Numbers 15:10 (KJV)

What does Numbers 15:10 mean?

Numbers 15:10 instructs that half a hin of wine should be brought as a drink offering, to be poured out as part of an offering made by fire, which is described as having a pleasing aroma to the LORD. This verse is part of a set of instructions about how the Israelites were to present offerings to God in their worship.

In Numbers 15:10, God is speaking to Moses, who is then to relay these instructions to the people of Israel. The setting is the wilderness, as the Israelites are learning how to worship God properly through sacrifices and offerings. The verse specifies the amount of wine (half a hin, which is about 2 quarts or 2 liters) to be included with certain sacrifices, showing the careful detail given to worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 15:10

• "hin" (הִין, hin): This is an ancient Hebrew measure of liquid, roughly equivalent to about 4 quarts (4 liters), so half a hin would be about 2 quarts (2 liters). Knowing the actual amount helps visualize the offering's size and value.
• "wine" (יַיִן, yayin): The word refers to fermented grape juice, used here as a symbol of joy and abundance in the offering.
• "sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach): Together, these words describe the offering as having a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD, which is a way of saying that the offering is accepted and welcomed by God.

Why Numbers 15:10 matters

• Numbers 15:10 clarifies that worship in ancient Israel involved not just animal sacrifices but also specific drink offerings, showing the multi-part nature of their rituals.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions exactly, down to the measurements and ingredients, highlighting the seriousness of approaching God in worship.
• By describing the offering as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, the verse connects to a broader biblical theme that God delights in sincere, obedient worship.