Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the drink offering in the Bible serves as a profound illustration of the pouring out of the Spirit. In the Old Testament, the drink offering was a ritualistic act where wine was poured out on the altar as part of the sacrificial system. This act symbolized the complete dedication and surrender of the worshiper to God, as the wine was irretrievably given up, much like the life of the believer is to be wholly devoted to the Lord.Old Testament Context The drink offering is first mentioned in Genesis 35:14, where Jacob sets up a pillar in the place where God had spoken to him and pours out a drink offering on it. This act of worship signifies Jacob's acknowledgment of God's presence and promises. The drink offering is further detailed in the Mosaic Law, where it accompanies various sacrifices, such as the burnt offering and the peace offering (Numbers 15:5-10). The pouring out of wine on the altar was a fragrant aroma to the Lord, symbolizing joy, celebration, and the fullness of life offered back to God. Illustration of the Spirit's Outpouring The drink offering serves as a powerful metaphor for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Just as the wine was poured out completely, the Holy Spirit is poured out abundantly upon believers. This imagery is vividly captured in the prophecy of Joel, which is quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17-18 : "‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.’" The Apostle Paul also uses the imagery of a drink offering to describe his own life and ministry. In Philippians 2:17 , he writes, "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." Here, Paul likens his sacrificial service and impending martyrdom to a drink offering, illustrating his complete dedication to the work of the Gospel and the empowerment of the Spirit in his life. Spiritual Significance The drink offering, as an illustration of the Spirit's outpouring, emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Just as the wine was poured out without reservation, the Spirit is given generously to those who are in Christ, enabling them to live lives of holiness, service, and witness. The outpouring of the Spirit brings about a new covenant relationship with God, marked by intimacy, empowerment, and the fulfillment of God's promises. In summary, the drink offering in the biblical narrative serves as a rich symbol of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, highlighting themes of dedication, sacrifice, and divine empowerment. Through this imagery, believers are reminded of the abundant grace and presence of the Spirit in their lives, calling them to live fully for the glory of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joel 2:28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Paul's Departure and Crown; Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Resources Is “eat, drink, and be merry” a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? | GotQuestions.org What is a drink offering? | GotQuestions.org Drink: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Drink offering for Public Sacrifices Provided by the State Drink offering: Idolaters often Used Blood For Drink offering: Idolatrous Jews: Offered to the Queen of Heaven Drink offering: Idolatrous Jews: Reproved for offering, to Idols Drink offering: Illustrative of The: Devotedness of Ministers Drink offering: Illustrative of The: Offering of Christ Drink offering: Illustrative of The: Pouring out of the Spirit Drink offering: Not Poured on the Altar of Incense Drink offering: Omission of, Caused by Bad Vintage Drink offering: Quantity Appointed to be Used for Each Kind of Sacrifice Drink offering: Sacrifices Accompanied By Drink offering: Vanity of offering, to Idols Related Terms Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) |