Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season.

NUMBERS 28:2KJV
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Numbers 28:2 (KJV)

What does Numbers 28:2 mean?

Numbers 28:2 records God instructing Moses to command the Israelites to be careful in offering the sacrifices that belong to Him, including the offerings described as His "bread" and those made by fire, at the appointed times. The verse emphasizes that these offerings are to be made as a pleasing aroma to God and must be given at the specific times He has set.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Moses, who is then to relay these instructions to the people of Israel. The context is the beginning of a section where God lays out the regular sacrifices and offerings that the Israelites are to bring, highlighting their importance and the need for careful observance. The language shows that these offerings are not just rituals, but are considered God’s own portion, and the timing of them is not left up to personal choice but is set by God Himself.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:2

  • "Offering" (קָרְבָּנִי, qor-bani): This word refers to something brought near or presented, often used for sacrifices or offerings given to God. It highlights that what is being offered is meant to draw the worshipper close to God.
  • "Bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem): While "bread" usually means food, here it stands for the portion of the offerings that is considered God's food, symbolizing His share of the sacrifice.
  • "Observe" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to keep, guard, or watch carefully. It stresses that the Israelites are to pay close attention to the timing and manner of these offerings, not treating them casually.
  • "Season" (מוֹעֵד, mo'ed): This word means an appointed time or set feast. It shows that the offerings are to be made according to a fixed schedule, not whenever people feel like it.

Why Numbers 28:2 matters

  • Numbers 28:2 clarifies that the regular offerings are not optional or arbitrary, but are commanded by God and must be given at specific, appointed times.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness with which God views these offerings, describing them as His own "bread" and "sweet savour," which shows a personal connection to the sacrifices.
  • This instruction sets the stage for the detailed list of daily, weekly, and seasonal offerings that follows, helping the reader understand the structure and rhythm of Israel’s worship life as God intended it.

Where else these words appear

“sweet” Hebrew H5207 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 6:21 In a pan it shall be made with oil; and when it is baken, thou shalt bring it in: and the baken pieces of the meat offering shalt thou offer for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 28:6 It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

“savour” Hebrew H7381 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Leviticus 8:28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Numbers 29:6 Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

“fire” Hebrew H801 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 29:18 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:17 It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.
  • Leviticus 23:37 These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:

“offering” Hebrew H7133 · used in 78 verses

  • Leviticus 1:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
  • Leviticus 7:16 But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten:
  • Numbers 7:37 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering: