Numbers 28:2
Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קָרְבָּנִ֨י
unto them My offering
H7133
קָרְבָּנִ֨י
unto them My offering
Strong's:
H7133
Word #:
8 of 16
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
לַחְמִ֜י
and my bread
H3899
לַחְמִ֜י
and my bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
9 of 16
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
לְאִשַּׁ֗י
for my sacrifices made by fire
H801
לְאִשַּׁ֗י
for my sacrifices made by fire
Strong's:
H801
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
נִֽיחֹחִ֔י
for a sweet
H5207
נִֽיחֹחִ֔י
for a sweet
Strong's:
H5207
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
תִּשְׁמְר֕וּ
unto me shall ye observe
H8104
תִּשְׁמְר֕וּ
unto me shall ye observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
Leviticus 3:11And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.Genesis 8:21And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
Historical Context
Given near the end of Israel's wilderness wanderings as they prepared to enter Canaan, these instructions ensure worship continuity in the Promised Land. The detailed regulations (daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly offerings) would structure Israel's entire calendar around worship, making every day, week, and season point to God's provision and their dependence on Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you structure your daily and weekly rhythms to make worship central rather than peripheral?
- In what ways does your life become a 'sweet savour' - a pleasing aroma - to God through Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God commands Israel to observe 'my offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire' at their appointed seasons. The Hebrew 'qorban' (offering) and 'lechem' (bread) emphasize that sacrifices are God's food - anthropomorphic language showing God delights in His people's worship, not that He needs sustenance. The phrase 'sweet savour' (reiach nichoach) appears throughout, meaning a soothing aroma pleasing to God. These offerings foreshadow Christ, the true Bread from heaven (John 6:35) who offered Himself as a fragrant offering to God (Eph 5:2).