God's Orderly Worship and Sacrifices

Before You Study

Read This First

Numbers continues the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. The previous chapters focused on the organization of the camp and the duties of the Levites, preparing the people for holy living. Now, Numbers 28 provides detailed instructions on the offerings Israel must present regularly, showing how worship was central to their covenant relationship with God. Understanding these sacrifices helps us grasp the seriousness of approaching a holy God and the need for continual atonement and praise in the life of His people.

What You'll Learn

• The continual burnt offering symbolizes Israel's ongoing dedication and atonement before God every day.
• Sabbath offerings highlight the special sanctity of the weekly day of rest and worship.
• Monthly and festival sacrifices demonstrate God's desire for regular, communal worship tied to His appointed times.
• Each offering's precise details reflect God's holiness and the importance of obedience in covenant worship.
• The chapter foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling and surpassing these repeated offerings.
• Understanding these sacrifices enriches our appreciation for worship's role in maintaining fellowship with God.

God commands regular, holy offerings to maintain covenant fellowship and honor His holiness.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Numbers 28:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 28:2 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.

Numbers 28:3 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.

Numbers 28:4 The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even;

Numbers 28:5 And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.

Numbers 28:6 It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

Numbers 28:7 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.

Numbers 28:8 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.

Numbers 28:9 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:

Numbers 28:10 This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

Numbers 28:11 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;

Numbers 28:12 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;

Numbers 28:13 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.

Numbers 28:14 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.

Numbers 28:15 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.

Numbers 28:16 And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.

Numbers 28:17 And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.

Numbers 28:18 In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein:

Numbers 28:19 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:

Numbers 28:20 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;

Numbers 28:21 A several tenth deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

Numbers 28:22 And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.

Numbers 28:23 Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering.

Numbers 28:24 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.

Numbers 28:25 And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.

Numbers 28:26 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:

Numbers 28:27 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;

Numbers 28:28 And their meat offering of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto one bullock, two tenth deals unto one ram,

Numbers 28:29 A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs;

Numbers 28:30 And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.

Numbers 28:31 Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.

Numbers 28:1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Study: God's direct communication to Moses in this verse underscores the divine authority behind the instructions that follow, emphasizing that these offerings are not human inventions but sacred commands given by the LORD Himself to establish proper worship.

Numbers 28:2

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.

Study: This verse introduces the concept of 'My offering' and 'my bread,' highlighting that the sacrifices are God's and belong to Him, meant to be offered at their appointed times as acts of worship that please Him, reinforcing the covenant relationship.

Numbers 28:3

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.

Study: The daily burnt offering of two unblemished lambs symbolizes continual dedication and atonement, reflecting God's demand for purity and constancy in Israel’s worship, which points forward to Christ as the Lamb without spot.

Numbers 28:4

The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even;

Study: Offering one lamb in the morning and one in the evening establishes a rhythm of worship that frames the day, teaching believers the importance of beginning and ending each day with devotion to God.

Numbers 28:5

And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.

Study: The inclusion of a precise measure of flour mixed with oil as a meat offering shows the detailed nature of worship, symbolizing the offering of one’s labor and sustenance to God, reminding us that worship involves our whole lives.

Numbers 28:6

It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.

Study: This continual burnt offering, ordained at Mount Sinai, represents a perpetual pleasing aroma to God, signifying that ongoing worship and sacrifice are essential for maintaining fellowship with a holy God.

Numbers 28:7

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.

Study: The drink offering of strong wine poured in the holy place complements the burnt offering, symbolizing the pouring out of one’s life in worship and dedication, illustrating the fullness of the sacrifice pleasing to God.

Numbers 28:8

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.

Study: Repeating the evening lamb offering with its meat and drink offerings emphasizes the completeness and balance of daily worship, showing that God desires both morning and evening devotion from His people.

Numbers 28:9

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:

Study: On the Sabbath, the doubling of lambs and flour offerings highlights the special sanctity of the day, marking it as a holy time set apart for intensified worship and rest, reflecting God’s covenantal provision for spiritual renewal.

Numbers 28:10

This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.

Study: This verse clarifies that Sabbath offerings are in addition to the continual burnt offerings, teaching that special occasions require extra acts of worship, deepening Israel’s awareness of God’s holiness and grace.

Numbers 28:11

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;

Study: The monthly offerings of multiple animals show the importance of marking time with worship, reminding Israel that every new month is an opportunity to renew their covenant commitment through sacrifice.

Numbers 28:12

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;

Study: The specific flour measures for each animal in the monthly offering reveal God’s concern for order and precision in worship, underscoring that worship is not casual but must be done with reverence and care.

Numbers 28:13

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.

Study: The repeated phrase 'a sweet savour' reminds us that these offerings are meant to be pleasing to God, symbolizing the heart attitude of worshippers who seek to honor God with their sacrifices.

Numbers 28:14

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.

Study: The detailed drink offerings accompanying each animal reinforce the completeness of the sacrifice, illustrating that worship involves multiple elements and is a holistic act of devotion to God.

Numbers 28:15

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.

Study: The addition of a sin offering goat alongside the continual burnt offering highlights the ongoing need for atonement, teaching that worship includes confession and cleansing from sin to maintain fellowship with God.

Numbers 28:16

And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.

Study: The Passover on the fourteenth day marks a foundational festival in Israel’s calendar, commemorating God’s deliverance, and setting the stage for the special sacrifices that follow, connecting worship with God’s saving acts.

Numbers 28:17

And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.

Study: The seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread following Passover emphasizes holiness and separation from sin, with worship expressed through special sacrifices and holy convocations, reinforcing covenant faithfulness.

Numbers 28:18

In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein:

Study: The command for a holy convocation and prohibition of servile work on the first day of the feast underscores the importance of dedicating time fully to God, teaching believers the value of intentional worship and rest.

Numbers 28:19

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:

Study: The prescribed burnt offerings for the feast, all without blemish, symbolize Christ’s perfect sacrifice and the need for purity in worship, showing that God requires the best from His people.

Numbers 28:20

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;

Study: The accompanying meat offerings of flour and oil for the feast sacrifices highlight the integration of grain offerings with animal sacrifices, symbolizing the offering of both labor and life to God.

Numbers 28:21

A several tenth deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs:

Study: The repeated precise flour measure for each lamb throughout the seven days shows the consistency and completeness of worship during the festival, teaching the importance of sustained devotion.

Numbers 28:22

And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.

Study: The inclusion of a sin offering goat for atonement during the feast reminds Israel that even in celebration, cleansing from sin is necessary to maintain a right relationship with God.

Numbers 28:23

Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering.

Study: Offering these sacrifices beside the continual burnt offering emphasizes that special feasts build upon daily worship, showing that worship is both regular and seasonal, reflecting God’s ongoing presence.

Numbers 28:24

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.

Study: This verse summarizes the daily offerings during the seven days of the feast, reinforcing the theme of continual worship and the sweet savor that pleases God, encouraging believers to maintain consistent devotion.

Numbers 28:25

And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.

Study: The seventh day’s holy convocation and rest command highlight the climax of the feast, teaching the importance of concluding worship with reverence and rest, reflecting God’s own rest after creation.

Numbers 28:26

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:

Study: The day of firstfruits marks another appointed time for holy convocation and rest, linking worship with gratitude for God’s provision and the hope of future harvest, symbolizing spiritual renewal.

Numbers 28:27

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;

Study: The burnt offerings on the day of firstfruits mirror those of the monthly and feast offerings, showing the unity and continuity of Israel’s worship throughout the year, centered on God’s covenant promises.

Numbers 28:28

And their meat offering of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto one bullock, two tenth deals unto one ram,

Study: The detailed meat offerings accompanying the firstfruits sacrifices emphasize the importance of offering the best to God, reflecting a heart of gratitude and obedience in worship.

Numbers 28:29

A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs;

Study: The repeated flour measures for each lamb during the seven lamb offerings underscore the careful attention to detail in worship, teaching that God values both the heart and the manner of our offerings.

Numbers 28:30

And one kid of the goats, to make an atonement for you.

Study: The sin offering goat for atonement on the day of firstfruits again points to the necessity of cleansing from sin to approach God rightly, reminding believers of ongoing dependence on God’s mercy.

Numbers 28:31

Ye shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.

Study: This concluding verse ties all offerings together, emphasizing that they must be without blemish and accompanied by drink offerings, symbolizing the completeness and purity required in worship to honor God fully.

Numbers 28 details God's instructions for Israel's worship through daily, Sabbath, monthly, and festival offerings. These sacrifices, each with precise elements and timing, demonstrate God's desire for continual, reverent worship and atonement. The chapter reveals the holiness required in approaching God and the rhythm of worship that sustained Israel's covenant relationship. These offerings foreshadow Christ's ultimate sacrifice, teaching believers the importance of consistent devotion, purity, and gratitude in honoring God throughout all seasons.

Father, help us to worship You with the same reverence and consistency You commanded Israel, offering our lives as a pleasing sacrifice. Teach us to honor Your holiness daily and to depend on the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice. May our worship be sincere, joyful, and continual, reflecting our gratitude for Your grace and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

• Begin and end each day this week with prayer, dedicating your time to God.
• Set aside a full day to rest and worship, honoring the Sabbath principle.
• Attend or participate in a church service celebrating a holy day or festival.
• Reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and journal how it changes your approach to worship.
• Offer a tangible gift or act of service to God as your best offering this week.
• Memorize Numbers 28:6 to remind yourself of the importance of continual worship.
• Pray for a heart that values obedience and reverence in your daily walk with God.

Numbers 28 instructs Israel on the detailed offerings required for daily, Sabbath, monthly, and festival worship, emphasizing God’s holiness and the need for continual atonement. These sacrifices shaped Israel’s covenant relationship and pointed forward to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, teaching believers the importance of consistent, reverent worship throughout life’s seasons.

Loading your Kingdom Citizen progress…

Your completed chapters are connected to your Kingdom Citizen account.

View your full progress on the Numbers Hub.

Still Studying?

Have a Question About This Chapter?

Ask a Bible question and receive a Scripture-guided study response designed to help point you back to God's Word.