Regular Offerings

In the Old Testament, regular offerings were a central aspect of Israelite worship and religious practice, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. These offerings were instituted by God to maintain a continual relationship between Himself and His people, serving as a means of atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication.

The regular offerings included daily, weekly, and seasonal sacrifices. The daily offerings, also known as the "continual burnt offering," were to be made every morning and evening. As recorded in Exodus 29:38-42, the Israelites were commanded: "This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar each day: two lambs that are a year old. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight." These offerings symbolized the constant need for atonement and the perpetual presence of God among His people.

The weekly offerings were observed on the Sabbath, as outlined in Numbers 28:9-10: "On the Sabbath day, present two unblemished lambs a year old, along with two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, and its drink offering." These offerings were in addition to the daily sacrifices and highlighted the sanctity of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship.

Seasonal offerings were associated with the major feasts and festivals, such as Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Each of these occasions had specific sacrificial requirements, emphasizing the communal and covenantal aspects of Israel's relationship with God.

New Moon Sacrifices

The New Moon sacrifices were another significant component of Israel's sacrificial system. The New Moon, marking the beginning of each month in the Hebrew calendar, was a time of special observance and worship. Numbers 28:11-15 provides the instructions for these offerings: "On the first day of each month, you are to present to the LORD a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished."

These sacrifices were accompanied by grain offerings and drink offerings, symbolizing the dedication of the new month to God and acknowledging His sovereignty over time and creation. The New Moon was a time for the Israelites to seek God's favor and renew their commitment to His covenant.

The New Moon sacrifices also served as a reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. In 1 Samuel 20:5, David refers to the New Moon festival, indicating its importance in the social and religious life of Israel: "David said to Jonathan, 'Behold, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at the meal.'"

Throughout the Old Testament, the regular offerings and New Moon sacrifices underscored the Israelites' dependence on God and their need for continual atonement and worship. These practices were fulfilled in the New Testament through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10), rendering the Old Testament sacrificial system complete.