# Overview Numbers Chapter 28 focuses on the detailed instructions given by #God to #Moses concerning the regular offerings that the people of #Israel are to present. These offerings are an integral part of the Israelites' worship and devotion, symbolizing their continual relationship with God. The chapter begins with instructions for the daily offerings, where two lambs are to be sacrificed each day, one in the morning and one at twilight, accompanied by grain and drink offerings. This daily ritual underscores the importance of constant and consistent worship, serving as a reminder of God’s perpetual presence and the people’s ongoing dependence on Him. The chapter further outlines the requirements for the #Sabbath offerings, the monthly offerings at the beginning of each month, and the specific offerings during the #FeastsofUnleavenedBread and the #FeastofWeeks. Each offering is prescribed with precise details concerning the type of animal, the accompanying grain and drink offerings, and the manner in which they are to be presented. These sacrifices emphasize the holiness and orderliness required in approaching God, reflecting the sacredness of time and the rhythm of worship that God has established for His people. The offerings serve not only as acts of obedience but also as a means of maintaining a covenant relationship with God, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who fulfills the law and the prophets. ## Theological Insights Numbers 28 provides detailed instructions concerning the offerings that the Israelites were to present to the Lord, emphasizing the notion of holiness and the significance of worship in the life of the #Israelites. This chapter underlines the importance of regular and consistent worship practices in maintaining the covenant relationship between #God and His people. The chapter begins with daily offerings, highlighting the perpetual need for atonement and dedication to God. The requirement of a daily burnt offering, consisting of two lambs, signifies the continuous commitment of the Israelites to their covenant with God. This echoes the idea of daily devotion and worship as a way of life for believers, as also suggested in the New Testament through the call to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The mention of Sabbath offerings in verses 9-10 emphasizes the sanctity of the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship. This reflects the commandment given in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]] regarding the Sabbath and underscores the importance of rhythm and rest in the life of God’s people, pointing forward to the ultimate rest found in #Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). The offerings for the beginning of each month, or New Moon offerings (verses 11-15), signify the renewal of time and the renewing of the covenant community's commitment to God. This regular renewal is a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and creation, and it anticipates the new creation inaugurated through the resurrection of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] (2 Corinthians 5:17). The specifics of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (verses 16-25) remind the Israelites of their deliverance from #Egypt, pointing to the theme of redemption and liberation. This is a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who is referred to as our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Finally, the chapter concludes with the offerings for the Feast of Weeks (verses 26-31), which were to be presented seven weeks after the Passover. This feast, also known as Pentecost, signifies the harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai, but in the New Testament, it gains even deeper significance with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). Overall, Numbers 28 teaches the importance of structured worship and the centrality of God in the daily life of His people. The chapter also foreshadows New Testament themes of continuous worship, the Sabbath rest in Christ, renewal through Jesus, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, connecting the old covenant practices to the new covenant fulfillment in Christ. ## Thematic Connections ### Consistency in Worship Numbers 28 outlines the regular offerings and the consistency required in the worship practices of #Israel. This theme of regularity and consistency in worship is echoed throughout Scripture, where God calls His people to a disciplined and devoted life. For example, the daily offering mentioned in this chapter can be connected to the daily expression of faith seen in the #Psalms, such as [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 1]], which speaks of meditating on God's law day and night. This consistency reflects God’s desire for His people to remain in constant relationship with Him. ### Holiness and Atonement The emphasis on offerings in Numbers 28 highlights the theme of holiness and atonement. Each sacrifice serves as a reminder of the need for atonement and the holiness required to approach God. This theme is central to the sacrificial system and is fulfilled in the New Testament through the ultimate sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], as noted in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 10]], which speaks of Jesus as the once-for-all sacrifice that fulfills the requirements of the law. ### God's Provision and Sovereignty The offerings required in Numbers 28 also underscore God's provision and sovereignty. The people of Israel were to offer the best of their flocks and produce, recognizing that all they had was provided by God. This theme of divine provision is echoed in the story of #Abraham and #Isaac in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 22]], where God provides a ram for the offering. Similarly, Jesus teaches reliance on God's provision in the #SermonOnTheMount in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 6]], encouraging believers to trust in God's care. ### Community and Corporate Worship Numbers 28 emphasizes community and corporate worship through the prescribed national offerings. This theme of communal worship is further developed in the Psalms, such as [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 133]], which speaks of the unity of God's people in worship. In the New Testament, this is reflected in the establishment of the early church as a body of believers who worship together, as seen in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]], where the believers are described as being devoted to fellowship and communal prayer. ### The Cycle of Sacred Time The chapter’s delineation of daily, weekly, and monthly offerings, as well as those for special feasts, introduces the theme of sacred time. This concept finds resonance in the #Sabbath rest instituted in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]] and the #Jubilee year in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 25]], underscoring a rhythm of life centered around God. The New Testament echoes this understanding in the idea of eternal rest and the Kingdom of God, as seen in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21]], where time is fulfilled in God's eternal presence. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Daily Sacrifices In Numbers 28, the daily offerings are established, which prophetically point to the ultimate sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, fulfills the requirement for daily sacrifices by offering Himself once and for all, as highlighted in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 10|Hebrews 10:10-14]]. The continual burnt offerings set forth in this chapter find their completion in the perfect and final offering of Jesus, who provides eternal atonement and reconciliation with God. ### The Sabbath Offerings The additional offerings prescribed for the #Sabbath in Numbers 28:9-10 point to the rest and peace found in #Christ. Jesus invites all to find rest in Him, fulfilling the deeper spiritual significance of the Sabbath, as seen in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 11|Matthew 11:28-30]]. The Sabbath offerings foreshadow the rest from works and striving, which is fully realized in the redemptive work of Jesus, who is the Lord of the Sabbath. ### The New Moon Offerings The New Moon offerings in Numbers 28:11-15 signify new beginnings and renewal. These offerings prophetically indicate the renewal of life and spirit found in #Christ, who makes all things new, as mentioned in [[2 Corinthians/2 Corinthians Chapter 5|2 Corinthians 5:17]]. Through Jesus, believers are given a new start, symbolizing a renewed covenant relationship with God, fulfilling the hope for spiritual renewal and transformation anticipated by the New Moon sacrifices. ### The Passover and Unleavened Bread The observance of #Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Numbers 28:16-25 serves as a prophetic prefiguration of Jesus as the #PassoverLamb. As referenced in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 5|1 Corinthians 5:7]], Christ's sacrifice fulfills the Passover, delivering believers from sin and death. The unleavened bread symbolizes purity and sincerity, which is brought to fruition in the life of believers who partake in Christ's redemptive work. ### The Feast of Weeks The offerings for the Feast of Weeks or #Pentecost in Numbers 28:26-31 point to the coming of the #HolySpirit, marking the birth of the church, as described in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2|Acts 2:1-4]]. This feast, which culminates in the offering of the firstfruits, finds its prophetic fulfillment in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection and inaugurating the harvest of souls for God's kingdom. ## Verses - **Numbers 28:1** - "The LORD said to Moses," - **Numbers 28:2** - "“Give these instructions to the people of #Israel. The offerings you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered according to my instructions." - **Numbers 28:3** - "Say to the people: This is the special gift you must present to the LORD as your daily burnt offering. You must offer two one-year-old male lambs with no defects." - **Numbers 28:4** - "Sacrifice one lamb in the morning and the other in the evening." - **Numbers 28:5** - "With each lamb you must offer a grain offering of two quarts of choice flour mixed with one quart of pure oil of pressed olives." - **Numbers 28:6** - "This is the regular burnt offering instituted at Mount Sinai as a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." - **Numbers 28:7** - "Along with it, you must present the proper liquid offering of one quart of alcoholic drink with each lamb poured out in the Holy Place as an offering to the LORD." - **Numbers 28:8** - "Offer the second lamb in the evening with the same grain offering and liquid offering. It, too, is a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." - **Numbers 28:9** - "“On the Sabbath day, sacrifice two one-year-old male lambs with no defects. They must be accompanied by a grain offering of four quarts of choice flour moistened with olive oil, and a liquid offering." - **Numbers 28:10** - "This is the burnt offering to be presented each Sabbath day, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its accompanying liquid offering." - **Numbers 28:11** - "“On the first day of each month, present an extra burnt offering to the LORD of two young bulls, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs, all with no defects." - **Numbers 28:12** - "These must be accompanied by grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil—six quarts with each bull, four quarts with the ram," - **Numbers 28:13** - "and two quarts with each lamb. This burnt offering will be a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." - **Numbers 28:14** - "You must also present a liquid offering with each sacrifice: two quarts of wine for each bull, a third of a gallon for the ram, and one quart for each lamb. Present this monthly burnt offering on the first day of each month throughout the year." - **Numbers 28:15** - "“On the first day of each month, you must also offer one male goat for a sin offering to the LORD. This is in addition to the regular burnt offering and its accompanying liquid offering." - **Numbers 28:16** - "“On the fourteenth day of the first month, you must celebrate the LORD’s Passover." - **Numbers 28:17** - "On the following day—the fifteenth day of the month—a joyous, seven-day festival will begin, but no bread made with yeast may be eaten." - **Numbers 28:18** - "The first day of the festival will be an official day for holy assembly, and no ordinary work may be done on that day." - **Numbers 28:19** - "As a special gift you must present a burnt offering to the LORD—two young bulls, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs, all with no defects." - **Numbers 28:20** - "These will be accompanied by grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil—six quarts with each bull, four quarts with the ram," - **Numbers 28:21** - "and two quarts with each of the seven lambs." - **Numbers 28:22** - "You must also offer a male goat as a sin offering to purify yourselves and make yourselves right with the LORD." - **Numbers 28:23** - "Present these offerings in addition to your regular morning burnt offering." - **Numbers 28:24** - "On each of the seven days of the festival, this is how you must prepare the food offering that is presented as a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. These will be offered in addition to the regular burnt offerings and liquid offerings." - **Numbers 28:25** - "The seventh day of the festival will be another official day for holy assembly, and no ordinary work may be done on that day." - **Numbers 28:26** - "“At the Festival of Harvest, when you present the first of your new grain to the LORD, you must call an official day for holy assembly, and you may do no ordinary work on that day." - **Numbers 28:27** - "Present a special burnt offering on that day as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. It will consist of two young bulls, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs." - **Numbers 28:28** - "These will be accompanied by grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil—six quarts with each bull, four quarts with the ram," - **Numbers 28:29** - "and two quarts with each of the seven lambs." - **Numbers 28:30** - "Also, offer one male goat to purify yourselves and make yourselves right with the LORD." - **Numbers 28:31** - "Prepare these special burnt offerings, along with their liquid offerings, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its accompanying grain offering. Be sure that all the animals you sacrifice have no defects." ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Burnt Offering** - [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 1]] - **Sabbath** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]] - **Passover** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]] - **Festival of Harvest** - [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 23]] - **Sin Offering** - [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 4]]