Matthew Henry Commentary Numbers 28:9-15

Matthew Henry Commentary

Numbers 28:9-15

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry Commentary

Numbers 28:9-15

1662–1714
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And on the sabbath day two he-lambs a year old without blemish, and two tenth parts [of an ephah] of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with oil, and the drink-offering thereof: this is the burnt-offering of every sabbath, besides the continual burnt-offering, and the drink-offering thereof. And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt-offering unto Jehovah: two young bullocks, and one ram, seven he-lambs a year old without blemish; and three tenth parts [of an ephah] of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with oil, for each bullock; and two tenth parts of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with oil, for the one ram; and a tenth part of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering unto every lamb; for a burnt-offering of a sweet savor, an offering made by fire unto Jehovah. And their drink-offerings shall be half a hin of wine for a bullock, and the third part of a hin for the ram, and the fourth part of a hin for a lamb: this is the burnt-offering of every month throughout the months of the year. And one he-goat for a sin-offering unto Jehovah; it shall be offered besides the continual burnt-offering, and the drink-offering thereof." — Numbers 28:9-15 (ASV)

Every Sabbath day, besides the two lambs offered for the daily burnt offering, two more must be offered. This teaches us to double our devotions on Sabbath days, for the duty of the day requires it. The Sabbath rest is to be observed so that we may more closely apply ourselves to the Sabbath work, which ought to fill up the Sabbath time.

The offerings on the new moons showed thankfulness for the renewal of earthly blessings. When we rejoice in the gifts of providence, we must make the sacrifice of Christ—that great gift of special grace—the fountainhead of our joy.

And the worship performed on the new moons is made symbolic of gospel solemnities (Isaiah 66:23). Just as the moon borrows light from the sun and is renewed by its influences, so the church borrows her light from Jesus Christ, who is the Sun of righteousness, renewing the state of the church, especially under the gospel. (Numbers 28:16–31)