Numbers 15:12
According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.
Original Language Analysis
כְּמִסְפָּרָֽם׃
According to the number
H4557
כְּמִסְפָּרָֽם׃
According to the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
1 of 7
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
shall ye do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
shall ye do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
shall ye do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
shall ye do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Large-scale sacrifices occurred at major festivals (Passover, Tabernacles) and special occasions (temple dedications, royal coronations). Solomon sacrificed 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep at the temple dedication (1 Kings 8:63)—requiring meticulous calculation of accompanying offerings.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the call to multiply offerings proportionally challenge us to scale our generosity with our blessings?
- What does God's attention to numerical detail in worship reveal about His character and expectations?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of 'proportional obedience' to our time, talents, and treasure in Christian service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number—Mathematical precision in worship: multiply offerings by the number of animals sacrificed. This verse addresses those bringing multiple sacrifices simultaneously (e.g., at festivals or dedications), requiring proportional grain/oil/wine for each animal.
The repetition emphasizes accountability and integrity in worship. God keeps accounts—our offerings are not vague gestures but specific acts of obedience. This principle extends to New Testament stewardship: 'Every man according as he purposeth in his heart' (2 Corinthians 9:7), where intentionality matters.