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Numbers 15:7 - Wine offering's divine fragrance?

Numbers 15:7 - במדבר 15:7

Hebrew Text

וְיַיִן לַנֶּסֶךְ שְׁלִשִׁית הַהִין תַּקְרִיב רֵיחַ־נִיחֹחַ לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third part of a hin of wine, for a sweet savour to the Lord.

Transliteration

Veyayin lanesech shlishit hahin takriv re'ach nichoach lahashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיַ֥יִן לַנֶּ֖סֶךְ שְׁלִשִׁ֣ית הַהִ֑ין תַּקְרִ֥יב רֵֽיחַ־נִיחֹ֖חַ לַיהֹוָֽה׃
וְיַ֥יִן לַנֶּ֖סֶךְ שְׁלִשִׁ֣ית הַהִ֑ין תַּקְרִ֥יב רֵֽיחַ־נִיחֹ֖חַ לַיהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse discusses the requirement to bring a nesech (drink offering) of wine alongside certain korbanot (sacrifices) in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). The amount specified is a third of a hin, which is a liquid measurement. This offering is described as producing a rei'ach nicho'ach (pleasing aroma) to Hashem.

Measurement of the Drink Offering

According to Rashi (Bamidbar 15:7), a hin is equivalent to 12 logim, making a third of a hin equal to 4 logim. This measurement was standard for certain korbanot, such as the olah (burnt offering) of a ram (Vayikra 23:18). The precision in measurement underscores the importance of adhering to halachic details in avodat Hashem (divine service).

Symbolism of Wine in Offerings

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 12:1) explains that wine symbolizes joy, as it says in Tehillim (104:15), "וְיַיִן יְשַׂמַּח לְבַב אֱנוֹשׁ" ("and wine gladdens the heart of man"). By including wine in the korbanot, we acknowledge that our service to Hashem should be infused with simcha (joy). The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) also notes that wine represents the elevation of physicality in divine worship.

The Concept of Rei'ach Nicho'ach

The phrase "rei'ach nicho'ach laHashem" does not imply that Hashem literally smells the offering. Rather, as Ramban (Vayikra 1:9) explains, it signifies that the korban is accepted favorably by Hashem when brought with proper intent. The Talmud (Menachot 110a) teaches that the same applies to Torah study and acts of kindness—when done sincerely, they are as pleasing to Hashem as korbanot.

Halachic Applications

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 209) discusses the laws of nesachim in the context of korbanot, though these are currently inapplicable without the Beit HaMikdash.
  • The Mishnah (Menachot 9:3) details the proper way to pour the wine offering on the mizbe'ach (altar).
  • According to Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 2:3), the wine must be of high quality, free from defects, to be fit for the offering.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 104a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the measurements of the drink offerings and their significance in the Temple service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the drink offering (נֶסֶךְ) mentioned in Numbers 15:7?
A: The drink offering (נֶסֶךְ) was a liquid offering of wine poured on the altar alongside certain sacrifices in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). Rashi explains that it was a way to 'sweeten' the offering, symbolizing joy and completeness in serving Hashem. The amount specified—a third of a hin—was a measured portion showing precision in divine service.
Q: Why was wine specifically chosen for the drink offering?
A: Wine represents simcha (joy) and elevation in Jewish tradition (Talmud Pesachim 109a). The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 2:1) teaches that wine was selected because it was a valued and cherished beverage, showing that we dedicate our best to Hashem. Its 'sweet savour' (רֵיחַ־נִיחֹחַ) symbolizes our desire to draw closer to Him.
Q: How does the concept of a 'sweet savour to Hashem' apply today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer bring physical offerings, the Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 9:7) teaches that our prayers, Torah study, and acts of kindness are like offerings today. The 'sweet savour' reminds us to serve Hashem with sincerity and joy, making our spiritual efforts pleasing to Him just as the wine offering was in the Beit HaMikdash.
Q: What is the significance of the measurement 'a third of a hin' in this verse?
A: The precise measurement (שְׁלִשִׁית הַהִין) teaches the importance of consistency and detail in serving Hashem. The Talmud (Menachot 89a) discusses how every aspect of the korbanot (offerings) had exact requirements, showing that divine service requires attentiveness—both in actions and intentions.