Commentary on Numbers 28:3

Numbers 28:3 states: "And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the Lord; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering."

Introduction

This verse is a part of the instructions concerning the daily offerings that the Israelites were to present to God. These offerings carried deep spiritual significance and were meant to maintain the covenantal relationship between God and His people. In their daily practice, the burnt offerings served as constant reminders of devotion and atonement.

Understanding the Burnt Offering

Matthew Henry notes that the burnt offering signifies complete dedication to God. To offer a burnt offering is to symbolize the total surrender of oneself to divine purposes. The lambs, being without spot, represent the need for purity and innocence in the sacrificial system, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

• Henry emphasizes that the continual nature of the burnt offering indicates a perpetual state of obedience and devotion.
• He connects the daily offerings to the sustaining of a relationship with God, suggesting that a daily commitment is necessary for spiritual vitality.
• The mention of "two lambs" signifies not only the adequacy of the offerings but also reflects the biblical principle of duality in service to God - morning and evening offerings.

Albert Barnes' Notes

• Barnes elaborates on the specifics of the burnt offering, noting that it was completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God.
• He stresses the importance of offering "without spot," which speaks to the holiness required in approaching God. This is indicative of the Christological interpretation that points to Jesus as the Lamb of God.
• Barnes also discusses the communal aspect of such offerings, underscoring that they were meant for the whole congregation, thus highlighting the collective responsibility of worship.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

• Clarke notes that the regularity of the offerings can be seen as a divine prescription for maintaining a continuous relationship with God.
• He emphasizes the spiritual lessons of sacrifice tied to the offerings, illustrating that each lamb represented the need for atonement and restoration in the lives of the people.
• Clarke also alludes to the significance of the time of offering, suggesting that morning and evening rituals instill a rhythm of worship that sustains the community's faith.

Theological Implications

The instructions found in Numbers 28:3 transcend mere ritual that engages the Israelites. They illustrate a foundational aspect of biblical worship — the acknowledgment of one's complete reliance on God. As Martin Luther famously stated, "The Christian life is one of constant repentance," and these continual offerings speak to that need for ongoing atonement.

The symbolism attached to the lambs is rich in theological implications, pointing to the future revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. The repeated call to offer lambs without blemish serves as a reminder of the divine standards of holiness that God requires from His people.

Practical Applications for Believers

For pastors and theologians today, Numbers 28:3 invites a reflection on the importance of daily devotion and worship. It is a reminder that our spiritual lives should not only be characterized by episodic worship but also by a continuous offering of our lives to God. This can be understood as an invitation to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and sacrifice.

Key Takeaways:

• Daily Commitment: Just as the Israelites were commanded to offer sacrifices each day, Christians are invited to engage in daily acts of worship and devotion.
• The Nature of Sacrifice: Understanding that true worship requires the offering of ourselves in light of God’s holiness.
• Unity in Worship: The communal aspect of the offerings serves as a call for collective worship within the church body, encouraging believers to support one another in their faith journeys.

Conclusion

Numbers 28:3, while set in the specific context of Israel's sacrificial system, offers timeless truths that continue to resonate with believers today. It challenges us to consider what it means to live lives of continual offering and to recognize the significance of purity and dedication in our walk with God. By reflecting on these passages, we deepen our understanding of God’s character, His expectations of holiness, and the grace revealed through the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.