The concept of the Daily Sacrifice, also known as the "continual burnt offering," is a significant aspect of Old Testament worship, reflecting the perpetual devotion and atonement required by God from His people. This practice is rooted in the instructions given to the Israelites during their wilderness journey and is detailed in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.

Biblical Foundation

The Daily Sacrifice is first introduced in Exodus 29:38-42, where God commands Moses regarding the offerings to be made on the altar: "Now this is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight" (Exodus 29:38-39). This command establishes the framework for a continual offering, symbolizing the constant need for atonement and the unceasing worship due to God.

In Numbers 28:3-8, further instructions are provided, emphasizing the perpetual nature of this sacrifice: "This is the offering made by fire that you are to present to the LORD as a regular burnt offering each day: two unblemished year-old male lambs. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight" (Numbers 28:3-4). The passage underscores the importance of the sacrifice being without blemish, reflecting the purity and holiness required in offerings to God.

Symbolism and Significance

The Daily Sacrifice served as a continual reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. It was a daily act of obedience and reverence, symbolizing the need for constant atonement and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. The morning and evening sacrifices bracketed the day, signifying that every moment was under God's watchful care and authority.

The requirement for the sacrifice to be perpetual highlights the unending nature of God's covenant with His people. It points to the necessity of ongoing devotion and the recognition of human sinfulness, which requires continual atonement. The regularity of the sacrifice also served to instill discipline and routine in the spiritual lives of the Israelites, fostering a culture of worship and dependence on God.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Daily Sacrifice prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all as the perfect and final atonement for sin. Hebrews 10:11-12 contrasts the repeated nature of the Old Testament sacrifices with the singular, sufficient sacrifice of Christ: "Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God" .

The perpetual nature of the Daily Sacrifice underscores the insufficiency of animal sacrifices to fully atone for sin, pointing forward to the need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. In this way, the Daily Sacrifice serves as a shadow of the greater reality fulfilled in Christ, who provides eternal redemption for those who believe.

Historical Practice

Historically, the Daily Sacrifice was a central element of the temple worship in Jerusalem. It was conducted by the Levitical priests, who meticulously followed the prescribed rituals to ensure the offerings were acceptable to God. The practice continued until the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, after which the sacrificial system ceased.

The cessation of the Daily Sacrifice marked a significant shift in Jewish worship and practice, as the focus moved from temple-based sacrifices to prayer and study of the Torah. For Christians, the end of the sacrificial system is seen as a fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant through Christ's atoning work.

Conclusion

The Daily Sacrifice, as required to be perpetually observed, holds profound significance in the biblical narrative. It serves as a constant reminder of the need for atonement, the holiness of God, and the ultimate fulfillment of these requirements in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through the lens of the New Testament, the Daily Sacrifice is understood as a precursor to the perfect sacrifice of Christ, who provides eternal redemption and reconciliation with God.Exodus 29:42
This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 28:3,6
And you shall say to them, This is the offering made by fire which you shall offer to the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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What does it mean to pray for our daily bread? | GotQuestions.org

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Daily: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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