Numbers 29:24
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
מִנְחָתָ֣ם
Their meat offering
H4503
מִנְחָתָ֣ם
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
Priestly education heavily emphasized rote learning. Young Levites memorized Torah portions, sacrificial procedures, and festival calendars before age thirteen (modern bar mitzvah's origin). The repetitive phrasing in Numbers 28-29 facilitated this pedagogical method.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the unchanging 'manner' of offerings challenge contemporary worship's emphasis on novelty and innovation?
- What does grain-and-wine's pairing in offerings teach about Christ's body and blood as sustenance for believers (John 6:53-56)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Their meat offering and their drink offerings... according to their number, after the manner—Day four's refrain emphasizes the grain (minchah) and wine (nesek) offerings' unchanging proportions. The repetition across seven days (verses 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 37) creates liturgical cadence like Psalms' refrains.
This verbal repetition aided memorization in oral culture while underscoring theological truth: worship standards don't shift with circumstances. Whether day one's enthusiasm or day four's midpoint, God's 'manner' remained fixed. New covenant believers likewise worship 'in spirit and truth' (John 4:24) consistently.