Numbers 28:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 28:13
13 And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.
Chapter Context
Numbers 28 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, sacrifice, faith. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 28:13
13 And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.
Analysis
A several tenth deal (עִשָּׂרוֹן, issaron)—literally "a tenth part" of an ephah, roughly 2 quarts of flour for each lamb. The term "several" (בַּד, bad) means "separate" or "individual," emphasizing that each lamb received its own grain offering, not a collective portion. This individualized provision mirrors God's personal care.
A sweet savour (רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ, reach nichoach)—"a soothing aroma" or "a fragrance of rest." This anthropomorphic language depicts sacrifices as pleasing to God, not because He needs food (Psalm 50:12-13), but because they represented obedience and devotion. Paul applies this same phrase to Christ's self-offering (Ephesians 5:2), revealing that these ancient rituals foreshadowed the ultimately pleasing sacrifice.
Historical Context
The monthly new moon festivals (Numbers 28:11-15) were less solemn than Sabbaths but still required cessation of ordinary work and assembly for worship. Archaeological evidence shows that ancient Near Eastern cultures also marked lunar cycles, but Israel's new moons uniquely pointed to the Creator who "appointed the moon for seasons" (Psalm 104:19).
Reflection
- How does the "separate" portion for each lamb reflect God's attention to individual worshipers within corporate gatherings?
- What does it mean for a life to be a "sweet savour" to God today, according to Ephesians 5:2 and Philippians 4:18?
- Why would God use sensory language (fragrance, savour) to describe spiritual realities?
Word Studies
- Lamb: שֶׂה / כֶּבֶשׂ (Seh / Kebes) H3532 - Lamb, young sheep