Numbers Chapter 15 · Verse 10
And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
תַּקְרִ֥יב
And thou shalt bring
H7126
תַּקְרִ֥יב
And thou shalt bring
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
2 of 9
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אִשֵּׁ֥ה
for an offering made by fire
H801
אִשֵּׁ֥ה
for an offering made by fire
Strong's:
H801
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
Historical Context
Wine was a luxury in the ancient Near East, associated with celebration and abundance (Psalm 104:15). By including it in offerings, God invited worshipers to share their joy and prosperity with Him, acknowledging that all gladness is His gift.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the wine offering's symbolism of joy challenge the notion that authentic worship must be somber or severe?
- In what ways does the 'pouring out' of wine prefigure both Christ's sacrifice and our call to be 'poured out' in service (Philippians 2:17)?
- What does God's designation of obedient offerings as a 'sweet savour' reveal about His relational desire for our worship?
Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine (נֶסֶךְ nesek, 'libation')—The wine offering, poured out at the altar's base, completed the sacrificial triad: flesh (animal), grain (bread of life), and wine (joy/celebration). Wine symbolized covenant fellowship and eschatological blessing (Isaiah 25:6).
This nesek was 'poured out' (same root as Isaiah 53:12, describing Messiah's self-sacrifice), foreshadowing Christ's blood 'poured out for many' (Mark 14:24). The half-hin (≈ 1.8 liters) was substantial—true worship is generous, not calculating. The phrase for a sweet savour unto the LORD (רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ reach nichoach) indicates God's pleasure in obedient, costly worship.