Read Numbers 28
Highlights:
You will be fascinated with the details in Israel's great festivals (Feasts) since they reveal the many aspects of Christ's sacrificial love. As all the offerings are precisely initiated, a second generation, after 40 years, is ready to enter the promised land. O taste and see that the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8).
And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. . . . And on the fifteenth day . . . ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days (Num. 29:1,12).
The Feast of Ingathering (Ex. 34:22; Num. 29:12-40) was the last of the sacrifice festivals under the Old Covenant and marked the conclusion of the Jewish sacred year. It was also called the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths — meaning Ingathering), and marked the completion of harvest. It called the people to praise and give thanks unto God — not only for what He had given, but for who He was. There were far more sacrifices offered during this Feast than during any other Feast.
On the first day, thirteen bullocks were sacrificed. Then each day, one less bullock was sacrificed. There was a total of seventy bullocks, fourteen rams, ninety-eight lambs, and seven goats sacrificed. In addition there were daily Burnt Offerings and Meal Offerings. All these offerings were a means of offering praise and thanksgiving to God for the abundant harvest.
All of the sacrifices, offerings, and ceremonies in Numbers 28 and 29 were to lead the children of Israel to gratefully acknowledge the mercy of God. The worshiper was led to express his appreciation to the Lord for protecting them, for giving them victory over their enemies, and for supplying their every need. Furthermore, the worshiper experienced the joy of fellowship with God.
The principles involved in the sacrifices are still the same. The Lord's bountiful supply should deepen our appreciation for His goodness and cause us to acknowledge our dependence upon Him, who gives rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:17). The prolonged, detailed account of the offerings reveals how important — how vital — our praise is unto the Lord, not only for what He has given us, but for who He is. Furthermore, acceptable praise is not primarily praising Him for what He gives us, but it is by our sincerest effort to be the person He desires us to be. That we should be to the praise of his glory (Eph. 1:12).
Thought for Today:
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name (Heb. 13:15).
Christ Revealed:
By the tabernacles (booths, temporary dwellings) (Num. 29:12-39; Lev. 23:34,42-43). The Word (Logos, i.e. the sayings of God) was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The Greek word translated dwelt means to “tabernacle or live in a tent temporarily.”
Word Studies:
28:2 sweet savour, pleasing fragrance; 28:3 spot, defect; 28:6 ordained, instituted by God; 28:13 several, separate; 28:18 holy convocation, sacred assembly; 29:6 month, new moon; 29:7 afflict your souls, have a day of solemn fasting, soul searching, prayer, and repentance of all known sin; 29:10 several, separate; 29:35 solemn, sacred.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Jim W. Gerlach (PA) • Country: St. Kitts-Nevis (42,000) in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 74% Protestant; 7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Boldly and confidently go to God in prayer through Jesus' Name (Eph. 3:12).
Optional Reading: Luke 12
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:19
