This verse is a reminder that God cares about the details of our worship.
“A tenth of an ephah you shall offer for each of the seven lambs;” (v.21). These instructions from the LORD to Moses (c. 1526-1406 BC) occur while the Israelites are in the wilderness, likely on the plains of Moab east of the Jordan River, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The ephah measure corresponds to a quantified portion of flour or grain, emphasizing the people’s responsibility to give a precise and meaningful offering to God. Moses, who led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the Sinai deserts, is conveying these divine teachings to ensure the nation practices a holy and intentional worship.
In the sacrificial system, such details underscore the sacredness of approaching the presence of God. The command for “a tenth of an ephah” (v.21) for each lamb implies an equality of dedication across numerous offerings. It reminds the worshiper that no matter the volume or scale, every gift given to God must meet His exact standards. This structured worship anticipates the perfect and once-for-all sacrifice found in Jesus (Hebrews 10:10), where the precise rituals of the Old Testament foreshadow the supreme fulfillment in Christ.
By giving detailed guidelines, such as how much flour to offer, the LORD invites Israel to pursue consistency and faithfulness in their devotion. The sacrificial system instilled reverence, helping God’s people cultivate a lifestyle centered around Him. Although these ritual observances have been surpassed by the new covenant in Jesus (Hebrews 10:1-14), the principle of wholeheartedly honoring God remains vital for believers today.
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Numbers 28:21 meaning
“A tenth of an ephah you shall offer for each of the seven lambs;” (v.21). These instructions from the LORD to Moses (c. 1526-1406 BC) occur while the Israelites are in the wilderness, likely on the plains of Moab east of the Jordan River, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The ephah measure corresponds to a quantified portion of flour or grain, emphasizing the people’s responsibility to give a precise and meaningful offering to God. Moses, who led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the Sinai deserts, is conveying these divine teachings to ensure the nation practices a holy and intentional worship.
In the sacrificial system, such details underscore the sacredness of approaching the presence of God. The command for “a tenth of an ephah” (v.21) for each lamb implies an equality of dedication across numerous offerings. It reminds the worshiper that no matter the volume or scale, every gift given to God must meet His exact standards. This structured worship anticipates the perfect and once-for-all sacrifice found in Jesus (Hebrews 10:10), where the precise rituals of the Old Testament foreshadow the supreme fulfillment in Christ.
By giving detailed guidelines, such as how much flour to offer, the LORD invites Israel to pursue consistency and faithfulness in their devotion. The sacrificial system instilled reverence, helping God’s people cultivate a lifestyle centered around Him. Although these ritual observances have been surpassed by the new covenant in Jesus (Hebrews 10:1-14), the principle of wholeheartedly honoring God remains vital for believers today.