Numbers 28 Commentary: Important laws repeated to a new generation
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We have a rundown of important offerings to the LORD. There are two burnt offerings per day. This is pleasing food for the LORD. But we have seen this before! Why this duplication? The nation about to enter Canaan is very different from the nation that received these instructions at Mount Sinai. Besides, the many failings along the way are a good reason to repeat these instructions. In essence these instructions are literally like critical safety instructions. We have seen how deviations and violations are fatally punished.
We may also notice that after each failure the LORD repeats these laws – in the hope that man begins to see them as life. Instead of us viewing them as repetitions we do well to view them as yet another opportunity for a new page, a new start with the LORD. The apparent repetitions are a constant reminder of the LORD’S loving patience. So to a new generation these instructions are a brand new page for a people judged by their times – nothing for old time’s sake.
The Sabbath sacrifices are repeated with increased emphasis on their observance. Every first day of the month is to be observed with burnt offerings – in addition to daily sacrifices. If the first day of the month falls on Saturday, the thought here is that three offerings are expected: the daily offering, the Sabbath offering and the first-day-of-month offering. All these are burnt offerings – food for the LORD. Here is the thought: what must be done must be done. Righteousness is required at all the points: point A, point B and point C. Success at point A doesn’t guarantee success at the other points.
The Passover isn’t exactly a festival but an event. It kick-starts the festival of Unleavened Bread. The saint is reminded of the generosity of the LORD in saving Israel. The Cross comes into picture. How can we forget?
The festival of Harvest is a reminder of the LORD’S watch over the community in providing essentials for life. Today we celebrate this festival daily, in praise and thanksgiving – in all circumstances.
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