Numbers 28:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 28:14
14 And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.
Chapter Context
Numbers 28 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice, creation. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 28:14
14 And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.
Analysis
Half an hin of wine (חֲצִי הַהִין יַיִן, chatzi hahin yayin)—a hin was approximately 1 gallon, so half a hin equals 2 quarts. The drink offerings (נֶסֶךְ, nesek) accompanied grain and burnt offerings, symbolizing joy and celebration (Psalm 104:15). Wine, a luxury in an agrarian economy, showed that God deserved the best, not leftovers.
The proportional system—½ hin per bullock, ⅓ hin per ram, ¼ hin per lamb—balanced equity with ability. God's worship system was neither egalitarian (everyone gave the same) nor arbitrary, but proportional to blessing received. Every month throughout the months of the year—this monthly rhythm prevented worship from becoming merely annual routine, establishing regular consecration of time to Yahweh.
Historical Context
Monthly new moon offerings continued throughout Israel's history (1 Samuel 20:5; 2 Kings 4:23; Isaiah 1:13-14; Ezekiel 46:6). By the intertestamental period, Rosh Chodesh became a semi-festival. These monthly markers prefigured the Christian practice of regular Lord's Supper observance, maintaining consistent rhythms of remembrance.
Reflection
- How does the proportional nature of offerings challenge both legalism (rigid uniformity) and cheap grace (minimal sacrifice)?
- What regular rhythms of worship keep faith from becoming merely occasional or crisis-driven?
- How does the use of wine in Old Testament worship inform Christian understanding of the Lord's Supper?
Word Studies
- Lamb: שֶׂה / כֶּבֶשׂ (Seh / Kebes) H3532 - Lamb, young sheep