Numbers 28 -

Table of Contents

Introduction to Numbers 28 in the Bible

Numbers 28, found in the Old Testament, provides a detailed account of the offerings and sacrifices God commanded the Israelites to perform. This chapter emphasizes the importance of structured worship, obedience, and devotion to God through daily, weekly, monthly, and festival offerings. By exploring Numbers 28, believers can gain insights into the sacred rhythms of worship, the significance of atonement, and the timeless principles of faithfulness. This article delves into the specifics of Numbers 28, its historical context, spiritual lessons, and relevance for modern Christians.

Historical Context of Numbers 28

Numbers 28 is situated in the Book of Numbers, which chronicles the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This chapter, delivered through Moses, outlines God’s instructions for offerings as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. The commands emphasized worship to keep the community’s covenant with God, using offerings to promote holiness, atonement, and gratitude.

The chapter reflects a time when the Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled existence, requiring structured worship practices. These rituals, rooted in divine instruction, reinforced the importance of honoring God consistently. The offerings also served as a reminder of the Israelites’ dependence on God’s provision and forgiveness, setting a foundation for their spiritual and communal life.

Detailed Breakdown of Numbers 28 Offerings

Daily Burnt Offerings (Numbers 28:1-8)

God instructs Moses to command the Israelites to present daily burnt offerings to the Lord. Each day, two year-old lambs without defect were offered—one in the morning and one at twilight—along with grain (finest flour mixed with olive oil) and a drink offering of fermented wine. This practice, instituted at Mount Sinai, underscores the importance of consistent worship and devotion.

The daily offerings symbolize the Israelites’ continual dependence on God and their commitment to placing Him at the center of their lives. The burnt offering, wholly consumed by fire, represents complete surrender to God, while the grain and drink offerings signify gratitude for His provision. For modern believers, this practice encourages a daily rhythm of prayer, reflection, and surrender to God’s will.

Sabbath Offerings (Numbers 28:9-10)

On the Sabbath, the Israelites were to offer two lambs, each a year old and without defect, along with a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah (about 7 pounds or 3.2 kilograms) of the finest flour mixed with olive oil and a drink offering. This offering was in addition to the regular daily burnt offering. The Sabbath offering highlights the sanctity of the day of rest, a time set apart to honor God and reflect on His covenant.

The emphasis on the Sabbath offering teaches the importance of prioritizing worship and rest, even amidst a busy life. For contemporary Christians, this serves as a reminder to dedicate time to spiritual renewal and to honor God through intentional rest and worship.

Monthly Offerings (Numbers 28:11-15)

At the start of each month, the Israelites offered two young bulls, one ram, and seven flawless lambs, along with grain and wine offerings in specific amounts for each animal. Additionally, a male goat was offered as a sin offering to make atonement.

These monthly offerings marked the renewal of the lunar cycle and reinforced the Israelites’ commitment to God at regular intervals. The inclusion of a sin offering highlights the need for ongoing repentance and forgiveness, a principle that resonates with Christians seeking to maintain a right relationship with God.

Festival Offerings: Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread (Numbers 28:16-25)

Numbers 28:16-25 details the offerings for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. On the fourteenth day of the first month, the Lord’s Passover was to be held, commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. Starting on the fifteenth day, a seven-day festival required the eating of bread without yeast. On the first day, a sacred assembly was held, and no regular work was permitted. The offerings included a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs, all without defect, along with their respective grain offerings and a male goat as a sin offering.

These festival offerings emphasize the importance of remembering God’s deliverance and maintaining purity in worship. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, with its focus on removing yeast (a symbol of sin), encourages believers to pursue holiness. For modern Christians, these festivals can inspire gratitude for Christ’s ultimate sacrifice as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Festival Offerings: Feast of Weeks (Numbers 28:26-31)

The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, involved a sacred assembly and a cessation of regular work. The offerings mirrored those of the Passover: two young bulls, one ram, seven male lambs, and a male goat for atonement, along with grain and drink offerings. This festival celebrated the firstfruits of the harvest, acknowledging God’s provision and blessing.

The Feast of Weeks highlights gratitude and generosity through firstfruit offerings. For Christians, it foreshadows Pentecost and the Spirit’s outpouring (Acts 2), symbolizing a spiritual harvest.

Spiritual Significance of Numbers 28

Obedience and Discipline in Worship

The detailed instructions in Numbers 28 underscore the importance of obedience and discipline in worship. The Israelites were to follow God’s commands precisely, reflecting their commitment to His authority. Numbers 28 highlights the power of consistent worship, reminding believers to stay rooted in prayer, Scripture, and community to strengthen their faith.

Atonement and Forgiveness

The inclusion of sin offerings in Numbers 28 highlights the need for atonement and forgiveness. The Israelites recognized their sinfulness and relied on God’s provision for reconciliation. This principle is fulfilled in Christ, whose sacrifice provides eternal atonement for believers (Hebrews 10:10). Numbers 28 invites Christians to reflect on the cost of sin and the gift of grace through Jesus.

Gratitude and Provision

The grain and drink offerings accompanying the burnt offerings express gratitude for God’s provision. By offering the firstfruits of their harvest and livestock, the Israelites acknowledged God as the source of all blessings. This practice encourages believers today to cultivate a heart of gratitude and to honor God with their resources.

Numbers 28 in Modern Christian Life

Though no longer practiced, the principles of Numbers 28 sacrifices still remain. Christians can apply them by building daily worship habits, prioritizing rest, and seeking forgiveness through Christ. The chapter also inspires believers to live with gratitude, offering their lives as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1) to God.

Practical Applications

Daily Devotion: Set aside time each morning and evening for prayer and Scripture reading, mirroring the daily offerings.
Sabbath Rest: Dedicate one day a week to rest, worship, and spiritual renewal, reflecting the Sabbath offerings.
Gratitude Practices: Regularly express thanks for God’s provision through journaling, giving, or acts of service.
Community Worship: Participate in corporate worship to foster unity and shared devotion, as the Israelites did during festivals.

Symbolism of the Number 28 in the Bible

The number 28 appears in various biblical contexts, carrying symbolic significance. The number 28, as 4×7, symbolizes God’s perfect work in creation—combining completeness and divine perfection. Exodus 28 describes the high priest’s garments, while Matthew 28 presents the Great Commission. Notably, both Matthew and Acts have 28 chapters, underscoring their importance in sharing God’s message.

In numerology, 28 can symbolize leadership and abundance, as seen in King Rehoboam’s 28 sons (2 Chronicles 11:21). Christians are urged to focus on Scripture’s truths over its symbols.

Conclusion: Applying Numbers 28 Today

Numbers 28 teaches the value of disciplined worship, atonement, and gratitude. Though the rituals are gone, the principles still inspire devotion, rest, and generosity. It calls Christians to deepen their covenant with God through obedience and faith in Christ.