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.
NUMBERS 29:6KJVWhat does Numbers 29:6 mean?
Numbers 29:6 explains that the special offerings described for this festival day are to be given in addition to the regular monthly, daily, and accompanying offerings. The verse emphasizes that these sacrifices are a pleasing aroma to the LORD and must be offered as prescribed.
In this verse, Moses is relaying God’s instructions to the Israelites about sacrifices during the festival of the seventh month. The people are told to bring extra offerings on top of their usual daily and monthly sacrifices, following specific rules. This verse highlights the careful structure of Israel’s worship and the importance of following God’s directions exactly.
The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:6
- "offering" (עֹלָה, ʿolah): This word means a burnt offering, something completely burned on the altar. Here, it reminds the reader that these sacrifices are meant to be fully given to God, not kept back in part.
- "month" (חֹדֶשׁ, chodesh): This refers to the new moon or the beginning of the month, marking regular times for special offerings beyond daily sacrifices.
- "manner" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word often means "custom" or "prescribed way." Its use here underlines that the offerings must be done exactly as God has instructed, not according to personal preference.
- "sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nichoach) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, reyach): Together, these words describe the offerings as a "pleasing aroma," a phrase used to show that the sacrifices are acceptable and welcome to God.
Why Numbers 29:6 matters
- Numbers 29:6 clarifies that the festival offerings do not replace the regular daily and monthly sacrifices but are in addition to them, showing the layered structure of Israel’s worship.
- The verse stresses the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, not mixing or substituting offerings, which helps prevent misunderstanding about what God requires.
- This detail connects to the broader context of Numbers 28–29, where a careful schedule of offerings is laid out, highlighting the order and seriousness of Israel’s relationship with God.