Numbers 28

Nu 28:1-31.

OFFERINGS TO

BE

OBSERVED.

2. Command the children of Israel, and say unto them--The repetition

of several laws formerly enacted, which is made in this chapter, was

seasonable and necessary, not only on account of their importance and

the frequent neglect of them, but because a new generation had sprung

up since their first institution and because the Israelites were about

to be settled in the land where those ordinances were to be observed.

My offering, and my bread--used generally for the appointed offerings,

and the import of the prescription is to enforce regularity and care in

their observance.

9, 10. This is the burnt offering of every sabbath--There is no

previous mention of a Sabbath burnt offering, which was additional to

the daily sacrifices.

11-15. And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt

offering unto the Lord--These were held as sacred festivals; and though

not possessing the character of solemn feasts, they were distinguished

(Nu 10:10),

(Am 8:5),

(2Ki 4:23),

and by social or family feasts

(1Sa 20:5).

These observations are not prescribed in the law though they obtained

in the practice of a later time. The beginning of the month was known,

not by astronomical calculations, but, according to Jewish writers, by

the testimony of messengers appointed to watch the first visible

appearance of the new moon; and then the fact was announced through the

whole country by signal-fires kindled on the mountain tops. The

new-moon festivals having been common among the heathen, it is probable

that an important design of their institution in Israel was to give the

minds of that people a better direction; and assuming this to have been

one of the objects contemplated, it will account for one of the kids

being offered unto the Lord

(Nu 28:15),

not unto the moon, as the Egyptians and Syrians did. The Sabbath and

the new moon are frequently mentioned together.

16-25. in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover--The

law for that great annual festival is given

(Le 23:5),

but some details are here introduced, as certain specified offerings

are prescribed to be made on each of the seven days of unleavened bread

[Nu 28:18-25].

26, 27. in the day of the first-fruits . . . offer the burnt

offering--A new sacrifice is here ordered for the celebration of

this festival, in addition to the other offering, which was to

accompany the first-fruits

(Le 23:18).