Numbers 15:10 - and you shall offer for the drink offering half a hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.

Generated Verse: Numbers 15:10

What does "Numbers 15:10" mean?


Numbers 15:10 is part of a larger set of instructions regarding offerings to the Lord. Let's break down what this verse means:

"and you shall offer for the drink offering": This refers to a nesek (נסך) in Hebrew, which is a libation or a liquid offering. The offering is poured out, rather than burned. This drink offering was typically offered in conjunction with other offerings, especially burnt offerings and grain offerings.

"half a hin of wine": A hin was a liquid measure. While the exact equivalent is debated, it's generally accepted to be somewhere between 3.6 liters (roughly 3.8 quarts) and 6 liters (roughly 6.3 quarts). So, half a hin would be about 1.8 to 3 liters (1.9 to 3.2 quarts) of wine. This specifies the amount of wine to be used for the drink offering.

"for an offering made by fire": Although the drink offering itself is not burned, it accompanies an offering that is burned (like the burnt offering mentioned earlier in the chapter). The drink offering is part of the overall ritual involving fire.

"of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh": This is a common phrase used when describing sacrifices. It signifies that the offering is pleasing and acceptable to God. It's not about a literal pleasant smell, but rather about the act of obedience and worship that the offering represents. The sacrifices are seen as a way to appease God, express gratitude, seek atonement, or consecrate something to him.

In summary, the verse specifies that when a burnt offering is made, a drink offering of roughly 1.8 to 3 liters of wine should be poured out as part of the ritual. This act of offering is considered a "pleasant aroma" to God, representing worship and devotion.

Significance and Context:

Completeness of Sacrifice: The drink offering, along with the grain offering and burnt offering, was seen as a complete sacrifice. Each element (grain, animal, liquid) represented different aspects of provision and life given to God.

Communion and Covenant: Offerings were a way for the Israelites to maintain their relationship with God, reaffirming the covenant they had entered into with him. They were acts of obedience, repentance, and gratitude.

Standardization: This verse and the surrounding passages provided standardized measurements and procedures for the sacrifices. This ensured that offerings were done according to God's specific instructions.

Symbolism of Wine: Wine in the ancient world, especially in the context of the Old Testament, often symbolized joy, celebration, and blessing. Offering wine to God was a way of acknowledging his goodness and provision.

Important Considerations:

Cultural Context: It's important to interpret these passages within their historical and cultural context. The practice of offering sacrifices was a common form of worship in the ancient Near East.

Spiritual Meaning: The sacrifices themselves were not the end goal. They were meant to be outward expressions of an inward commitment to God. The true value lay in the attitude of the worshiper, their sincerity, and their obedience.

Fulfillment in Christ: Christians believe that the sacrificial system of the Old Testament foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:1-18 explains that the blood of bulls and goats could not truly take away sins, but Jesus' sacrifice provided complete and final atonement. Thus, Christians do not practice animal sacrifices today, but rather remember and celebrate the sacrifice of Christ through communion (which includes wine or grape juice symbolizing his blood).

What categories does "Numbers 15:10" have?