This verse reminds believers of the constant need for spiritual dedication.
“You shall say to them, ‘This is the offering by fire which you shall offer to the LORD: two male lambs one year old without defect as a continual burnt offering every day’” (v.3) lays out a daily practice of devotion that the people of Israel were to carry out in the wilderness during their travels soon after leaving Egypt. Moses, traditionally understood to have written the Book of Numbers between 1445 - 1405 BC, presents these instructions while the Israelites camp in the region east of the Jordan River, likely in the plains of Moab. This offering consisted of two perfect male lambs, symbolizing the purity and completeness required in drawing near to the LORD, day by day, without interruption.
The command for “two male lambs one year old” (v.3) points to the great care Israel was to take in their worship. These daily burnt offerings served to openly demonstrate constant commitment and dependence on the LORD. By continually offering sacrifice, Israel remembered that their covenant relationship was based on God’s holiness and their need for forgiveness. This practice also foreshadows Jesus as the Lamb of God in the New Testament (John 1:29), showing the ultimate and once-for-all sacrifice that brings forgiveness and establishes perpetual communion with God (Hebrews 7:27).
“As a continual burnt offering every day” (v.3) suggests that worship is not a sporadic occurrence but an ongoing reality. It is a reminder that God desires consistent fellowship with His people, calling them to trust in His provision and follow His instructions with sincerity. The daily aspect of the offering underscores a life of disciplined devotion that believers can still emulate, praising God in persistent gratitude and faithfulness.
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Numbers 28:3 meaning
“You shall say to them, ‘This is the offering by fire which you shall offer to the LORD: two male lambs one year old without defect as a continual burnt offering every day’” (v.3) lays out a daily practice of devotion that the people of Israel were to carry out in the wilderness during their travels soon after leaving Egypt. Moses, traditionally understood to have written the Book of Numbers between 1445 - 1405 BC, presents these instructions while the Israelites camp in the region east of the Jordan River, likely in the plains of Moab. This offering consisted of two perfect male lambs, symbolizing the purity and completeness required in drawing near to the LORD, day by day, without interruption.
The command for “two male lambs one year old” (v.3) points to the great care Israel was to take in their worship. These daily burnt offerings served to openly demonstrate constant commitment and dependence on the LORD. By continually offering sacrifice, Israel remembered that their covenant relationship was based on God’s holiness and their need for forgiveness. This practice also foreshadows Jesus as the Lamb of God in the New Testament (John 1:29), showing the ultimate and once-for-all sacrifice that brings forgiveness and establishes perpetual communion with God (Hebrews 7:27).
“As a continual burnt offering every day” (v.3) suggests that worship is not a sporadic occurrence but an ongoing reality. It is a reminder that God desires consistent fellowship with His people, calling them to trust in His provision and follow His instructions with sincerity. The daily aspect of the offering underscores a life of disciplined devotion that believers can still emulate, praising God in persistent gratitude and faithfulness.