would be a small portion, indicating the precision and care in offerings. Fine flour signifies purity and quality, reflecting the best of what the Israelites could offer to God. This offering is part of the daily sacrifices, emphasizing regular devotion and the importance of consistency in worship.

mixed with oil
Oil, often olive oil, was a staple in ancient Israelite culture, used for cooking, anointing, and as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Mixing oil with flour in offerings symbolizes the anointing and presence of God, as well as the richness and abundance of His provision. This mixture also points to the unity of the Spirit and the Word, as oil often represents the Spirit and flour the sustenance of life.

as a grain offering with each lamb
The grain offering, or "minchah," was a tribute to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. It accompanied the burnt offering of a lamb, which was a daily sacrifice. The lamb is a significant symbol throughout Scripture, representing innocence and sacrifice, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

This is a burnt offering
The burnt offering, or "olah," was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God. It was a voluntary act of worship, expressing atonement and devotion. The total consumption by fire signifies the totality of the offering, representing the worshiper's complete submission to God's will.

a pleasing aroma
The phrase "a pleasing aroma" is used throughout the Old Testament to describe sacrifices that are acceptable to God. It signifies God's satisfaction with the offering, not because of the physical smell, but because of the heart and obedience behind it. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to live lives that are a "fragrant offering" to God (Ephesians 5:2).

a food offering to the LORD
The term "food offering" indicates that the sacrifice is seen as sustenance for God, though not in a literal sense. It reflects the idea of fellowship and communion with God, as offerings were a way to maintain a relationship with Him. This concept is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus, who is the bread of life (John 6:35), providing spiritual nourishment and eternal life to believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the laws and instructions from God, including the sacrificial system outlined in Numbers.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given specific instructions on how to worship and offer sacrifices to maintain their covenant relationship with Him.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where sacrifices and offerings were made.

4. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire offering is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God.

5. Grain Offering
An offering made of fine flour mixed with oil, symbolizing the fruits of human labor and dedication to God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were required to follow specific instructions for offerings, demonstrating the importance of obedience in worship.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The burnt offering as a "pleasing aroma" signifies total surrender and dedication to God, reminding us of the need for wholehearted devotion.

The Role of Offerings in Worship
Offerings were a central part of Israelite worship, teaching us the value of giving our best to God in our own worship practices.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The sacrificial system points to Christ, whose sacrifice was the ultimate pleasing aroma to God, encouraging us to live lives that reflect His sacrifice.

Daily Dedication
Just as the Israelites offered daily sacrifices, we are called to daily dedicate our lives to God, offering our time, talents, and resources.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a "pleasing aroma" in Numbers 28:13 relate to our personal worship and dedication to God today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of giving our best to God, as seen in the grain offering, in our daily lives?

3. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice as described in Hebrews 10?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate obedience to God in our modern context, similar to the Israelites' obedience in their offerings?

5. How can we incorporate the idea of daily dedication, as seen in the daily offerings, into our spiritual disciplines and routines?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 2
Provides detailed instructions on grain offerings, emphasizing the use of fine flour and oil, which parallels the instructions in Numbers 28:13.

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of priests and the offerings required, highlighting the importance of offerings as a means of sanctification and dedication to God.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system, including burnt offerings.