Numbers 28

CHAPTER 28

Daily Offerings (28:1–8)

1 In these next two chapters, the writer interrupts the narrative history in order to repeat some of the laws concerning offerings and festivals that have already been given earlier in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. These laws are repeated here to remind the Israelites that, though they have a new leader, Joshua, they still have the same God and they still need to obey His laws.

The offerings and festivals described here in Chapters 28 and 29 are regular observances to be repeated according to the times set by the Lord. We modern readers may read these chapters and see only laws and rituals that have no meaning for us. But, in fact, these laws and rituals were the means God gave the Israelites for obtaining forgiveness of sins and for gaining acceptance with Him. They were the means by which a naturally sinful people could approach God and worship Him with cleansed hearts.

For us today, these laws and rituals are no longer necessary, because Christ has fulfilled them (Matthew 5:17); through His sacrifice on the cross, He has obtained for us both forgiveness of sins and full acceptance with God. But the old laws and rituals remind us of the awesome holiness of God; they also remind us of His great grace, by which He forgives our sins and welcomes us into His presence.

As we read again about the detailed rules pertaining to these offerings, we must remember that God was primarily interested in the worshiper’s heart. God gave these rules in order to test the worshiper’s obedience. If one brought offerings to the Lord without an obedient heart, the Lord was not pleased (see 1 Samuel 15:22). Neither is He pleased with our service if we offer it without a humble, grateful and obedient heart.

The various offerings were to be an aroma pleasing to the Lord (verses 2,8,24). The aroma of the burning sacrifice symbolized the worship of obedient people; that was what pleased the Lord (see Leviticus 1:5–17 and comment). This is why we Christians are called upon to offer our own bodies as living sacrifices to God, because that is pleasing to Him (Romans 12:1).

Thus we can see that these Old Testament laws and rituals, far from being meaningless, actually point to Christ and help us understand His sacrifice and what it means for us. These laws are earthly examples of spiritual realities. They represent an important stage in God’s overall redemptive plan for mankind—the climax of which was the coming of Jesus, and consummation of which will be His coming again at the end of the world.⁹⁵

Except for the sabbath offerings (verses 9–10) and the monthly offerings (verses 1115), the remainder of Chapters 28 and 29 will not be commented on, because the various offerings and festivals have already been discussed elsewhere. What is distinctive about these two chapters is that they deal with the duties of the priests rather than those of the ordinary people. These chapters, therefore, describe the offerings that the priests were required to present on each of the different occasions.

2–8 See Exodus 29:38–43 and comment.

Sabbath Offerings (28:9–10)

9–10 The sabbath offerings were presented in addition to the daily offerings (verses 2–8). These extra offerings highlighted the holiness of the Sabbath day; the observance of the Sabbath was one of the distinguishing marks that set Israel apart as God’s covenant people (see Exodus 31:12–17 and comment).

Monthly Offerings (28:11–15)

11–15 These monthly offerings were presented at each new moon (verse 14), which signaled the beginning of a new month. These offerings were to be accompanied by the blowing of the silver trumpets (Numbers 10:10). They were offered in addition to the daily burnt offerings (verses 2–8). A goat for a sin offering was also presented⁹⁶ (verse 15).

The Passover (28:16–25)

(Exodus 12:14–20; Leviticus 23:4–8; Deuteronomy 16:1–8)

16–25 See Exodus 12:12–20 and comment.

Feast of Weeks (28:26–31)

(Leviticus 23:15–22; Deuteronomy 16:9–12)

26–31 See Leviticus 23:15–22 and comment.