“And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of a hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the Lord for a drink offering.”– Numbers 28:20 (KJV)
“And the drink offering will be a fourth of a gallon for each lamb. Pour out the strong wine as a liquid offering to the Lord in the holy place.”– Numbers 28:20 (NLT)
“The drink offering is to be a quart of wine for each lamb. Pour it out as an offering to God in the holy place.”– Numbers 28:20 (MSG)
What Does Numbers 28:20 Mean?
The verse from Numbers 28:20 speaks about the drink offering which is part of the sacrifices made by the Israelites to God. It describes the specific quantity of wine to be brought as an offering. In ancient Israel, offerings were very important. They were a way for people to express their devotion, gratitude, and worship to God. By presenting the drink offering, the Israelites showed their acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and the blessings they had received.
This verse highlights how the drink offering, a quart of wine, was to be poured out in the holy place. This act was not merely about the wine itself, but about recognizing God’s provision and expressing thanksgiving. It teaches us that our offerings, even a drink offering, were a way of drawing near to God, connecting with Him in worship, and deepening our relationship. Each aspect of the offering, including the amount and the specific conditions under which it was presented, had significance in demonstrating reverence to God.
Numbers 28:20 Explanation and Commentary
To fully grasp this verse, we need to understand the context of offerings in ancient Israel. The concept of offerings is an integral part of the Old Testament. God established various kinds of offerings to ensure that the Israelites remember their dependence on Him. Among these were burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, and each of these had distinct purposes and rituals associated with them.
The drink offering was often presented alongside other offerings. Pouring out wine as a drink offering was symbolic, representing joy and thanksgiving. Wine is seen as a symbol of abundance and blessing, and the act of pouring it out was an expression of gratitude to God for His provisions. It was a way for the people to acknowledge that everything they had came from Him.
It’s crucial for us to remember that these rituals were meant to create a connection between God and His people. Each offering, including the drink offering in Numbers 28:20, was a reminder that worship is not just about verbal acknowledgment but involves concrete acts of devotion. When we engage in acts of service and offering from a place of genuine gratitude, we’re essentially inviting God into our lives. We should reflect on how we can present our lives as living sacrifices today.
In the New Testament, we find that Jesus fulfills the sacrificial system. His death and resurrection mean that we no longer need to offer sacrifices of animals or drink. Instead, we are called to offer our hearts and lives as a spiritual offering to God. In Romans 12:1, we are reminded, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” This is related to the principle behind the drink offering in Numbers 28:20: our worship should come from a place of sincere devotion.
Context of Numbers 28:20
To fully understand the significance of Numbers 28:20, we need to explore the historical background of the Israelites. This verse is part of the Law given to the Israelites, where God instructed Moses on various offerings and rituals the people needed to observe as they wandered in the desert. These laws helped the Israelites maintain their distinct identity as God’s chosen people.
The book of Numbers outlines the organization of the camp, the roles of the priests, and their specific tasks in handling the offerings. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, these rituals were essential for ensuring that their worship was in line with God’s commandments. The drink offering, therefore, emphasized the importance of obedience to God’s laws and recognizing His authority in their lives.
As we study this context, we may notice that God establishes a deep connection between worship and community life. The offerings were not only a way for individuals to connect with God, but they fostered a sense of community among the Israelites. By collectively participating in these rituals, the people reinforced their identity as a nation under God. It highlights that worship is not just a personal expression, but a communal experience that draws us closer together.
Looking at the broader context of scripture, we can see numerous references to the importance of offerings. In Exodus 29:40, God provides details about the quantities and types of offerings required from the people. This shows God’s desire for His people to approach Him with intentionality, sincerity, and a heart of worship. Today, we can reflect on whether our expressions of worship honor God and reflect our relationship with Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Numbers 28:20
Let’s take a closer look at specific portions of Numbers 28:20 and gain insights from them. The drink offering mentioned here explicitly refers to wine, which symbolizes joy. We can see how wine is closely associated with celebration in the Bible, such as in Psalm 104:15, which mentions that God gives wine to gladden the heart of man.
The instruction to pour the strong wine in the holy place signifies the special reverence of the act. This reminds us that worship should happen in a sacred space where one can commune with God. In our lives, we are encouraged to create spaces—whether physical or spiritual—where we can encounter God through prayer, worship, and service to others.
The idea of a measured amount, like the fourth part of a hin, emphasizes that our offerings should come from thoughtful preparation. This resonates with the principle found in 2 Corinthians 9:7, which says we should give not reluctantly or under compulsion, but because we want to. It leads us to think about how we present our lives to God each day and what we give back in honor of His blessings.
We also realize that every part of our offering to God should be done excellently. The instruction to pour the wine suggests that there’s a method and reverence to giving, which can apply to all areas of our worship and service. Are we offering our best to God, or are we giving the bare minimum? Reflecting on this can lead us to a deeper commitment to God and our call to radiate His love and grace.
Lessons to Learn From Numbers 28:20
As we reflect on Numbers 28:20, we can extract various lessons that can guide our spiritual journeys. One of the main takeaways is the importance of having an attitude of gratitude. The drink offering wasn’t just about the physical wine but was a representation of thankfulness to God for His provisions and blessings. We should train ourselves to express gratitude regularly, acknowledging God’s goodness in our lives.
Another significant lesson is the emphasis on worship as an active, intentional choice. We often view worship as something that just happens during church services. However, Numbers 28:20 reminds us that worship is also about the offerings we bring to God. Each day provides us opportunities to worship through our actions, choices, and the ways we treat others. This challenges us to consider how our everyday lives can reflect our devotion to God.
The communal aspect of offerings also stands out. Worship isn’t solely an individual activity but also a community endeavor. Just as the Israelites participated together in these offerings, we, too, should engage with our church communities in a way that fosters unity and collective worship. Engaging in fellowship and being part of a church family enriches our faith journeys and allows us to encourage each other in our walks with God.
Finally, this verse teaches us about the significance of being deliberate in our worship. The specific measures and details in offering rituals show God’s desire for our worship to be intentional, thoughtful, and substantial. This is an encouragement for us to invest time in our relationship with God, dedicating ourselves to grow in faith, and seeking to know Him more deeply through study, prayer, and service.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Numbers 28:20 may seem like a straightforward verse about offerings, but it holds deep significance for us today. As we explore the richness of its meaning, we are reminded of the importance of worship, thanksgiving, and intentionality in our relationship with God. The act of presenting offerings isn’t merely a historical practice; it speaks to how we live our lives in gratitude and service today.
As we think about our own offerings to God, let us reflect on how we can pour out our lives in service to Him. Whether through acts of kindness, supporting our communities, or by simply being a source of encouragement to those around us, we are all called to be signs of God’s love. Let’s invite others to explore more topics like the specifics of offerings or how offerings have evolved as we continue to seek God in our daily lives.