Numbers Chapter 28 Bible Study: God’s Instructions for Sacrifices and Worship

Numbers Chapter 28 details God’s commands to Moses regarding the regular offerings and sacrifices Israel must perform in the tabernacle, including daily, Sabbath, monthly, and festival offerings. Given as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, these instructions ensure consistent worship and atonement, reinforcing God’s covenant relationship with His people. This chapter emphasizes God’s holiness, the importance of continual devotion, and the role of sacrifice in maintaining communion with Him. This study explores the events, their theological significance, practical applications, and connections to other Scriptures, offering guidance for living out God’s principles today.

Historical and Covenant Context

Numbers 28 is set in the plains of Moab as Israel, nearing the end of their 40-year wilderness journey, prepares to enter Canaan (Numbers 22:1). After receiving the Mosaic Covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19–24) and the tabernacle instructions (Exodus 25–31), these laws build on earlier regulations (Leviticus 1–7, 23) to standardize worship for the new generation. The chapter follows the inheritance and leadership transitions in Numbers 27, ensuring Israel’s worship remains central as they settle in the land. Unlike pagan rituals of the time, which were often arbitrary, Israel’s sacrifices were divinely ordained, reflecting God’s holiness and order.

The offerings detailed here—daily, weekly, monthly, and festival—create a rhythm of worship, reminding Israel of their dependence on God and His provision for atonement. These practices distinguish them as a holy nation (Exodus 19:5–6) and prepare them for life in the Promised Land.

Daily Offerings

Numbers 28:1–8 outlines the daily burnt offerings, to be performed morning and evening. Each day, Israel must offer two one-year-old male lambs without defect, one at dawn and one at twilight, accompanied by a grain offering (flour mixed with oil) and a drink offering (wine) (Numbers 28:3–5). These are offered on the altar of burnt offering in the tabernacle courtyard (Exodus 27:1–8).

Theologically, the daily offerings symbolize continual devotion and atonement. The morning and evening rhythm ensures God is always at the center of Israel’s life, while the unblemished lambs point to the need for purity in worship. The phrase “a pleasing aroma” (Numbers 28:6) reflects God’s acceptance of their offering when done in obedience.

Practically, this teaches believers to maintain regular communion with God through prayer and devotion. Cross-reference: Psalm 55:17 describes praying morning, noon, and evening, echoing this daily rhythm. The lesson is to prioritize consistent worship, keeping God first in daily life.

Sabbath Offerings

Numbers 28:9–10 specifies additional offerings for the Sabbath. In addition to the daily offerings, Israel must offer two one-year-old male lambs, a larger grain offering, and a drink offering. These enhance the regular sacrifices, marking the Sabbath as a holy day of rest and worship (Exodus 20:8–11).

Theologically, the Sabbath offerings reinforce the covenant significance of rest, reflecting God’s creation rest (Genesis 2:2–3) and His provision. They emphasize that worship is integral to Sabbath observance, deepening Israel’s relationship with God.

Practically, this encourages believers to set aside time for rest and worship, honoring God’s design. Cross-reference: Hebrews 4:9–10 connects Sabbath rest to the spiritual rest found in Christ. The lesson is to dedicate time weekly to worship and renewal, trusting God’s provision.

Monthly Offerings

Numbers 28:11–15 describes offerings for the first day of each month (New Moon). These include two young bulls, one ram, seven male lambs, grain offerings, drink offerings, and a male goat for a sin offering. These sacrifices mark the calendar’s rhythm, ensuring regular atonement and thanksgiving.

Theologically, the monthly offerings highlight God’s sovereignty over time and His ongoing provision. The sin offering underscores the continual need for forgiveness, maintaining Israel’s covenant relationship. The larger scale of these offerings reflects the community’s collective worship.

Practically, this calls believers to mark time with gratitude and repentance, recognizing God’s faithfulness. Cross-reference: Colossians 2:16–17 notes that such observances were shadows of Christ’s reality. The lesson is to regularly reflect on God’s provision and seek forgiveness.

Festival Offerings

Numbers 28:16–31 details offerings for major festivals, building on Leviticus 23. These include:

Passover and Unleavened Bread (Verses 16–25): On the 14th day of the first month, the Passover is observed, followed by seven days of Unleavened Bread. Daily offerings include two bulls, one ram, seven lambs, grain offerings, and a goat for a sin offering, alongside the Passover lamb.
Feast of Weeks (Verses 26–31): Also called Pentecost, this harvest festival requires two bulls, one ram, seven lambs, grain offerings, and a sin offering, celebrating God’s provision.

Theologically, these festivals commemorate God’s redemption (Passover) and provision (Weeks), reinforcing His covenant faithfulness. The sacrifices ensure atonement and gratitude, maintaining holiness during communal worship. They foreshadow Christ, the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) and the firstfruits of the Spirit (Acts 2:1–4).

Practically, this encourages believers to celebrate God’s work through worship and gratitude, whether in personal or communal settings. Cross-reference: Romans 12:1 urges offering ourselves as living sacrifices. The lesson is to mark significant moments with worship, remembering God’s salvation and provision.

Theological Themes

Numbers 28 reveals key theological truths:

Holiness in Worship: The unblemished animals and precise rituals reflect God’s holy nature, requiring pure devotion.
Atonement: Regular sin offerings highlight the ongoing need for forgiveness to maintain communion with God.
Covenant Relationship: The rhythm of offerings strengthens Israel’s bond with God, rooted in His redemption (Exodus 6:6).
God’s Provision: The festivals and offerings remind Israel of God’s faithfulness, encouraging trust.

These themes connect to the New Testament, where Christ fulfills the sacrificial system. He is the perfect Lamb (John 1:29), whose once-for-all sacrifice replaces the need for repeated offerings (Hebrews 10:10–12). The festivals point to His redemptive work and the Spirit’s outpouring.

Practical Lessons for Today

Numbers 28 offers timeless principles:

Maintain Daily Devotion: Like the daily offerings, prioritize regular prayer and worship to stay connected to God.
Honor Sacred Times: Set aside moments, like Sundays or personal milestones, for rest and reflection on God’s goodness.
Seek Forgiveness: Regularly confess sins, relying on Christ’s atonement for cleansing.
Celebrate God’s Work: Mark life’s seasons with gratitude, remembering His salvation and provision.

These principles apply to modern worship, spiritual discipline, and community life. Believers can reflect God’s character by maintaining consistent devotion and celebrating His faithfulness.

Cross-References and Broader Context

Numbers 28 connects to other Scriptures:

Leviticus 23: Provides the festival calendar, which Numbers 28 supplements with specific offerings.
Hebrews 9:11–14: Christ’s sacrifice surpasses the old system, cleansing us permanently.
John 19:36: Jesus fulfills the Passover, as no bone of His was broken.
Ephesians 5:2: Christ’s sacrifice is a “fragrant offering,” fulfilling the “pleasing aroma.”

These offerings are implemented in Numbers 29 and reflected in Israel’s later worship (1 Chronicles 23:31).

Significance of the Chapter

Numbers 28 establishes a rhythm of worship that keeps Israel connected to God’s holiness and provision. The daily, weekly, monthly, and festival offerings ensure atonement, gratitude, and devotion, preparing the people for life in the Promised Land. They point to Christ, whose sacrifice fulfills the law and enables believers to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23–24). Practically, this chapter challenges believers to live with consistent devotion, seek forgiveness, and celebrate God’s work, reflecting His kingdom in the world.