Numbers 28:23

Authorized King James Version

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Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering.

Original Language Analysis

מִלְּבַד֙ H905
מִלְּבַד֙
Strong's: H905
Word #: 1 of 9
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
לְעֹלַ֣ת burnt offering H5930
לְעֹלַ֣ת burnt offering
Strong's: H5930
Word #: 2 of 9
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
הַבֹּ֔קֶר in the morning H1242
הַבֹּ֔קֶר in the morning
Strong's: H1242
Word #: 3 of 9
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
אֲשֶׁ֖ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 4 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לְעֹלַ֣ת burnt offering H5930
לְעֹלַ֣ת burnt offering
Strong's: H5930
Word #: 5 of 9
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
הַתָּמִ֑יד which is for a continual H8548
הַתָּמִ֑יד which is for a continual
Strong's: H8548
Word #: 6 of 9
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
תַּֽעֲשׂ֖וּ Ye shall offer H6213
תַּֽעֲשׂ֖וּ Ye shall offer
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 7 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֵֽלֶּה׃ H428
אֵֽלֶּה׃
Strong's: H428
Word #: 9 of 9
these or those

Analysis & Commentary

Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning (מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַבֹּקֶר, milevad olat haboqer)—the festival offerings were additional to, not replacements for, the daily tamid (תָּמִיד, "continual") offerings prescribed in Exodus 29:38-42. Each morning and evening, one lamb was offered perpetually on Israel's behalf, representing unceasing intercession and consecration. The festivals added to this baseline but never suspended it.

This layering—daily + monthly + annual offerings—created a richly textured worship life where every day was sacred, some days more solemn. The continual burnt offering prefigures Christ's ongoing high priestly ministry (Hebrews 7:25: he ever lives to make intercession), while the special offerings point to His once-for-all death. The Christian life similarly combines regular rhythms (daily devotion) with special observances (Lord's Supper, Christian calendar).

Historical Context

The tamid offerings continued twice daily throughout Israel's history until the Temple's destruction in AD 70. Jesus's crucifixion occurred at the time of the evening tamid (approximately 3 PM), and the veil tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing direct access replacing the sacrificial system. Early Christians prayed at these same hours (Acts 3:1; 10:9), maintaining continuity while recognizing fulfillment.

Questions for Reflection

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