King James Version
What Does Numbers 28:6 Mean?
“It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.”
Numbers 28:6 · KJV
Context
4
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
5
And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.
6
It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.
7
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.
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe 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 that worship follows biblical pattern rather than contemporary innovation finds support in this appeal to Sinai's revelation.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Mount Sinai was where God gave Israel the law, including worship regulations. Appealing to Sinai's authority established that these offerings weren't cultural preferences but divine commands. The continual burnt offering linked daily worship across generations—what the fathers did at Sinai, the children continue in Canaan, creating covenantal continuity through consistent worship.
Reflection Questions
- How does continuity with historic worship patterns guard against innovation and error?
- What does appealing to Sinai teach about the authority of revealed worship?
- In what ways should contemporary worship maintain connection with biblical and historical patterns?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsעֹלַ֖ת1 of 9
“burnt offering”
H5930a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
תָּמִ֑יד2 of 9
“It is a continual”
H8548properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
הָֽעֲשֻׂיָה֙3 of 9
“which was ordained”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אִשֶּׁ֖ה8 of 9
“a sacrifice made by fire”
H801properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice
לַֽיהוָֽה׃9 of 9
“unto the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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 28:6 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 28:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge