Numbers 28:7 - Its drink offering shall be the fourth part of a hin for the one lamb. You shall pour out a drink offering of strong drink to Yahweh in the holy place.

Generated Verse: Numbers 28:7

What does "Numbers 28:7" mean?


Numbers 28:7 describes part of the daily offering ritual in ancient Israel. Let's break it down:

"Its drink offering shall be the fourth part of a hin for the one lamb..." This refers to the liquid offering that accompanied the burnt offering of a single lamb. A "hin" was a liquid measure, and "a fourth part" would be approximately one liter (or a little over a quart) based on common interpretations of the hin's size. So, about a liter of liquid was to be offered with each lamb.

"You shall pour out a drink offering of strong drink to Yahweh in the holy place." This specifies what kind of liquid was to be used: "strong drink." The Hebrew word for "strong drink" is typically translated as "shekar," and it refers to an intoxicating beverage. While interpretations vary, it was likely a beer or wine-like beverage made from grains or fruit other than grapes (as grape-based wine was often called by a different term). The pouring of this drink, as a sacrifice, should occur specifically "in the holy place" (the courtyard of the tabernacle/temple where the altar of burnt offerings was located).

In essence, this verse dictates the use of about one liter of an intoxicating beverage as a ritual offering to God, poured out in the designated sacred space, and associated with the offering of a lamb.

Significance and Interpretation:

Part of Ritual Worship: The drink offering was an integral part of the prescribed sacrificial system, demonstrating devotion and seeking atonement/communion with God. The combination of the burnt offering (animal sacrifice) and the drink offering (liquid libation) represented a complete act of worship.
Symbolic Meaning: The "strong drink" may have symbolized joy, celebration, or a pouring out of one's life before God. The pouring out itself may have represented the offering of one's best to God.
Provision for the Priests: While this particular offering was poured out to God, other parts of the animal sacrifices became food for the priests, supporting their service in the tabernacle/temple.
Historical Context: It's crucial to understand that this verse is part of the Old Testament sacrificial system, which Christians believe was fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Therefore, Christians don't practice these rituals today. However, studying them provides insight into the religious practices and beliefs of ancient Israel and how those practices relate to the Christian faith.

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