Introduction: The Book of Numbers in the Bible is a historical account of God’s dealings with His people, Israel, during their journey to the Promised Land. Numbers 28, in particular, holds significant spiritual gems that edify the followers of Christianity to this day. It details God’s specific instructions about offerings and sacrifices during various celebrations, feasts, and daily rituals. Though seeming repetitious and meticulous to some, the spiritual truths buried within this chapter are rich and profound.
I. Numbers 28:1-8 – Daily Offerings
God instructed the Israelites to offer two lambs everyday – one in the morning and the other in the evening (Exodus 29:38-42). This commandment reiterates the importance of an ongoing relationship with God. It signifies how our devotion and worship should be a continuous day-long exercise and not confined to just a specific time. Our prayers should be frequent and regular, echoing what Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”
II. Numbers 28:9-10 – Weekly Sabbath Offerings
The Sabbath offering, over the regular daily offering, underscores the significance of setting aside one day a week, completely dedicated to worship and rest (Exodus 20:8-10). It serves as a reminder of God’s creative and redemptive work. It also foreshadows our rest in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10).
III. Numbers 28:11-15 – Monthly Offerings
The monthly offerings were to be made at the beginning of each month (Numbers 10:10). It represents our need to start each new phase with a conscious acknowledgement of our dependence on God, and confirms the biblical teaching in Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
IV. Numbers 28:16-25 – Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Passover was a commemoration of the Israelite’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12). It also represents our deliverance from the bondage of sin through Christ, the perfect Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). The Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven-day period following the Passover, signifies the Christian’s journey in sincerity and truth, without the leaven of malice and wickedness (1 Corinthians 5:8).
V. Numbers 28:26-31 – Feast of Weeks
The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, was fifty days after Passover. The Israelites were to offer new grain, which signified God’s provision and blessing. It foreshadows the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). This feast reminds us to always be in gratitude for God’s blessings and provision.
Conclusion: Looking through Numbers 28, one may get overwhelmed by the details of offerings and sacrifices, but it indeed showcases the spiritual gems that can be discovered in the Old Testament laws. Each command holds a profound spiritual truth reflecting God’s character, humanity’s dependence on Him, and the redemptive work of Christ. The sacrificial rituals, though no longer practiced, continue to illuminate our understanding of the importance of worship, rest, dependence, gratitude, deliverance, and continuous communion with God. They play a significant role in guiding the Christian faith, shaping spiritual disciplines and enhancing our relationship with the Divine. In essence, Numbers 28 is not just a historical or ritualistic guide, but a rich depository of spiritual gems.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.