Question 1

What does Numbers 28:13 mean?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 28:13 gives instructions for the grain offering that was to go with each lamb sacrificed as a burnt offering to the LORD. The verse specifies the amount of flour mixed with oil to be offered, describing it as a pleasing aroma and a sacrifice made by fire to God. In this section, God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed commands for the daily offerings Israel was to bring at the tabernacle. Numbers 28:13 focuses on the portion of flour and oil (the "meat offering") that accompanied each lamb, emphasizing exact amounts and the purpose of the offering: to create a "sweet savour" or pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:13

Accepted Answer

"deal" (עִשָּׂרוֹן, ʿissaron): This word refers to a specific measure, often translated as a "tenth part" or "tenth deal," showing the precise amount of flour required for the offering. "flour" (סֹלֶת, solet): This is fine wheat flour, highlighting the quality expected for offerings—only the best was to be given. "mingled" (בָּלוּל, balul): This means "mixed," indicating that the flour was to be combined with oil, not offered dry, which added richness and value to the offering. "sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach): Together, these words describe the offering as a "pleasing aroma," a phrase used throughout the Old Testament to express that the sacrifice was acceptable and welcomed by God.

Question 3

Why Numbers 28:13 matters

Accepted Answer

Numbers 28:13 clarifies that worship in ancient Israel involved careful attention to detail, not just in animal sacrifices but also in grain offerings, showing that every part of the ritual mattered. The verse helps clear up that the "meat offering" in the King James Version is actually a grain offering, not animal flesh, which can be confusing to modern readers. This instruction fits into a larger pattern in Numbers 28, where God gives a daily rhythm of worship, emphasizing regular, faithful devotion rather than occasional or spontaneous acts.

Numbers 28:13 (KJV)