Topical Bible: Sacrifices were offered: Weekly

Bible > Topical > Sacrifices were offered

◄ Sacrifices were offered: Weekly ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the religious practices of ancient Israel, sacrifices played a central role in the worship and covenant relationship between God and His people. Among the various offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law, the weekly sacrifices held particular significance, serving as a regular reminder of the Israelites' devotion and obedience to God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of weekly sacrifices is rooted in the observance of the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship. The Sabbath, occurring every seventh day, was instituted by God as a sign of the covenant between Him and Israel. In addition to the daily offerings, the Sabbath required specific sacrifices to be made at the Tabernacle, and later at the Temple.

Scriptural References

The primary scriptural reference for the weekly Sabbath sacrifices is found in the Book of Numbers. Numbers 28:9-10 states: "On the Sabbath day, present two unblemished year-old male lambs, along with two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, and its drink offering. This is the burnt offering for every Sabbath, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering."

This passage outlines the specific requirements for the Sabbath offerings, emphasizing the need for unblemished lambs and the accompanying grain and drink offerings. These sacrifices were to be made in addition to the regular daily offerings, highlighting the special nature of the Sabbath.

Theological Significance

The weekly sacrifices on the Sabbath underscored the holiness of the day and the importance of regular, intentional worship. By offering sacrifices on the Sabbath, the Israelites acknowledged God's provision and sovereignty, setting aside their own labor to honor Him. The unblemished nature of the lambs symbolized purity and the need for atonement, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who is often referred to as the Lamb of God in the New Testament.

Historical Context

In the context of ancient Israel, the weekly sacrifices were part of a broader sacrificial system that included daily, monthly, and annual offerings. The regularity of these sacrifices served to maintain a continuous relationship with God, reminding the Israelites of their dependence on Him and their need for His forgiveness and blessing.

The Sabbath sacrifices were conducted by the priests, who acted as mediators between God and the people. This priestly role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity of the sacrificial system and ensuring that the offerings were made according to God's commandments.

Practical Implications

For the Israelites, the weekly sacrifices required preparation and dedication. The selection of unblemished lambs and the preparation of grain and drink offerings demanded attention to detail and a commitment to following God's instructions. This practice instilled a rhythm of worship and obedience in the lives of the Israelites, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

In contemporary Christian thought, while the sacrificial system of the Old Testament is no longer practiced, the principles underlying the weekly sacrifices continue to hold spiritual significance. The observance of a day of rest and worship, as well as the concept of offering one's best to God, remain integral to Christian life and devotion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 28:9,10
And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions.
... and later in the temple where they conducted religious services, offered sacrifices
for public and ... (Num.10:10) and were celebrated by sacrifices. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter iii the sacred officers.htm

The Anglican Reform
... which had hitherto been divided into seven portions [60] for a weekly course, were ...
one day for the whole sins of the year, the sacrifices were offered in the ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/chapter i the anglican reform.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... or, rather, the Omer) was to be offered on the ... day of the Feast of Tabernacles, if
it were a Sabbath. ... contended that the cost of the daily Sacrifices should be ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... same fruits of the earth were offered by both ... the regulations relating to the sacrifices
were similar. ... days of thanksgiving or humiliation were appointed from ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Analysis of the Westminster Confession.
... in the exercise of the general priesthood of believers, they offered the sacrifices
of contrite ... day of holy rest; not dreaming that they were the bearers ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 95 analysis of the.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... gratitude, and smell a sweet savor in their sacrifices. ... They were particularly guilty
of this sin while Moses ... I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist
... The prayers of the people had been offered, and their ... The pieces of the sacrifices
had been ranged in due ... the steps to the porch, and the people were in waiting ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the annunciation of.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... mind was whether he could consistently join in Church services in which public prayers
were offered in behalf ... But, great as were the sacrifices which many ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

part iii.
... Such were the late Mr. Smith of Hartford and Mr. Cobb ... made cheerful and happy in
all their sacrifices for him. ... he came to the missionary, and offered the whole ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part iii.htm

Of the Mass.
... masses for souls in purgatory [or in sacrifices for the ... without money and merit;
and is offered [and presented ... in Scripture, and even though it were a precious ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/article ii of the mass.htm