Amelia Wilson 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 28:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible, a collection of sacred texts for Christians, is filled with verses that can sometimes be hard to understand without careful study. One such verse is found in Numbers 28:20. While many may not be familiar with this specific verse, it holds deep significance when placed within the context of the overall teachings in the book of Numbers and the Bible as a whole. Understanding its meaning and application in life can provide valuable insights into God‘s expectations for His people, even today.
In this article, we will explore the context of Numbers 28:20, examine the verse itself, interpret its meaning, look at how it applies to modern life, and conclude with thoughts on how we can live in accordance with its message.
The Context of Numbers 28:20 KJV
Before diving into the verse itself, it is crucial to understand the broader context in which Numbers 28:20 appears. The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament, and it records the journey of the Israelites as they travel through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The title “Numbers” comes from the censuses of the Israelite people taken during the events of the book, but it also covers laws and guidelines given to the Israelites by God, as well as their experiences.
Numbers 28 focuses specifically on the various offerings that the Israelites were required to make as part of their worship to God. These offerings were not arbitrary; they served to maintain a right relationship with God, showing honor, reverence, and gratitude for His provision. In this chapter, God instructs Moses on how the people should bring offerings, including daily burnt offerings, monthly offerings, and special offerings tied to festivals and feasts.
The Israelites were commanded to make these offerings at specific times and in specific ways, as outlined in Numbers 28. Each of these offerings had its purpose, whether to express worship, seek forgiveness, or simply acknowledge God’s greatness.
Numbers 28:20 falls within a section that deals with the offerings for the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), a time of celebrating the first fruits of the harvest. The verse is part of instructions on the grain offerings that were to accompany the burnt offerings during this festival.
Numbers 28:20 (KJV)
The King James Version of Numbers 28:20 reads:
“And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, of the second tenth part of an ephah, for a sweet savour unto the Lord.” (Numbers 28:20, KJV)
Breakdown of the Verse
To fully understand what this verse means, it’s helpful to break it down into its key components:
Meat offering: In biblical terms, a “meat offering” doesn’t refer to meat like we think of today. Instead, it refers to a grain offering, often consisting of fine flour, oil, and sometimes incense. It was part of the required offerings that were given to God to honor Him.
Flour mingled with oil: The flour symbolizes the work of human hands, and the oil represents the Holy Spirit, signifying that the offering is not just a physical gift but is meant to be spiritually significant as well. The combination of flour and oil expresses the idea that both human effort and divine blessing must be present in worship.
Second tenth part of an ephah: An ephah was an ancient Hebrew unit of measurement for dry goods, approximately 22 liters. The “second tenth” refers to a specific amount of flour that was to be used in the offering, a detailed requirement to ensure the offering was consistent and precise.
Sweet savour unto the Lord: The phrase “sweet savour” refers to the pleasing aroma of the offering, which signifies that the offering is acceptable to God. This is a symbolic way of saying that God is pleased with the devotion and obedience of His people when they offer their gifts in accordance with His commands.
Numbers 28:20 Meaning
Numbers 28:20 may seem to be about a specific ritual offering, but it holds much more meaning when we reflect on its spiritual significance.
Symbol of Devotion: The offering of flour mixed with oil represents the people’s devotion to God. The flour, symbolizing human effort, mixed with oil, representing the Holy Spirit, shows that worship requires both human participation and divine empowerment. In our spiritual lives today, we are also called to bring both our effort and our dependence on God’s help.
Obedience to God’s Command: The exact instructions for the offering show that God desires precise obedience. His commands are not random; they are purposeful and filled with meaning. Just as the Israelites were expected to follow these guidelines, Christians today are called to obey God’s commands, knowing that each detail is important to Him.
God’s Provision: The offerings were a way for the Israelites to acknowledge that everything they had came from God. Offering a portion of their grain was a way of recognizing that the harvest was a gift from Him, and they were giving a small part back to express gratitude.
Spiritual Symbolism: The offering of grain and oil also points forward to Christ. The flour can be seen as a symbol of Jesus’ perfect life—His body given for us—while the oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who works in believers’ lives. Together, they reflect the unity of Christ’s work and the work of the Spirit in the believer’s life.
Numbers 28:20 Application in Life
So, what does this verse mean for us today? While the specific practice of offering grain and oil is no longer a requirement for Christians, the principles behind this verse are timeless and can be applied to our daily lives in several ways.
Offer God Our Best: Just as the Israelites were required to bring a precise and acceptable offering, we, too, are called to give God our best in everything. This might not be an offering of grain, but we can offer our time, energy, talents, and resources to serve Him. Our worship and actions should be done with excellence, reflecting our gratitude for all He has given.
Recognize God’s Provision: The grain offering reminds us that everything we have comes from God. In a world that often promotes self-reliance, we must remember to acknowledge God as the ultimate provider. Whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or material possessions, all things are gifts from Him.
Depend on the Holy Spirit: The oil mixed with the flour signifies that our human efforts are only meaningful when empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are not called to rely on our strength alone but to seek God’s help in every area of our lives. This means asking for His guidance, strength, and wisdom, whether we’re making decisions, serving others, or pursuing personal growth.
Live with Obedience: God’s command for the grain offering was specific, and we are called to be obedient in following His will. Today, we can apply this by listening to God’s Word, studying it, and living in obedience to His teachings. God’s commands are not burdensome—they are for our good and to keep us close to Him.
Conclusion
Numbers 28:20, though a small part of a detailed list of offerings, carries a profound message for all believers. It teaches us about the importance of devotion to God, the significance of obedience, the recognition of His provision, and the need for the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives. Though we no longer offer grain and oil in the same way, the spiritual principles behind these offerings still apply.
By reflecting on this verse and its meaning, we are reminded of our ongoing need to worship God in spirit and truth, giving our best to Him and trusting in His provision. As we seek to live according to His will, we can look to this ancient practice as a reminder that God desires our hearts, our obedience, and our trust.
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