All of life and labor belongs to the LORD and is best offered in continual gratitude.
Numbers 28:29 describes the grain offering to accompany each lamb when presented to the LORD. Moses instructs the people with these words, saying they must bring “also a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering for each lamb, for a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the LORD” (v. 29). This command occurs during Israel’s final year of wilderness wandering, around 1406 BC, as Moses reiterates the covenant requirement to maintain regular offerings before entering Canaan. The offering of “fine flour mixed with oil” signifies the worshiper’s gratitude and recognition that their sustenance flows from God’s provision. In ancient Israel, this type of grain offering was known as “minḥāh” in Hebrew, and it showed dedication and thanksgiving to the Suzerain God who graciously cared for them (see concepts in Joel 2:12 meaning, which expands on the practice of grain offerings).
By designating “a tenth of an ephah” of flour for each lamb, “for a soothing aroma,” the text highlights that the worshiper symbolically offers the best of their labor for God’s pleasure. Since the LORD was their ultimate Ruler, or Suzerain, the Israelites—His vassals—were to approach Him on His terms in obedience. This act of obedience maintained fellowship with God and testified to the covenant bond between Israel and the LORD. In much of the Old Testament sacrificial system, the aroma of these offerings is said to be “soothing” or “pleasing” to God, demonstrating that the genuine devotion of His people delighted their King (see commentary on Deuteronomy 12:4, noting the purpose of offerings to honor the covenant).
In light of the New Testament fulfillment through Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10), believers now understand that these ancient instructions foreshadowed the final offering of Christ’s body and blood. Nonetheless, the principle remains that God desires a thankful attitude and faithful obedience from His people, just as He did in Moses’s day.
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Numbers 28:29 meaning
Numbers 28:29 describes the grain offering to accompany each lamb when presented to the LORD. Moses instructs the people with these words, saying they must bring “also a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering for each lamb, for a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the LORD” (v. 29). This command occurs during Israel’s final year of wilderness wandering, around 1406 BC, as Moses reiterates the covenant requirement to maintain regular offerings before entering Canaan. The offering of “fine flour mixed with oil” signifies the worshiper’s gratitude and recognition that their sustenance flows from God’s provision. In ancient Israel, this type of grain offering was known as “minḥāh” in Hebrew, and it showed dedication and thanksgiving to the Suzerain God who graciously cared for them (see concepts in Joel 2:12 meaning, which expands on the practice of grain offerings).
By designating “a tenth of an ephah” of flour for each lamb, “for a soothing aroma,” the text highlights that the worshiper symbolically offers the best of their labor for God’s pleasure. Since the LORD was their ultimate Ruler, or Suzerain, the Israelites—His vassals—were to approach Him on His terms in obedience. This act of obedience maintained fellowship with God and testified to the covenant bond between Israel and the LORD. In much of the Old Testament sacrificial system, the aroma of these offerings is said to be “soothing” or “pleasing” to God, demonstrating that the genuine devotion of His people delighted their King (see commentary on Deuteronomy 12:4, noting the purpose of offerings to honor the covenant).
In light of the New Testament fulfillment through Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:10), believers now understand that these ancient instructions foreshadowed the final offering of Christ’s body and blood. Nonetheless, the principle remains that God desires a thankful attitude and faithful obedience from His people, just as He did in Moses’s day.