Numbers 28:9
And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
Original Language Analysis
וּבְיוֹם֙
day
H3117
וּבְיוֹם֙
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת
And on the sabbath
H7676
הַשַּׁבָּ֔ת
And on the sabbath
Strong's:
H7676
Word #:
2 of 14
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
בְּנֵֽי
of the first
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תְּמִימִ֑ם
without spot
H8549
תְּמִימִ֑ם
without spot
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
7 of 14
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
מִנְחָ֛ה
for a meat offering
H4503
מִנְחָ֛ה
for a meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
11 of 14
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
בְּלוּלָ֥ה
mingled
H1101
בְּלוּלָ֥ה
mingled
Strong's:
H1101
Word #:
12 of 14
to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
Historical Context
This command ensured that Israel's seventh day was distinctly marked by enhanced worship, not just abstinence from labor. Archaeological evidence from later periods shows synagogue gatherings on Sabbath involved extensive Scripture reading and teaching, fulfilling this principle of intensified devotion. The requirement predates the temple period, showing Sabbath worship was essential from the wilderness onward.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your weekly day of worship involve more or less devotion to God than ordinary days?
- How can you make the Lord's Day a time of intensified worship rather than merely a break from work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Sabbath offering doubled the daily sacrifice, adding two extra lambs to emphasize the Sabbath's special sanctity. This demonstrates that the Sabbath wasn't merely rest from work but rest unto worship - a day of increased devotion, not decreased activity in God's service. The Hebrew 'Shabbat' means cessation, yet worship intensifies. This pattern continues in the New Testament church (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2), where the Lord's Day involves gathering for concentrated worship. The doubled offering shows that true rest includes amplified focus on God.