Old Testament
Numbers 28:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 28:20, God provides specific instructions for the grain offerings that are to accompany sacrifices.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Their grain offerings should be fine flour mixed with oil: 3 tenths of an ephah for each bull and 2 tenths for the ram.
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals shall ye offer for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 28:20, God provides specific instructions for the grain offerings that are to accompany sacrifices. The offerings consist of fine flour mixed with oil, which symbolizes the best quality ingredients being offered to God. For each bull, the offering is three-tenths of an ephah, while for each ram, it is two-tenths. This detail emphasizes the importance of giving God our best and the significance of the offerings in the worship process. The mixing of flour and oil represents a complete and pleasing offering, as oil is often associated with the Holy Spirit and anointing. These offerings were part of the larger sacrificial system that helped the Israelites maintain their relationship with God, showing gratitude and seeking atonement for sins. The precise measurements also reflect the order and structure that God desires in worship, highlighting that worship should be intentional and thoughtful, not haphazard or careless.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 28:20 to your life
This verse reminds us to offer our best to God in our worship and service. Whether through our time, talents, or resources, we should approach God with intentionality and gratitude, ensuring that our offerings reflect our love and commitment to Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 28:20 teach about offerings?
Numbers 28:20 emphasizes the importance of giving quality offerings to God. It specifies that grain offerings should consist of fine flour mixed with oil, highlighting the need for the best ingredients in worship. This reflects the idea that our offerings should be intentional and meaningful, symbolizing our dedication and gratitude towards God.
Why is oil significant in the grain offerings?
In Numbers 28:20, oil mixed with flour in the grain offerings symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit and anointing. Oil is often associated with blessings and divine favor, indicating that the offerings are not just about the physical ingredients but also about the spiritual significance of dedicating our best to God.
How can we apply Numbers 28:20 in modern worship?
We can apply the principles of Numbers 28:20 by ensuring that our worship and service to God are done with intentionality and excellence. This means dedicating our time, talents, and resources to God in a way that reflects our love and commitment, just as the Israelites were instructed to offer their best in sacrifices.
What do the measurements in Numbers 28:20 signify?
The specific measurements in Numbers 28:20—three-tenths of an ephah for a bull and two-tenths for a ram—reflect God's desire for order and structure in worship. They signify that worship should be thoughtful and precise, reminding us that God values intentionality in how we approach Him and our offerings.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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