Topical Bible: Measure: A Hin, About a Gallon and a Half

◄ Measure: A Hin, About a Gallon and a Half ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "hin" refers to an ancient Hebrew unit of liquid measurement used in the Bible, particularly in the context of religious rituals and offerings. The hin is approximately equivalent to a gallon and a half in modern measurements, or about 5.7 liters. This unit of measure is significant in understanding the quantities prescribed for various offerings and anointing oils in the Old Testament.

Biblical References:

The hin is mentioned several times in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It is primarily associated with the preparation of sacred anointing oil and the drink offerings that accompanied sacrifices.

1. Anointing Oil: In Exodus 30:24-25, the Lord instructs Moses on the preparation of the sacred anointing oil: "500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a holy anointing oil." The hin of olive oil serves as a base for this sacred mixture, emphasizing the importance of precise measurements in the creation of items used in worship.

2. Drink Offerings: The hin is also used to measure the wine for drink offerings. In Numbers 15:5, the Lord commands, "With the burnt offering or sacrifice of each lamb, prepare a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering." This prescription is part of the broader sacrificial system, where specific quantities of wine were to be offered alongside animal sacrifices, symbolizing the dedication and devotion of the people to God.

3. Regulations for Offerings: Leviticus 23:13 provides further instructions regarding offerings: "along with its grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil—an offering made by fire to the LORD, a pleasing aroma—and its drink offering of a quarter hin of wine." Here, the hin is part of a detailed set of instructions for offerings during the Feast of Weeks, underscoring the importance of adherence to divine commands.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The use of the hin in biblical texts highlights the meticulous nature of worship in ancient Israel. The precise measurements reflect a broader theological principle that worship and offerings to God must be conducted with care, reverence, and obedience to divine instructions. The hin, as a unit of measure, serves as a reminder of the order and structure that God established for His people, ensuring that their worship was both meaningful and acceptable.

In the broader context of biblical symbolism, the hin and other measurements underscore the concept of completeness and sufficiency in offerings to God. The specific quantities prescribed for various offerings illustrate the idea that God provides clear guidelines for how He is to be approached and honored by His people.

Conclusion:

The hin, as a unit of liquid measure, plays a crucial role in the liturgical and sacrificial practices of ancient Israel. Its use in the preparation of anointing oils and drink offerings reflects the detailed and ordered nature of worship as prescribed in the Old Testament. Through these precise measurements, the biblical text communicates the importance of obedience and reverence in the worship of God.

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Exodus 29:40
And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering.
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Exodus 30:24
And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:
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Leviticus 19:36
Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall you have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.
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Leviticus 23:13
And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire to the LORD for a sweet smell: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.
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Numbers 15:4-10
Then shall he that offers his offering to the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil.
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Numbers 28:5,7,14
And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.
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