King James Version
What Does Numbers 28:10 Mean?
“This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.”
Numbers 28:10 · KJV
Context
8
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.
9
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:
10
This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
11
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;
12
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;
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe 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 are valuable when they enhance, not replace, regular disciplines. The Reformed emphasis on regular means of grace alongside special providences is illustrated.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The cumulative effect of daily plus Sabbath offerings meant substantial worship on the seventh day. The community gathered, hearing the law read and explained, while witnessing multiple sacrifices. This combination of word and sacrament (offerings) created comprehensive Sabbath worship. The pattern prefigured New Testament Lord's Day observance with preaching, prayer, and sacraments.
Reflection Questions
- How do special seasons of devotion relate to regular spiritual disciplines?
- What does adding to rather than replacing regular worship teach about spiritual formation?
- In what ways should extraordinary devotion enhance rather than exhaust our spiritual life?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsעֹלַ֥ת1 of 7
“This is the burnt offering”
H5930a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
עַל4 of 7
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עֹלַ֥ת5 of 7
“This is the burnt offering”
H5930a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
הַתָּמִ֖יד6 of 7
“beside the continual”
H8548properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 28:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 28:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge