Numbers 28:13 (KJV)

What does Numbers 28:13 mean?

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.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:13

• "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.

Why Numbers 28:13 matters

• 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.