Bible Commentary

Numbers 28:16-31

Matthew Henry on Numbers 28:16-31

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry · Public domain; electronic edition by Christian Classics Ethereal Library

Here is, I. The appointment of the pass-over sacrifices; not that which was the chief, the paschal lamb (sufficient instructions had formerly been given concerning that), but those which were to be offered upon the seven days of unleavened bread, which followed it, .

The first and last of those seven days were to be sanctified as sabbaths, by a holy rest and a holy convocation, and on each of the seven days they were to be liberal in their sacrifices, in token of their great and constant thankfulness for their deliverance out of Egypt: Two bullocks, a ram, and seven lambs.

A gospel conversation, in gratitude for Christ our passover who was sacrificed, is called the keeping of this feast (); for it is not enough that we purge out the leavened bread of malice and wickedness, but we must offer the bread of our God, even the sacrifice of praise, continually, and continue herein unto the end.

2. The sacrifices are likewise appointed which were to be offered at the feast of pentecost, here called the day of the first-fruits, . In the feast of unleavened bread they offered a sheaf of their first-fruits of barley (which with them was first ripe) to the priest (), as an introduction to the harvest; but now, about seven weeks after, they were to bring a new meat-offering to the Lord, at the end of harvest, in thankfulness to God, who had not only given, but preserved to their use, the kindly fruits of the earth, so as that in due time they did enjoy them.

It was at this feast that the Spirit was poured out (, &c.), and thousands were converted by the preaching of the apostles, and were presented to Christ, to be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.

The sacrifice that was to be offered with the loaves of the first-fruits was appointed, . But over and above, besides that and besides the daily offerings, they were to offer two bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs, with a kid for a sin-offering, .

When God sows plentifully upon us he expects to reap accordingly from us. Bishop Patrick observes that no peace-offerings are appointed in this chapter, which were chiefly for the benefit of the offerers, and therefore in them they were left more to themselves; but burnt-offerings were purely for the honour of God, were confessions of his dominion, and typified evangelical piety and devotion, by which the soul is wholly offered up to God in the flames of holy love; and sin-offerings were typical of Christ's sacrifice of himself, by which we and our services are perfected and sanctified.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 28:1-40EXPOSITION THE ROUTINE OF SACRIFICIAL OFFERINGS (Numbers 28:1-31, Numbers 29:1-40).Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Numbers 28:16-31By the sacrifices enjoined in this chapter, we are reminded of the continued power of the sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need to depend thereon. No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or prosperous…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 28:17In the fifteenth day of this month is the feast. The fourteenth day of Abib, or Nisan, the day of the passover proper, was not a feast, but a fast ending with the sacred meal of the evening. Only the ordinary daily sacr…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 28:18In the first day, i.e; on the fifteenth (see on Exodus 12:16; Le Exodus 23:7).Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 28:19Ye shall offer a sacrifice. This offering, the same for each day of Mattsoth as for the feast of the new moon, had not been prescribed before, and almost certainly not observed at the one passover kept in the wilderness…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 28:23Ye shall offer these beside the burnt offering in the morning, i.e; in addition to, and immediately after, the usual morning sacrifice. Even when it is not expressly stated, the presumption is that all the sacrifices he…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 28:26In the day of the first-fruits. The feast of weeks, or day of Pentecost (Le Numbers 23:15-21).Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 28:27Ye shall offer the burnt offering. The festal sacrifice here prescribed is exactly the same as for the days of Mattsoth and for the feast of the new moon. It is not the same as that prescribed for the same day in Leviti…Joseph S. Exell and contributors