Amelia Wilson 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 28:21 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible is a rich and complex book that offers spiritual wisdom, guidance, and teachings to those who seek it. As we read through its pages, some verses might seem difficult to understand at first glance. One such verse is Numbers 28:21, which is part of the Old Testament. This verse is found in a section of Scripture that talks about the offerings and sacrifices that the Israelites were commanded to make to God.
In order to fully grasp the meaning of Numbers 28:21, we must consider its context, what the verse says, its significance in the wider narrative of Scripture, and how it can be applied to our lives today. This article will explore all of these aspects to help us understand what God is teaching through this verse.
The Context of Numbers 28:21 KJV
The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible, and it is named for the census that the Israelites took as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It is a book of laws, instructions, and history for the Israelites. Numbers 28 is part of a section that discusses the various offerings and sacrifices that were part of the Israelite religious system. These offerings were an essential way for the people to worship God and maintain a relationship with Him.
Numbers 28 specifically focuses on the daily, weekly, and monthly offerings that were to be made by the Israelites. These sacrifices were symbolic acts of devotion, meant to honor God and acknowledge His holiness. These offerings also served as a reminder of God’s provision for the Israelites, as well as their need for forgiveness.
In this chapter, God provides detailed instructions to Moses about how the Israelites are to offer sacrifices, including the specific amounts and types of offerings. The Israelites are commanded to offer two lambs every day, one in the morning and one in the evening, as a burnt offering. These offerings are to be made alongside other sacrifices and offerings that were commanded in earlier chapters.
Numbers 28:21 is part of a list of instructions that addresses the offerings for the monthly observances, which are significant for the Israelites’ worship practices. This verse specifies the number of lambs to be offered as part of the new moon sacrifices. These sacrifices were meant to mark the beginning of each new month on the Israelite calendar.
Numbers 28:21 (KJV)
Here is the verse itself from the King James Version:
“And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a lamb: and one lamb shall thou offer in the morning, and another lamb shalt thou offer at even.” — Numbers 28:21 (KJV)
This verse, in its simple form, gives instructions for the meat offering (or grain offering) that was to accompany the lambs sacrificed during the monthly observances. The specifics of the offering are given, such as the amount of flour and oil that was to be mixed, and the times of day when the sacrifices were to take place.
Numbers 28:21 Meaning
The meaning of Numbers 28:21 can be understood more clearly by examining its key elements. This verse highlights two important aspects of the Israelites’ religious practices: the offerings and the timing of those offerings.
The Offering
The “meat offering” referred to here is not meat in the sense of animal flesh, but rather a grain offering. In ancient Israel, flour, oil, and sometimes frankincense were often used in these offerings. The flour represented the work of the people’s hands, and the oil symbolized the Holy Spirit, who would guide the Israelites. These offerings were a way for the people to express their gratitude and devotion to God.
In Numbers 28:21, God commands that three-tenths of an ephah (a measurement of flour) be mixed with oil for each lamb offered. This was a precise instruction, and the exact amount was meant to reflect the seriousness and reverence with which the Israelites were to approach the act of worship. In the larger context of the chapter, it becomes clear that these offerings were an integral part of the Israelites’ covenant with God. They symbolized their dependence on Him and their recognition of His sovereignty.
The Timing of the Offering
The timing of the offering in Numbers 28:21 is also significant. The verse mentions that one lamb was to be offered in the morning, and another in the evening. These daily sacrifices marked the beginning and end of each day, and they were a continual reminder of the need for daily devotion to God. This regular rhythm of offering was meant to be a visible sign of the Israelites’ commitment to God and their acknowledgment of His holiness. The practice of offering sacrifices at the start and end of each day points to the importance of beginning and ending each day with worship and prayer.
The monthly offerings were part of a larger system of worship that included daily, weekly, and seasonal sacrifices. These observances helped the Israelites maintain a consistent relationship with God, rooted in reverence, obedience, and gratitude.
Numbers 28:21 Application in Life
Though Numbers 28:21 specifically addresses the Israelites and their sacrificial system, there are valuable lessons for us today in the principles underlying this verse. We no longer offer animal sacrifices or grain offerings, as Jesus Christ fulfilled the need for sacrifice once and for all through His death on the cross. However, the spiritual lessons behind these offerings still hold significant meaning for Christians today.
1. The Importance of Offering Our Best to God
The Israelites were instructed to offer their best to God, represented by the flour and oil mixed together in a precise way. Similarly, we are called to offer our best to God in our daily lives. This could mean giving our time, talents, and resources to serve Him and others. Just as the Israelites carefully followed God’s instructions for their offerings, we should strive to give God our best effort in every aspect of our lives.
2. The Need for Regular Worship and Devotion
The daily offerings were a reminder to the Israelites to dedicate their lives to God continually, not just on special occasions. As Christians, we are called to live lives of daily devotion to God. This includes regular prayer, Bible study, and worship. The rhythm of offering in the morning and evening encourages us to start and end each day in a spirit of gratitude and worship.
3. Recognizing God’s Provision and Holiness
The offerings also pointed to the Israelites’ recognition of God’s holiness and their need for forgiveness. For Christians, our offerings and acts of worship are ways to acknowledge God’s holiness, goodness, and grace. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, our hearts should be a living sacrifice, surrendered to God’s will and recognizing His provision in our lives.
4. Living in Obedience to God’s Instructions
The Israelites followed God’s specific instructions regarding the offerings, and we, too, are called to obey God’s commands. As Christians, obedience to God’s Word is an important expression of our love for Him. The precision with which the Israelites were instructed to make their offerings can remind us that God cares about our obedience and faithfulness in following His commands.
Conclusion
Numbers 28:21, though part of an ancient sacrificial system, carries timeless principles that still apply to Christians today. While we no longer make animal or grain offerings, the spiritual lessons of dedication, gratitude, regular worship, and obedience remain highly relevant. This verse helps us understand that worshiping God involves our hearts, our time, and our lives. We are called to offer our best to God daily and to recognize His holiness and provision in every aspect of life. By applying the principles found in Numbers 28:21, we can grow closer to God and deepen our commitment to Him.
You Might Be Interested In: