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Numbers 28:24 - Daily sacrifices during festivals

Numbers 28:24 - במדבר 28:24

Hebrew Text

כָּאֵלֶּה תַּעֲשׂוּ לַיּוֹם שִׁבְעַת יָמִים לֶחֶם אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ־נִיחֹחַ לַיהוָה עַל־עוֹלַת הַתָּמִיד יֵעָשֶׂה וְנִסְכּוֹ׃

English Translation

After this manner you shall offer daily, throughout the seven days, the provision of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour to the Lord: it shall be offered beside the continual burnt offering, and its drink offering.

Transliteration

Ka'ele ta'asu layom shiv'at yamim lechem ishe re'ach-nicho'ach la'Adonai al-olat hatamid ye'aseh venisko.

Hebrew Leining Text

כָּאֵ֜לֶּה תַּעֲשׂ֤וּ לַיּוֹם֙ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֔ים לֶ֛חֶם אִשֵּׁ֥ה רֵֽיחַ־נִיחֹ֖חַ לַיהֹוָ֑ה עַל־עוֹלַ֧ת הַתָּמִ֛יד יֵעָשֶׂ֖ה וְנִסְכּֽוֹ׃
כָּאֵ֜לֶּה תַּעֲשׂ֤וּ לַיּוֹם֙ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֔ים לֶ֛חֶם אִשֵּׁ֥ה רֵֽיחַ־נִיחֹ֖חַ לַיהֹוָ֑ה עַל־עוֹלַ֧ת הַתָּמִ֛יד יֵעָשֶׂ֖ה וְנִסְכּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Numbers 28:24) appears in the context of the additional offerings (מוּסָפִין) brought during the festival of Sukkot. These offerings are in addition to the daily Tamid offering (עוֹלַת הַתָּמִיד), which is brought every morning and afternoon in the Beit HaMikdash.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "כָּאֵלֶּה תַּעֲשׂוּ" ("After this manner you shall offer") refers to the specific quantities and types of offerings detailed earlier in the chapter. He emphasizes that these additional offerings must be brought "לַיּוֹם שִׁבְעַת יָמִים" ("daily, throughout the seven days") of Sukkot, indicating that the same procedure applies each day without variation.

Purpose of the Offerings

The verse describes the offerings as "לֶחֶם אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ־נִיחֹחַ לַיהוָה" ("the provision of the sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour to the Lord"). The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 3:12) teaches that the term "רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ" signifies Divine acceptance, representing the Jewish people's devotion and submission to Hashem's will through sacrificial service.

Relationship to the Tamid Offering

The verse specifies that these offerings are brought "עַל־עוֹלַת הַתָּמִיד" ("beside the continual burnt offering"). The Talmud (Menachot 91a) derives from this that the additional offerings do not replace the Tamid but are supplementary. This teaches that even during festivals, the consistent daily service remains foundational.

Symbolism of the Seven Days

  • The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:25) connects the seven days of Sukkot offerings to the seven days of creation, symbolizing our gratitude to Hashem for sustaining the world.
  • The Sforno notes that the consistency of offerings throughout Sukkot's seven days reflects the unchanging nature of our commitment to Divine service, regardless of changing circumstances.

The Drink Offering

The mention of "וְנִסְכּוֹ" ("and its drink offering") refers to the wine libations that accompanied certain sacrifices. The Talmud (Sukkah 55a) famously states that the seventy bulls offered during Sukkot correspond to the seventy nations, symbolizing prayers for universal peace and prosperity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 45b
The verse is discussed in the context of the daily offerings and the additional offerings for festivals, particularly focusing on the details of the sacrifices and their requirements.
📖 Sukkah 55a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the number of offerings brought during the festival of Sukkot, emphasizing the continuity and additional nature of these sacrifices alongside the daily offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 28:24 mean?
A: Numbers 28:24 refers to the additional offerings (Musaf) brought during the seven days of Sukkot (the Festival of Tabernacles). These offerings were in addition to the daily Tamid (continual) offerings. The verse emphasizes that these sacrifices must be made in a specific manner as a 'sweet savor to the Lord,' showing our devotion and gratitude.
Q: Why is the 'continual burnt offering' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'continual burnt offering' (Tamid) was the daily sacrifice offered morning and evening in the Temple. Numbers 28:24 teaches that the additional Sukkot offerings do not replace the Tamid but are brought alongside it. This shows that special holiday mitzvot enhance—but do not replace—our regular service of Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'sweet savor to the Lord'?
A: The phrase 'sweet savor to the Lord' (רֵיחַ־נִיחֹחַ) teaches that sacrifices (and by extension, our mitzvot today) are pleasing to Hashem when done with proper intent. Rashi explains that this means the offering must be brought sincerely, not merely as a ritual. Today, our prayers and good deeds should similarly be done with wholehearted devotion.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: Since we cannot bring sacrifices without the Temple, our Sages teach that prayer (Tefillah) replaces sacrifices (Berachos 26b). During Sukkot, we increase our prayers and joy to fulfill the spirit of this verse. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 3:4) also teaches that sincere repentance makes our deeds as pleasing as a 'sweet savor' to Hashem.
Q: Why are the offerings repeated for seven days during Sukkot?
A: The seven days of Sukkot correspond to the seventy bulls offered throughout the festival (Numbers 29), which our Sages say represent the seventy nations of the world (Sukkah 55b). The repetition emphasizes universal divine providence and our role in bringing holiness into the world. The number seven also symbolizes completion, reflecting the fullness of our service during this holiday.