Numbers 28:20
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals shall ye offer for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram;
Original Language Analysis
וּמִ֨נְחָתָ֔ם
And their meat offering
H4503
וּמִ֨נְחָתָ֔ם
And their meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
1 of 11
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
בְּלוּלָ֣ה
mingled
H1101
בְּלוּלָ֣ה
mingled
Strong's:
H1101
Word #:
3 of 11
to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
בַשָּׁ֑מֶן
with oil
H8081
בַשָּׁ֑מֶן
with oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
4 of 11
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
5 of 11
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
לַפָּ֗ר
for a bullock
H6499
לַפָּ֗ר
for a bullock
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
7 of 11
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
Historical Context
The Passover/Unleavened Bread feast occurred during the barley harvest, when fresh grain was available. The omer offering of firstfruits (Leviticus 23:10-14) during this week acknowledged God as the source of the harvest. Jesus rose from the dead during this feast, becoming "the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20)—resurrection harvest prefigured by barley sheaves.
Questions for Reflection
- How does mingling oil with flour illustrate the necessity of the Spirit's presence in worship and service?
- What does offering fine flour (not leftovers) teach about the quality of devotion God desires?
- In what ways can you consecrate ordinary labor (like growing and grinding grain) as worship to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil (מִנְחָתָם סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן, minchatam solet belulah bashemen)—the grain offering always accompanied burnt offerings, never standing alone. Solet (סֹלֶת) was fine flour, not coarse meal—the best grain, finely ground. The oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) represents the Holy Spirit's anointing, necessary for acceptable worship (Zechariah 4:6).
Three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram—the repetition from verse 12 emphasizes consistency: whether at new moons or Passover, the proportions remained constant. This reliability in worship reflects God's unchanging character. The grain offering sanctified daily labor (agriculture) and recognized that even bread comes ultimately from God's hand (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4).