Numbers 28:12
along with three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each bull, two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with the ram,
along with three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with each bull
The grain offering, also known as the "meal offering," was a significant part of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel. The use of fine flour signifies purity and quality, reflecting the best of what the people could offer to God. The mixing with oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and anointing, indicating that the offering is set apart for a sacred purpose. The specific measurement of three-tenths of an ephah for each bull highlights the importance of precision and obedience in worship. This offering accompanies the burnt offering, which represents atonement and dedication to God. The bull, being a large and valuable animal, signifies a substantial offering, often associated with communal or national sacrifices. This practice points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin.

two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering with the ram
The reduction in the amount of fine flour for the ram compared to the bull reflects the varying levels of offerings based on the type of animal sacrificed. The ram, often used in significant covenantal contexts, such as the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22), symbolizes substitutionary sacrifice. The grain offering's consistency in using fine flour and oil underscores the continuity of worship practices and the importance of maintaining purity and dedication in offerings. The ram's association with covenant and substitution further connects to the typology of Christ, who is both the fulfillment of the covenant and the ultimate substitute for humanity's sin. The precise measurements and ingredients in these offerings emphasize the need for careful adherence to God's instructions, reflecting a heart of obedience and reverence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the laws and instructions from God, including the sacrificial system.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given these specific instructions for worship and offerings.

3. Tabernacle
The place where the Israelites were to bring their offerings and sacrifices as a form of worship and obedience to God.

4. Sacrificial System
The system of offerings and sacrifices instituted by God for the Israelites, which included burnt offerings, grain offerings, and others.

5. Priests
The descendants of Aaron who were responsible for carrying out the sacrificial duties and maintaining the tabernacle.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for offerings highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. Just as the Israelites were to follow specific guidelines, we are called to obey God's Word in our lives.

Symbolism of the Offerings
The grain offering, made with fine flour and oil, symbolizes dedication and the best of what we have to offer to God. In our lives, we should strive to give God our best in all we do.

The Role of Sacrifice in Worship
Sacrifices were central to Israelite worship, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Our worship today should be centered on Christ and His sacrifice for us.

God's Provision and Our Response
The offerings were a response to God's provision. We should recognize God's blessings in our lives and respond with gratitude and generosity.

Continuity and Fulfillment
The sacrificial system foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Understanding this continuity helps us appreciate the depth of God's redemptive plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the detailed nature of the sacrificial instructions in Numbers 28:12 reflect the character of God?

2. In what ways can we offer our "best" to God in our daily lives, similar to the fine flour and oil offerings?

3. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice as described in Hebrews 10?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate obedience to God's Word in our current cultural context?

5. How can recognizing God's provision in our lives lead to a more generous and grateful heart?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 2
Provides detailed instructions on grain offerings, emphasizing the importance of offerings made with fine flour and oil, similar to the instructions in Numbers 28:12.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the fulfillment of the sacrificial system through Jesus Christ, highlighting the temporary nature of the Old Testament sacrifices.

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of the priests and the role of offerings in their ordination, connecting to the duties outlined in Numbers 28.
Of the Daily SacrificesW. Attersoll.Numbers 28:1-31
The New Moon FestivalW. Seaton.Numbers 28:1-31
The Offering At the New MoonD. Young Numbers 28:11-15
People
Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Jericho, Mount Sinai
Topics
Best, Bull, Bullock, Cereal, Deals, Ephah, Fine, Flour, Grain, Meal, Meal-offering, Meat, Meat-offering, Mingled, Mixed, Oblation, Offering, Oil, Ox, Present, Ram, Sheep, Tenth, Tenth-parts, Tenths, Three-tenth, Three-tenths, Two-tenth, Two-tenths
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 28:3-13

     7422   ritual

Numbers 28:9-14

     7322   burnt offering

Numbers 28:11-14

     4951   month

Numbers 28:11-15

     7398   New Moon festival

Library
Whether the Third Precept of the Decalogue, Concerning the Hallowing of the Sabbath, is Fittingly Expressed?
Objection 1: It seems that the third precept of the decalogue, concerning the hallowing of the Sabbath, is unfittingly expressed. For this, understood spiritually, is a general precept: since Bede in commenting on Lk. 13:14, "The ruler of the synagogue being angry that He had healed on the Sabbath," says (Comment. iv): "The Law forbids, not to heal man on the Sabbath, but to do servile works," i.e. "to burden oneself with sin." Taken literally it is a ceremonial precept, for it is written (Ex. 31:13):
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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