Numbers 6:15 - and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and their meal offering, and their drink offerings.

Generated Verse: Numbers 6:15

What does "Numbers 6:15" mean?


Numbers 6:15 describes part of the offering a Nazirite was required to bring upon completing their vow. Let's break down the components to understand its meaning:

"And a basket of unleavened bread...": The basket contained three types of unleavened bread (matzah), all symbolic of purity and haste (as leaven represents corruption and the process of fermentation takes time).

"...cakes of fine flour mixed with oil...": These were likely round or flat cakes made from fine, high-quality flour and mixed with oil. The oil was likely olive oil, a symbol of God's anointing and blessing.

"...unleavened wafers anointed with oil...": These were very thin, crisp breads, also unleavened, and brushed or poured over with oil after baking. Again, unleavened signifies purity, and oil represents consecration.

"...and their meal offering...": This refers to a grain offering, a portion of fine flour also mixed with oil and typically offered with frankincense. A portion of this would be burned on the altar, while the rest was eaten by the priests. This was a common offering that accompanied other sacrifices and showed gratitude and dedication to God.

"...and their drink offerings...": These were liquid offerings, typically wine, poured out at the altar as part of the sacrifice. Drink offerings symbolized joy, celebration, and complete surrender to God.

Symbolic Significance

Purity and Consecration: The unleavened bread emphasizes the idea of purity and being set apart, reflecting the Nazirite's dedication to God during their vow.
Abundance and Blessing: The use of fine flour and oil, along with the varied types of bread, indicate a valuable offering and symbolize God's blessings.
Gratitude and Dedication: The meal and drink offerings accompanying the bread express the Nazirite's gratitude for the successful completion of their vow and their ongoing commitment to God.
Completion of the Vow: The offering marked the end of the Nazirite's special period of dedication and their return to a more regular life within the community, albeit with the lingering memory of their focused devotion.

In summary, Numbers 6:15 describes a specific offering made by a Nazirite at the conclusion of their vow. This offering, consisting of unleavened bread, meal offerings, and drink offerings, symbolizes purity, gratitude, dedication, and the completion of a special commitment to God.

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