It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

NUMBERS 28:6KJV
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Numbers 28:6 (KJV)

What does Numbers 28:6 mean?

Numbers 28:6 explains that the daily burnt offering was a continual sacrifice, first commanded by God at Mount Sinai, meant to be pleasing to Him as a burnt offering made by fire. This verse highlights the regular, ongoing nature of this sacrifice and its purpose as something acceptable and pleasing to the LORD.

In this part of Numbers, God is instructing Moses to remind the Israelites about the daily offerings they are to bring. The setting is the wilderness, with Moses relaying God’s instructions to the people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The verse points back to the original command at Mount Sinai, showing that this practice is not new but a continuation of what God had already established.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:6

  • "continual" (תָּמִיד, tamid): This word means ongoing or regular, emphasizing that the burnt offering was not a one-time event but a daily, never-ceasing practice.
  • "offering" (עֹלָה, olah): This refers to a burnt offering, a specific type of sacrifice that was completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God.
  • "ordained" (עָשָׂה, asah): This word means to do, make, or appoint, pointing to the fact that God Himself established this practice at Mount Sinai.
  • "sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach): Together, these words describe the offering as producing a "pleasing aroma," a phrase used in the Old Testament to show that the sacrifice was accepted by God.

Why Numbers 28:6 matters

  • Numbers 28:6 clarifies that the daily burnt offering was not a new ritual but one rooted in the covenant relationship established at Mount Sinai, reinforcing its importance in Israel’s worship.
  • The verse stresses the continual nature of the offering, showing that devotion to God was meant to be constant, not occasional.
  • By calling the offering a "sweet savour," the verse emphasizes that these sacrifices were about pleasing God, not just following ritual for its own sake. This helps the reader see the heart behind the command, not just the action.