Numbers 29:21
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
Original Language Analysis
וּמִנְחָתָ֣ם
And their meat offering
H4503
וּמִנְחָתָ֣ם
And their meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
1 of 7
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֡ם
and their drink offerings
H5262
וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֡ם
and their drink offerings
Strong's:
H5262
Word #:
2 of 7
a libation; also a cast idol
לַ֠פָּרִים
for the bullocks
H6499
לַ֠פָּרִים
for the bullocks
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
3 of 7
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
לָֽאֵילִ֧ם
for the rams
H352
לָֽאֵילִ֧ם
for the rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
Historical Context
Wine production in ancient Israel occurred during harvest season, making Sukkot an ideal time for wine libations. Archaeological discoveries of ancient wine presses in Judean highlands confirm viticulture's centrality. Tithes included wine (Deuteronomy 14:23), integrating it into covenant worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the wine libation's irretrievable pouring out illuminate Christ's words 'my blood poured out for many' (Mark 14:24)?
- What does the festival's joy-infused worship teach about the compatibility of reverence and gladness in approaching God?
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Analysis & Commentary
According to their number, after the manner—The refrain returns, hammering home covenant consistency. Day three's grain and drink offerings followed the same proportions as days one and two: 3 esronim per bullock, 2 per ram, 1 per lamb. The drink offering (nesek, נֶסֶךְ) of wine accompanied each animal (Numbers 15:1-12).
Wine symbolized joy (Psalm 104:15) but also covenant blood (Matthew 26:28). Poured out at the altar's base, it couldn't be consumed—a picture of Christ's blood poured out irrecoverably for sin (Isaiah 53:12). The repetitive phrase 'after the manner' reinforces that worship isn't creativity but obedience.