And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD for a drink offering.
NUMBERS 28:7KJVWhat does Numbers 28:7 mean?
Numbers 28:7 describes how, as part of Israel’s daily offerings, a specific amount of strong wine was to be poured out in the holy place as a drink offering to the LORD, accompanying the sacrifice of a lamb. This instruction is about the exact ritual practice the priests were to follow in their service at the tabernacle.
In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed instructions for the priests about daily worship in the tabernacle. The “fourth part of an hin” is an ancient measurement for the wine, and the “holy place” refers to the area set apart for worship. The drink offering was not for human consumption but was poured out as a symbol of dedication to God.
The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:7
- הִין (hin, H1969): This is an ancient Hebrew liquid measure, roughly equivalent to about 1.5 gallons or 5.7 liters, so a “fourth part” would be about a pint or half a liter. Knowing the exact amount helps us see the care and precision expected in worship.
- שֵׁכָר (shekar, H7941): This word means “strong wine” or “fermented drink.” The use of strong wine, not just water or ordinary wine, highlights the value and seriousness of the offering.
- יַיִן (yayin, H3196) does not appear in the tags, so the focus here is on שֵׁכָר (shekar), which often refers to a more potent drink, emphasizing the richness of what was offered to God.
- קָדֶשׁ (qodesh, H6944): This means “holy” or “set apart.” The pouring happens in the holy place, showing that this act was not casual but part of sacred ritual.
Why Numbers 28:7 matters
- Numbers 28:7 clarifies that the drink offering was a specific, measured act of worship, not just a general gift, showing the importance of following God’s instructions exactly.
- The verse highlights that worship involved more than just animal sacrifices; it included offerings of valuable goods like strong wine, reflecting a fuller picture of devotion.
- By connecting the drink offering to the daily lamb sacrifice, Numbers 28:7 shows how Israel’s worship was regular, structured, and involved multiple elements, not just one type of ritual.