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Numbers 28:20 - Flour, oil, sacrifices' precise measure?

Numbers 28:20 - במדבר 28:20

Hebrew Text

וּמִנְחָתָם סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשָּׁמֶן שְׁלֹשָׁה עֶשְׂרֹנִים לַפָּר וּשְׁנֵי עֶשְׂרֹנִים לָאַיִל תַּעֲשׂוּ׃

English Translation

and their meal offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: three tenth measures shall you offer for a bullock, and two tenth measures for a ram;

Transliteration

U-minchatam solet belula va-shemen shloshah esronim la-par u-shnei esronim la-ayil ta'asu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִ֨נְחָתָ֔ם סֹ֖לֶת בְּלוּלָ֣ה בַשָּׁ֑מֶן שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים לַפָּ֗ר וּשְׁנֵ֧י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֛ים לָאַ֖יִל תַּעֲשֽׂוּ׃
וּמִ֨נְחָתָ֔ם סֹ֖לֶת בְּלוּלָ֣ה בַשָּׁ֑מֶן שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים לַפָּ֗ר וּשְׁנֵ֧י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֛ים לָאַ֖יִל תַּעֲשֽׂוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Numbers 15:9) discusses the meal offering (mincha) accompanying animal sacrifices, specifying the quantities of fine flour (solet) mixed with oil for a bull (par) and a ram (ayil). This is part of the broader discussion of voluntary offerings (nedavah) in the Torah.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on this verse by noting that the measurements are given in esronim (tenths of an ephah). He explains that the three-tenth measure for the bull and two-tenths for the ram correspond to the hierarchy of the sacrifices, reflecting the greater significance of the bull offering.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot (Laws of Sacrificial Procedure), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates on the precise measurements and preparation of meal offerings. He emphasizes that the flour must be of the finest quality (solet) and thoroughly mixed with oil, as the verse states, to ensure the offering meets halachic standards.

Symbolism in the Meal Offering

  • Flour and Oil: The mincha represents human labor (flour as processed grain) and divine blessing (oil as richness). Their mixture symbolizes the partnership between human effort and divine providence.
  • Quantitative Differences: The larger measure for the bull (three-tenths) compared to the ram (two-tenths) may allude to the varying levels of atonement or dedication associated with each sacrifice, as discussed in Menachot 89b.

Halachic Details from the Talmud

The Talmud (Menachot 104a) discusses the precise method of mixing the flour and oil, ensuring no lumps remain. It also notes that the oil must be evenly distributed, reflecting the care required in divine service. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 324) later codifies these requirements for proper sacrificial procedure.

Midrashic Insights

The Sifrei (a halachic midrash on Numbers) connects this verse to the broader theme of gratitude, teaching that the meal offering accompanies voluntary sacrifices as an expression of thankfulness to Hashem. The specific measurements remind us that our offerings must be given with precision and sincerity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 89a
The verse is discussed in the context of the meal offerings and the specific measurements required for different sacrifices.
📖 Keritot 6a
Referenced in a discussion about the quantities of meal offerings for various sacrifices, comparing the requirements for bulls and rams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 28:20 teach about the meal offerings?
A: Numbers 28:20 specifies the amounts of fine flour mixed with oil that were to be brought as meal offerings (mincha) alongside animal sacrifices. For a bull, three-tenths of an ephah (about 6.6 liters) was required, and for a ram, two-tenths (about 4.4 liters). This teaches the importance of precision and devotion in bringing offerings to Hashem, as detailed in the Torah.
Q: Why were different amounts of flour required for a bull and a ram?
A: The Torah assigns different amounts of flour based on the size and significance of the animal being offered. A bull is larger and more valuable than a ram, so it requires a larger accompanying meal offering. Rashi explains that this reflects the principle of proportionality in divine service—greater offerings demand greater accompanying devotion.
Q: What is the significance of mixing the flour with oil in the meal offering?
A: The flour mixed with oil symbolizes richness and dedication. Oil represents wisdom and divine blessing (as seen in anointing rituals). The Talmud (Menachot 86a) teaches that the mingling of oil with flour signifies that our material offerings (flour) should be elevated with spiritual intent (oil) when serving Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring physical offerings today, the Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot) teaches that prayer and Torah study substitute for sacrifices. The precision and sincerity in preparing meal offerings remind us to approach prayer with the same care—measuring our words (like the measured flour) and mixing them with heartfelt intention (like the oil).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the detailed measurements in this verse?
A: The exact measurements teach that serving Hashem requires attention to detail and adherence to halacha (Jewish law). The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar) notes that just as the flour and oil were carefully measured, our mitzvot should be performed with precision and mindfulness, not carelessly. This applies to all aspects of Jewish observance.