King James Version
Numbers 28
31 verses with commentary
Daily Offerings
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The LORD's speaking to Moses about offerings establishes that worship regulations come through divine revelation, not human invention. The command to 'observe to offer' emphasizes both attention and action—God's people must carefully follow His prescribed worship. The phrase 'in their due season' teaches that worship has divine timing, not merely human convenience. The Reformed regulative principl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XXVIII.
(1) **And the Lord spake unto Moses . . .—**The sacrificial laws had been to a great extent in abeyance during the wanderings of the Israelites in the wilderness. It was needful, therefore, that before the entrance into the land of Canaan those laws should be promulgated afresh.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 28
Chapter Outline
Offerings, The daily sacrifice.(1-8)
The offering on the sabbath and new moons.(9-15)
Offerings at the passover, and on the day of first-fruits.
(16-31)
**Verses 1-8**
God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a new generation of men; and they were concerned to keep their peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily s...
Read full commentary →Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. a sweet: Heb. a savour of my rest
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God commands Israel to observe 'my offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire' at their appointed seasons. The Hebrew 'qorban' (offering) and 'lechem' (bread) emphasize that sacrifices are God's food - anthropomorphic language showing God delights in His people's worship, not that He needs sustenance. The phrase 'sweet savour' (reiach nichoach) appears throughout, meaning a soothing aro...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **My offering, and my bread . . . —**Better, *My oblation *(even) *my bread, *&c. The offering, though presented by the hands of men, was God’s, not theirs. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:8). “Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills” (Ps. 1.10). The word *korban *is a general term for an oblation. It may denote in t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 28
Chapter Outline
Offerings, The daily sacrifice.(1-8)
The offering on the sabbath and new moons.(9-15)
Offerings at the passover, and on the day of first-fruits.
(16-31)
**Verses 1-8**
God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a new generation of men; and they were concerned to keep their peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily s...
Read full commentary →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. day by day: Heb. in a day
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God commands: '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.' The daily sacrifice - one lamb morning, one evening (v.4) - maintained perpetual worship. The Hebrew 'tamid' (continual/regular) emphasizes unceasing devotion. The spotless lambs typified Christ, the Lamb without blemish (1 Pet 1...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Two lambs of the first year . . . —**See Exodus 29:38-42.
**A continual burnt offering.—**The morning and evening lamb offered as “a continual burnt offering” afforded a striking type of the Lamb of God offered once for all” (Hebrews 7:3; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 10:14).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. Rise up--**As Balak was already standing (Nu 23:17), this expression is equivalent to "now attend to me." The counsels and promises of God respecting Israel are unchangeable; and no attempt to prevail on Him to reverse them will succeed, as they may with a man.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 28
Chapter Outline
Offerings, The daily sacrifice.(1-8)
The offering on the sabbath and new moons.(9-15)
Offerings at the passover, and on the day of first-fruits.
(16-31)
**Verses 1-8**
God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a new generation of men; and they were concerned to keep their peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily s...
Read full commentary →The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even; at even: Heb. between the two evenings
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KJV Study Commentary
God specifies: 'The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even.' The Hebrew 'boqer' (morning) and 'ereb' (evening/between the evenings) bookended each day with sacrifice, sanctifying the entire day. This pattern taught that worship should frame daily life - beginning with God sets direction; ending with God reviews the day under His lordship. Daniel maint...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **At even.**—Hebrew, *between the two evenings. *(See Exodus 12:6, and Note.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. Rise up--**As Balak was already standing (Nu 23:17), this expression is equivalent to "now attend to me." The counsels and promises of God respecting Israel are unchangeable; and no attempt to prevail on Him to reverse them will succeed, as they may with a man.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 28
Chapter Outline
Offerings, The daily sacrifice.(1-8)
The offering on the sabbath and new moons.(9-15)
Offerings at the passover, and on the day of first-fruits.
(16-31)
**Verses 1-8**
God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a new generation of men; and they were concerned to keep their peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily s...
Read full commentary →And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.
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KJV Study Commentary
The grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of flour mixed with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil accompanies the lamb, demonstrating that worship involves comprehensive giving—not just animal sacrifice but also grain and oil, representing agricultural labor. The specific measurements show that God prescribes not just what we offer but how much. The beaten oil (made by crushing olives) represents the ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Beaten oil.—**See Exodus 27:20, and Note.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 28
Chapter Outline
Offerings, The daily sacrifice.(1-8)
The offering on the sabbath and new moons.(9-15)
Offerings at the passover, and on the day of first-fruits.
(16-31)
**Verses 1-8**
God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a new generation of men; and they were concerned to keep their peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily s...
Read full commentary →It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The reference to the continual burnt offering 'ordained in mount Sinai' connects present worship with past revelation. What Moses commanded based on divine instruction at Sinai continues in perpetuity. This teaches that worship has historical continuity—we don't invent new worship but continue what God has ordained. The 'sweet savour' indicates God's acceptance and pleasure. The Reformed principle...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Which was ordained in mount Sinai . . . **Or, *which was offered *(Hebrew, *made*)* in Mount Sinai. *Ibn Ezra adduces this passage as a proof that the Israelites ceased to offer burnt sacrifices after they left the encampment at Sinai throughout the time of their wanderings in the wilderness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob--**Many sins were observed and punished in this people. But no such universal and hopeless apostasy had as yet appeared, to induce God to abandon or destroy them.
**the Lord his God is with him--**has a favor for them.
**and the shout of a king is among them--**such joyful acclamations as of a people rejoicing in the presence of a victorious prince.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 28
Chapter Outline
Offerings, The daily sacrifice.(1-8)
The offering on the sabbath and new moons.(9-15)
Offerings at the passover, and on the day of first-fruits.
(16-31)
**Verses 1-8**
God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a new generation of men; and they were concerned to keep their peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily s...
Read full commentary →And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD for a drink offering.
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KJV Study Commentary
The drink offering of a fourth of a hin of strong wine poured out in the holy place represents joy and celebration offered to God. Wine symbolizes gladness throughout Scripture. Pouring it out as an offering teaches that our joy should be given to God, not merely consumed for personal pleasure. The specification of 'strong wine' indicates quality—not diluted or inferior but the best. The holy plac...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured . . . —**Better, *pour out the drink offering of strong drink. *The word *shecar, *which is here rendered “strong wine,” denotes any kind of intoxicating drink, whether made from grapes, honey, or grain; but it is more frequently used to denote a drink which is not made from grapes, as, *e.g., *in Leviticus 10:9, where the command is given to Aar...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn--**Israel is not as they were at the Exodus, a horde of poor, feeble, spiritless people, but powerful and invincible as a reem--that is, a rhinoceros (Job 39:9; Psa 22:21; 92:10).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 28
Chapter Outline
Offerings, The daily sacrifice.(1-8)
The offering on the sabbath and new moons.(9-15)
Offerings at the passover, and on the day of first-fruits.
(16-31)
**Verses 1-8**
God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a new generation of men; and they were concerned to keep their peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily s...
Read full commentary →And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, thou shalt offer it, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The repetition that the second lamb be offered at twilight 'as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof' establishes pattern and consistency. Evening worship mirrors morning worship—same sacrifice, same grain offering, same drink offering. This consistency teaches that worship shouldn't vary based on mood or circumstances but maintain steady devotion. The sweet savour to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob--**No art can ever prevail against a people who are under the shield of Omnipotence, and for whom miracles have been and yet shall be performed, which will be a theme of admiration in succeeding ages.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 28
Chapter Outline
Offerings, The daily sacrifice.(1-8)
The offering on the sabbath and new moons.(9-15)
Offerings at the passover, and on the day of first-fruits.
(16-31)
**Verses 1-8**
God saw fit now to repeat the law of sacrifices. This was a new generation of men; and they were concerned to keep their peace with God when at war with their enemies. The daily s...
Read full commentary →Sabbath and Monthly Offerings
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:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The Sabbath offering doubled the daily sacrifice, adding two extra lambs to emphasize the Sabbath's special sanctity. This demonstrates that the Sabbath wasn't merely rest from work but rest unto worship - a day of increased devotion, not decreased activity in God's service. The Hebrew 'Shabbat' means cessation, yet worship intensifies. This pattern continues in the New Testament church (Acts 20:7...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **And on the sabbath day two lambs . . . —**The Sabbath offering which was to be added to the daily sacrifice is here enjoined for the first time. The rule respecting the drink offering which was to accompany the burnt offering is laid down in Numbers 15:5. The law of the Sabbath is laid down in Exodus 20:8-11, and Leviticus 23:3.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Every sabbath day, beside the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered. This teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in order more closely to apply ourselves to the sabbath work, which ought to fill up the sabbath time. The offerings in the new moons showed...
Read full commentary →This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
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KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering' emphasizes that special offerings supplement rather than replace regular worship. The Sabbath additions didn't eliminate daily morning and evening offerings but augmented them. This teaches that extraordinary devotion should build on, not substitute for, ordinary faithfulness. Special seasons of prayer, fasting, or devotion a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Every sabbath day, beside the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered. This teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in order more closely to apply ourselves to the sabbath work, which ought to fill up the sabbath time. The offerings in the new moons showed...
Read full commentary →And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;
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KJV Study Commentary
The monthly new moon offering marked the beginning of each lunar month, sanctifying time itself to God. Israel's calendar was lunar, making these offerings twelve times yearly (or thirteen in leap years). The substantial offerings - two bulls, one ram, seven lambs - exceeded daily sacrifices, showing each new month as a fresh consecration of time to God. This points to Christ who makes all things ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **In the beginnings of your months . . . —**The beginning of the month was announced by the blowing of the silver trumpets (Numbers 10:10). Increased respect was paid to the beginning of the month in later times. Trade was suspended (Amos 8:5), and religious instruction appears to have been given at this time (2Kings 4:23).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26. All that the Lord speaketh, that I must do--**a remarkable confession that he was divinely constrained to give utterances different from what it was his purpose and inclination to do.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Every sabbath day, beside the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered. This teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in order more closely to apply ourselves to the sabbath work, which ought to fill up the sabbath time. The offerings in the new moons showed...
Read full commentary →And three tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Three tenth deals of flour</strong> (שְׁלֹשָׁה עֶשְׂרֹנִים, sheloshah esronim)—precise grain measurements that accompanied animal sacrifices, demonstrating that worship required both costly blood sacrifice and daily sustenance offered back to God. The <em>minchah</em> (מִנְחָה, grain offering) mixed with oil symbolized consecration of ordinary provision. The graduated amounts—three for a b...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Every sabbath day, beside the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered. This teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in order more closely to apply ourselves to the sabbath work, which ought to fill up the sabbath time. The offerings in the new moons showed...
Read full commentary →And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>A several tenth deal</strong> (עִשָּׂרוֹן, issaron)—literally "a tenth part" of an ephah, roughly 2 quarts of flour for each lamb. The term "several" (בַּד, bad) means "separate" or "individual," emphasizing that each lamb received its own grain offering, not a collective portion. This individualized provision mirrors God's personal care.<br><br><strong>A sweet savour</strong> (רֵיחַ נִיחו...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor--**or, Beth-peor (De 3:29), the eminence on which a temple of Baal stood.
**that looketh toward Jeshimon--**the desert tract in the south of Palestine, on both sides of the Dead Sea.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Every sabbath day, beside the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered. This teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in order more closely to apply ourselves to the sabbath work, which ought to fill up the sabbath time. The offerings in the new moons showed...
Read full commentary →And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Half an hin of wine</strong> (חֲצִי הַהִין יַיִן, chatzi hahin yayin)—a <em>hin</em> was approximately 1 gallon, so half a hin equals 2 quarts. The drink offerings (נֶסֶךְ, nesek) accompanied grain and burnt offerings, symbolizing joy and celebration (Psalm 104:15). Wine, a luxury in an agrarian economy, showed that God deserved the best, not leftovers.<br><br>The proportional system—½ hin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Every sabbath day, beside the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered. This teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in order more closely to apply ourselves to the sabbath work, which ought to fill up the sabbath time. The offerings in the new moons showed...
Read full commentary →And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
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KJV Study Commentary
God requires: 'And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.' Even during monthly new moon celebrations, sin offering remained necessary. The Hebrew 'chattat' (sin offering) acknowledged that worship and celebration don't erase sin's reality - atonement is always required. The phrase 'beside the continual bu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Every sabbath day, beside the two lambs offered for the daily burnt-offering, there must be two more offered. This teaches us to double our devotions on sabbath days, for so the duty of the day requires. The sabbath rest is to be observed, in order more closely to apply ourselves to the sabbath work, which ought to fill up the sabbath time. The offerings in the new moons showed...
Read full commentary →Passover and Festival Offerings
And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Feast of Unleavened Bread's seven-day duration ('on the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten') required extended focus on redemption themes. Leaven's removal symbolized sin's purging, teaching that salvation necessitates holiness. The week-long feast prevented casual observance, requiring sustained attention to spiritual realities. The number sev...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16, 17) **And in the fourteenth day of the first month . . . —**The observance of the Passover had been in abeyance for thirty-eight years. The law is now promulgated afresh. The observance of the first and seventh days of the feast are enjoined in Exodus 12:16 and Leviticus 23:7-8; and in the latter place it is enjoined that an offering made by fire should be offered for seven days. The nature o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the fifteenth day of this month</strong> (בַּחֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר יוֹם, bachamishah asar yom)—Passover on the 14th was followed immediately by the <em>Chag HaMatzot</em> (חַג הַמַּצּוֹת), the Feast of Unleavened Bread, beginning on the 15th of Nisan/Aviv. While Passover commemorated the death angel's "passing over" Hebrew homes (Exodus 12), the seven days of unleavened bread celebrated Isra...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 24 Nu 24:1-25. Balaam Foretells Israel's Happiness.
**1. to seek for--**that is, to use enchantments. His experience on the two former occasions [Nu 23:3, 15] had taught him that these superstitious accompaniments of his worship were useless, and therefore he now simply looked towards the camp of Israel, either with a secret design to curse them, or to await the divine afflatus.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>An holy convocation</strong> (מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ, miqra-qodesh)—literally "a called-together holiness" or "sacred assembly." The word <em>miqra</em> comes from the same root as <em>qara</em> (קָרָא, "to call"), emphasizing that God summons His people together for worship. This was not optional attendance but covenantal obligation. The assembly was "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) meaning "set apart" fr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes--**that is, in the orderly distribution of the camp (Nu 2:1-34).
**the spirit of God came upon him--**Before the regular ministry of the prophets was instituted, God made use of various persons as the instruments through whom He revealed His will, and Balaam was one of these (De 23:5).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>A sacrifice made by fire</strong> (אִשֶּׁה, isheh)—offerings consumed by fire on the altar, distinguishing them from non-burnt offerings. The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, "that which goes up") was wholly consumed, symbolizing total consecration to God. <strong>Two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year</strong>—a substantial offering requiring community resources. T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. the man whose eyes are open--**that is, a seer (1Sa 9:9), a prophet, to whom the visioned future was disclosed--sometimes when falling into a sleep (Ge 15:12-15), frequently into "a trance."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →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;
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil</strong> (מִנְחָתָם סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשֶּׁמֶן, minchatam solet belulah bashemen)—the grain offering always accompanied burnt offerings, never standing alone. <em>Solet</em> (סֹלֶת) was fine flour, not coarse meal—the best grain, finely ground. The oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) represents the Holy Spirit's anointing, necessary for acceptable wor...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →A several tenth deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>A several tenth deal</strong> (עִשָּׂרוֹן עִשָּׂרוֹן, issaron issaron)—the repetition emphasizes individuality: one-tenth ephah for each lamb. Throughout the seven-day feast, with seven lambs offered daily, this amounted to 49 lambs total (7 days × 7 lambs), a number signifying completeness and perfection. The seven lambs echo the seven days of creation, suggesting that worship reorders ch...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-7. How goodly are thy tents, ... O Israel!--**a fine burst of admiration, expressed in highly poetical strains. All travellers describe the beauty which the circular area of Bedouin tents impart to the desert. How impressive, then, must have been the view, as seen from the heights of Abarim, of the immense camp of Israel extended over the subjacent plains.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>One goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement</strong> (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים אֶחָד לְחַטָּאת לְכַפֵּר, se'ir-izzim echad lechattat lechaper)—the sin offering (חַטָּאת, chattat) dealt with unintentional sins and ritual impurity. The verb <em>kaper</em> (כָּפַר, "to atone") means "to cover" or "to purge." Even during joyful Passover celebrations, atonement remained necessary, acknowledging pe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-7. How goodly are thy tents, ... O Israel!--**a fine burst of admiration, expressed in highly poetical strains. All travellers describe the beauty which the circular area of Bedouin tents impart to the desert. How impressive, then, must have been the view, as seen from the heights of Abarim, of the immense camp of Israel extended over the subjacent plains.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning</strong> (מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַבֹּקֶר, milevad olat haboqer)—the festival offerings were additional to, not replacements for, the daily <em>tamid</em> (תָּמִיד, "continual") offerings prescribed in Exodus 29:38-42. Each morning and evening, one lamb was offered perpetually on Israel's behalf, representing unceasing intercession and ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-7. How goodly are thy tents, ... O Israel!--**a fine burst of admiration, expressed in highly poetical strains. All travellers describe the beauty which the circular area of Bedouin tents impart to the desert. How impressive, then, must have been the view, as seen from the heights of Abarim, of the immense camp of Israel extended over the subjacent plains.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →After this manner ye shall offer daily, throughout the seven days, the meat of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: it shall be offered beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
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KJV Study Commentary
God commands: 'After this manner ye shall offer daily, throughout the seven days, the meat of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.' During Unleavened Bread week following Passover, daily offerings continued with special additions. The Hebrew 'reiach nichoach' (sweet savour) indicates offerings pleasing to God - anthropomorphic language showing God delights in His people's w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>On the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation</strong> (וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ, uvayom hashvi'i miqra-qodesh)—the week-long feast concluded with another sacred assembly and Sabbath rest. The number seven (שֶׁבַע, sheva) signifies completeness, echoing creation's seventh day rest (Genesis 2:2-3). Passover week thus recapitulated creation order: from bondage (chaos) to ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
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KJV Study Commentary
For Pentecost (Feast of Weeks), 'when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD... ye shall have an holy convocation.' This feast celebrated first fruits of wheat harvest, occurring fifty days after Passover. The Hebrew 'minchah chadashah' (new grain offering) presented first fruits to God, acknowledging Him as provider. The 'holy convocation' (miqra qodesh) called all Israel to gather for worshi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **In the day of the firstfruits.—**See Exodus 23:16; Exodus 34:22; Leviticus 23:15-21, and Notes.
**A new meat offering . . . —**See Leviticus 23:16.
**After your weeks be out.—**Hebrew, *in your weeks*—*i.e., *at the expiration of a week of weeks from the morrow after the chief day of the feast of the Passover.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-14. Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together--**The "smiting of the hands together" is, among Oriental people, an indication of the most violent rage (see Eze 21:17; 22:13) and ignominious dismissal.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year</strong>—The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) burnt offering (עֹלָה לְרֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ <em>olah lere'ach nichoach</em>, ascension-offering for pleasing aroma) required <strong>two young bullocks</strong> (פָּרִים בְּנֵי־בָקָר <em>parim benei-vaqar</em>), symbolizing st...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year.—**In Leviticus 23:18 the animal sacrifices enjoined are one young bullock, two rams, and seven lambs without blemish. The Mishnah (Menach. iv. 2) considers that these animals were to be presented together with the loaves, whereas those named in Numbers were additional sacrifices of the day. Josephus also thinks that three bullocks,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-14. Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together--**The "smiting of the hands together" is, among Oriental people, an indication of the most violent rage (see Eze 21:17; 22:13) and ignominious dismissal.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →And their meat offering of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto one bullock, two tenth deals unto one ram,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto one bullock, two tenth deals unto one ram</strong>—The grain offering (מִנְחָה <em>minchah</em>) of fine flour (סֹלֶת <em>solet</em>) mixed with olive oil accompanied each animal sacrifice, with quantities proportioned to sacrifice size: <strong>three tenth deals</strong> (שְׁלֹשָׁה עֶשְׂרֹנִים <em>sheloshah...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-14. Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together--**The "smiting of the hands together" is, among Oriental people, an indication of the most violent rage (see Eze 21:17; 22:13) and ignominious dismissal.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs</strong>—Each of the <strong>seven lambs</strong> (שִׁבְעַת הַכְּבָשִׂים <em>shiv'at hakevasim</em>) received <strong>a several tenth deal</strong> (עִשָּׂרוֹן עִשָּׂרוֹן <em>isaron isaron</em>, one-tenth repeatedly, ~2.2 qts each), creating cumulative grain offering of 7 tenths (plus 3 for bulls, 2 for rams = 12 total tenths, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-14. Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together--**The "smiting of the hands together" is, among Oriental people, an indication of the most violent rage (see Eze 21:17; 22:13) and ignominious dismissal.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you</strong>—Beyond burnt and grain offerings, Pentecost required one male goat (שְׂעִיר־עִזִּים <em>se'ir-izim</em>) as sin offering <strong>to make atonement</strong> (לְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם <em>lekhaper aleikhem</em>, to cover/propitiate for you). Even joyful harvest celebration required recognition of human sinfulness requiring blood atonem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-14. Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together--**The "smiting of the hands together" is, among Oriental people, an indication of the most violent rage (see Eze 21:17; 22:13) and ignominious dismissal.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings</strong>—The phrase <strong>beside the continual burnt offering</strong> (מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד <em>milevad olat hatamid</em>, apart from/in addition to the regular burnt offering) establishes that festival sacrifices supplemented rather than...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. he took his parable--**or prophecy, uttered in a poetical style.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-31**
By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous circumstances, should cause slackness in our religious exercises; but should rather stir us up to greater diligence in seeking help from, or giving thanks to th...
Read full commentary →