After this manner ye shall offer daily, throughout the seven days, the meat of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: it shall be offered beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
NUMBERS 28:24KJVWhat does Numbers 28:24 mean?
Numbers 28:24 instructs that for seven days, a specific offering—described as a food (or "meat") sacrifice made by fire with a pleasing smell to the LORD—should be given each day, in addition to the regular daily burnt offering and its drink offering. This verse sets out the daily sacrifices required during a special seven-day period.
In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, who is to relay these instructions to the Israelites. The context is the description of offerings for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a major festival following Passover. The verse emphasizes that these special offerings are not replacements but additions to the continual daily sacrifices, highlighting the importance of both regular worship and special observances.
The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:24
- "Meat" (לֶחֶם, lechem) here refers to food in general, not just animal flesh. In the sacrificial context, it often means the grain or meal offering, showing that the offering includes more than just burnt animals.
- "Fire" (אֵשׁ, esh) points to the method of offering—burning on the altar—which was central to the sacrificial system and signified dedication to God.
- "Sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach) together mean a "pleasing aroma." This phrase is used repeatedly in Leviticus and Numbers to show that the offering is acceptable and pleasing to the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH).
- "Continual" (תָּמִיד, tamid) describes the regular, ongoing burnt offering that happened every day, morning and evening. The verse stresses that the festival offerings are in addition to this daily routine, not a substitute.
Why Numbers 28:24 matters
- Numbers 28:24 clarifies that the special festival offerings do not replace the regular daily sacrifices but are added to them, showing the layered nature of Israel's worship.
- The verse highlights the careful attention to detail and order in the Israelite sacrificial system, reflecting the seriousness with which worship was to be approached.
- By connecting this verse to the wider passage, readers see how the Feast of Unleavened Bread required daily devotion and extra offerings, underlining the festival's significance in Israel's calendar.