Numbers 28:24

Offer the same food each day for seven days as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. It is to be offered with its drink offering and the regular burnt offering.

Study Bible

Offer the same food each day for seven days
This phrase refers to the specific offerings commanded by God during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which follows the Passover. The repetition of the offering for seven days signifies completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. The daily offering underscores the importance of consistency in worship and dedication to God. The seven-day period also reflects the creation week, symbolizing a complete cycle of worship and rest.

as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The concept of a "pleasing aroma" is a recurring theme in the sacrificial system, indicating God's acceptance of the offering. It symbolizes the satisfaction and delight God finds in the obedience and devotion of His people. This phrase connects to Ephesians 5:2, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a "fragrant offering," highlighting the typology of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice that fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament offerings.

It is to be offered with its drink offering
The drink offering, often wine, was poured out alongside the food offering, symbolizing the pouring out of one's life in service to God. This act of pouring out is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul describes his life as being "poured out like a drink offering" (Philippians 2:17). The drink offering complements the food offering, representing the totality of the offering and the completeness of devotion.

and the regular burnt offering
The regular burnt offering, or "olah," was a daily sacrifice made every morning and evening, signifying continual atonement and dedication to God. It served as a constant reminder of the need for purification and the presence of God among His people. This regular offering points to the perpetual intercession of Christ, who is described in Hebrews 7:25 as always living to intercede for those who come to God through Him.

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, serving as the dwelling place of God among His people.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who established the sacrificial system as a means for His people to maintain a relationship with Him.

5. Feast of Unleavened Bread
A significant event in the Israelite calendar, during which these offerings were to be made.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were required to follow God's instructions precisely, demonstrating their obedience and reverence for Him.

The Significance of Sacrifice
Sacrifices were a central part of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Consistency in Worship
The daily offerings during the Feast of Unleavened Bread highlight the importance of regular and consistent worship in the life of a believer.

Aroma Pleasing to the LORD
The offerings were described as a pleasing aroma to God, symbolizing the acceptance of sincere worship and devotion.

Addition to Regular Offerings
The special offerings during the feast were in addition to the regular ones, teaching us about going beyond the minimum in our devotion to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for daily offerings during the Feast of Unleavened Bread reflect the importance of consistency in our spiritual practices today?

2. In what ways can we offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" in our daily lives, as encouraged in Romans 12:1?

3. How does understanding the sacrificial system in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our worship is a "pleasing aroma" to God?

5. How can we apply the principle of going beyond the minimum in our relationship with God, as seen in the additional offerings during the feast?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 23
Provides further details on the Feast of Unleavened Bread and its significance, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.

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

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the offerings described in Numbers.