Numbers 28:31
Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.
Original Language Analysis
מִלְּבַ֞ד
H905
מִלְּבַ֞ד
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
עֹלַ֧ת
burnt offering
H5930
עֹלַ֧ת
burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
2 of 9
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
הַתָּמִ֛יד
them beside the continual
H8548
הַתָּמִ֛יד
them beside the continual
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
וּמִנְחָת֖וֹ
and his meat offering
H4503
וּמִנְחָת֖וֹ
and his meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
4 of 9
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
תַּֽעֲשׂ֑וּ
Ye shall offer
H6213
תַּֽעֲשׂ֑וּ
Ye shall offer
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
תְּמִימִ֥ם
they shall be unto you without blemish
H8549
תְּמִימִ֥ם
they shall be unto you without blemish
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
6 of 9
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
Historical Context
The continual burnt offering (tamid) twice daily (morning/evening) provided baseline worship maintaining perpetual fire on the altar (Leviticus 6:12-13). Festival additions created layered worship—daily tamid + Sabbath lambs + new moon bulls + festival-specific offerings—demonstrating escalating celebration without abandoning foundational rhythms.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the requirement to maintain daily offerings alongside festival sacrifices challenge 'event-driven' spirituality neglecting daily disciplines?
- What does the 'without blemish' requirement (even for supplementary offerings) teach about maintaining excellence in worship regardless of occasion?
- How can you structure spiritual life with both baseline daily rhythms and supplementary seasons of intensified devotion?
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Analysis & Commentary
Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings—The phrase beside the continual burnt offering (מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד milevad olat hatamid, apart from/in addition to the regular burnt offering) establishes that festival sacrifices supplemented rather than replaced daily tamid offerings (morning and evening lambs, Exodus 29:38-42). The parenthetical requirement—without blemish (תְּמִימִם יִהְיוּ־לָכֶם temimim yihyu-lakhem, they shall be perfect to you)—underscores that special occasions don't excuse inferior sacrifices.
This cumulative worship pattern (daily offerings + weekly Sabbath + monthly new moon + annual festivals) created rhythm of escalating celebration alongside consistent baseline devotion. The New Testament similarly calls believers to ongoing spiritual disciplines (prayer, Scripture, fellowship) supplemented by special celebrations (baptisms, communion, corporate gatherings). Extraordinary experiences don't substitute for daily faithfulness.