Definition: And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 28:9. It’s a really important detail about how offerings were made in ancient Israel! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a specific ritual – a special offering – that was done on the Sabbath (a holy day). It's about giving a symbolic representation of God's blessing and care. Let’s look at each part: “And on the sabbath day…” - This tells us this is happening during the Sabbath, which is a time for rest and worship. “…two lambs of the first year without spot…” – This means we were giving two lambs (young sheep) that had not been marked with a brand or tattoo. Lambs were special animals in ancient Israel because they represented God's sacrifice and purity. "Without spot" means they weren’t marked with any scars or blemishes. “…two tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering…” - “Th Tenth” is a term that refers to a specific amount – about 10% of the total grain harvest for a special meal. This was a symbolic representation of the manna, which God provided to the Israelites in the wilderness. It showed God’s continued care and sustenance for them. The “flour” represents food and nourishment. “…mixed with oil, and the drink offering thereof:” – This is where it gets really interesting. We're adding these things: Oil: Oil was used to anoint animals (like lambs) and was a symbol of God’s presence and blessing. The Drink Offering: This refers to a beverage, likely wine or beer, offered as a sign of gratitude and celebration. Overall Meaning – A Symbolic Gift Essentially, this verse describes a ritual where the Israelites were offering a carefully prepared meal – including lambs, flour, oil, and wine – as a way to show God’s care for them and to acknowledge His blessings on their lives. It's a tangible demonstration of worship and gratitude. Why is it important? This verse shows us that ancient Israel practiced a very detailed and symbolic system of offering, where things weren't just about giving material goods, but also about expressing faith and devotion to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?