Topical Bible: The Daily Sacrifice: Doubled on the Sabbath

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the daily sacrifice, also known as the "continual burnt offering," is a significant aspect of Old Testament worship, particularly within the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This practice is rooted in the instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses, as recorded in the Pentateuch. The daily sacrifice was a perpetual offering, symbolizing the constant need for atonement and the continual worship of God by His people.

Biblical Foundation

The daily sacrifice is first detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God commands the Israelites to offer two lambs each day, one in the morning and one at twilight. Exodus 29:38-39 states: "This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar: two lambs that are a year old, day by day continually. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight."

The purpose of these offerings was to maintain a continual presence of worship and atonement before the Lord. The sacrifices were accompanied by grain offerings and drink offerings, creating a holistic act of devotion and submission to God's covenant.

Doubling on the Sabbath

The practice of the daily sacrifice took on additional significance on the Sabbath, the day of rest and worship. On this day, the sacrifices were doubled, underscoring the importance of the Sabbath as a holy day set apart for the Lord. Numbers 28:9-10 provides the specific instructions: "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. This is the burnt offering for every Sabbath, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering."

The doubling of the sacrifice on the Sabbath highlights the increased focus on worship and dedication to God on this day. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing rest, reflection, and renewal in the presence of the Almighty.

Theological Significance

The doubling of the daily sacrifice on the Sabbath carries deep theological implications. It reflects the principle that the Sabbath is not merely a cessation of labor but a day of intensified spiritual activity and devotion. The additional sacrifices symbolize a heightened acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the need for His grace and mercy.

In the broader context of Scripture, the Sabbath and its associated sacrifices point forward to the ultimate rest and redemption found in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a "Sabbath rest for the people of God," fulfilled in Christ's redemptive work. The continual and doubled sacrifices foreshadow the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus, who offers eternal atonement and rest for believers.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, the daily and Sabbath sacrifices were central to the community's religious life. They were conducted by the priests, who served as mediators between God and the people. The regularity and precision of these offerings underscored the Israelites' commitment to the covenant and their dependence on God's provision and forgiveness.

The doubling of sacrifices on the Sabbath also reinforced the communal aspect of worship. It was a time for the entire nation to come together in recognition of God's holiness and their identity as His chosen people. The Sabbath sacrifices served as a weekly reminder of God's creation, His deliverance from Egypt, and His ongoing relationship with Israel.

Conclusion

The practice of doubling the daily sacrifice on the Sabbath is a profound expression of worship and devotion in the Old Testament. It underscores the importance of the Sabbath as a day of rest and spiritual renewal, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of rest and redemption in Jesus Christ. Through these sacrifices, the Israelites were continually reminded of their covenant relationship with God and their need for His grace and mercy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 28:9,10
And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Consecration of Joy
... offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink ... with cessation from labour,
and a daily offering ... and lambs for the burnt offering was doubled, and, during ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the consecration of joy.htm

High Priest
... sort of cloth as the ephod, and doubled so as to ... higher than the heavens, who needeth
not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

The Great Awakening.
... in the open air, and the crowds were doubled. ... numbers of and Indians, whose
daily lives witnessed to ... been an inspiration to self-sacrifice and devotion ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xi the great awakening.htm

Analysis of the Westminster Confession.
... to rest from our common and daily business, and ... for the perpetual remembrance of
the sacrifice of himself in ... was called on;' its price was doubled, and 'though ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 95 analysis of the.htm

To those who had not Attended the Assembly.
... be doubled, and it becomes doubled when together ... carelessness, like ourselves, who
are daily anxious about ... by our brethren: for this sacrifice and offering is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to those who had not.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... after he is ordered to offer him up in sacrifice. ... and in having his grief for being
childless doubled to him ... the greater the additions which were daily made to ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

Answers to Prayer
... The doubled-up thumb, and straight, stiff finger, were perfectly ... perhaps, he had
made a great sacrifice to do ... and troubles of the heart, and daily temporal or ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

The Gentle Boy
... the streets of almost every village echoed daily with a lash ... yet I would that it
might be doubled to me ... that her son has been thus early an accepted sacrifice. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the gentle boy.htm

Footnotes
... and undertaken to go about private exercises within this province and also to preach
twice publickly within the city Vliesing [Flushing] on Sabbath the 3d of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The Strait Gate;
... in their foreheads, those whose daily practice proclaims ... truth, there remaineth no
more sacrifice for sins ... This word, Lord, being doubled, shows the vehemency ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm