Numbers 6:15
And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
Original Language Analysis
וְסַ֣ל
And a basket
H5536
וְסַ֣ל
And a basket
Strong's:
H5536
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, a willow twig (as pendulous), i.e., an osier; but only as woven into a basket
מַצּ֖וֹת
of unleavened bread
H4682
מַצּ֖וֹת
of unleavened bread
Strong's:
H4682
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
בְּלוּלֹ֣ת
mingled
H1101
בְּלוּלֹ֣ת
mingled
Strong's:
H1101
Word #:
5 of 12
to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן
with oil
H8081
בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן
with oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
6 of 12
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
מַצּ֖וֹת
of unleavened bread
H4682
מַצּ֖וֹת
of unleavened bread
Strong's:
H4682
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
מְשֻׁחִ֣ים
anointed
H4886
מְשֻׁחִ֣ים
anointed
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
9 of 12
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן
with oil
H8081
בַּשָּׁ֑מֶן
with oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
10 of 12
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
Cross References
Exodus 29:2And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shalt thou make them.Leviticus 2:4And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.Numbers 15:10And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Historical Context
The Nazirite vow was voluntary, undertaken for a set period, representing special dedication to God. At the vow's completion, these offerings celebrated the faithful completion of the consecrated period and marked the return to normal life while commemorating the season of special devotion.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the unleavened bread and anointing oil together symbolize Spirit-empowered holiness?
- What does the completion offering teach about finishing well in our commitments to God?
- In what ways do voluntary seasons of special dedication enhance normal Christian discipleship?
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Analysis & Commentary
The basket of unleavened bread for the Nazirite offering represents purity and dedication. Leaven symbolizes sin throughout Scripture, so unleavened bread indicates sincerity and consecration. The cakes mixed with oil and wafers anointed with oil both point to the Holy Spirit's presence and enabling power. The variety of offerings—peace offerings alongside the unleavened bread—demonstrates that the Nazirite's vow culminates in fellowship with God. The Reformed understanding of sanctification is reflected here—separation from sin for the purpose of communion with God.