Numbers 28:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 28:20
20 And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals shall ye offer for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram;
Chapter Context
Numbers 28 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, worship. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 28:20
20 And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals shall ye offer for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram;
Analysis
Their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil (מִנְחָתָם סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן, minchatam solet belulah bashemen)—the grain offering always accompanied burnt offerings, never standing alone. Solet (סֹלֶת) was fine flour, not coarse meal—the best grain, finely ground. The oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) represents the Holy Spirit's anointing, necessary for acceptable worship (Zechariah 4:6).
Three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram—the repetition from verse 12 emphasizes consistency: whether at new moons or Passover, the proportions remained constant. This reliability in worship reflects God's unchanging character. The grain offering sanctified daily labor (agriculture) and recognized that even bread comes ultimately from God's hand (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4).
Historical Context
The Passover/Unleavened Bread feast occurred during the barley harvest, when fresh grain was available. The omer offering of firstfruits (Leviticus 23:10-14) during this week acknowledged God as the source of the harvest. Jesus rose from the dead during this feast, becoming "the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20)—resurrection harvest prefigured by barley sheaves.
Reflection
- How does mingling oil with flour illustrate the necessity of the Spirit's presence in worship and service?
- What does offering fine flour (not leftovers) teach about the quality of devotion God desires?
- In what ways can you consecrate ordinary labor (like growing and grinding grain) as worship to God?