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Numbers 29:21 - Sacrifices' precise Divine measurements.

Numbers 29:21 - במדבר 29:21

Hebrew Text

וּמִנְחָתָם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם לַפָּרִים לָאֵילִם וְלַכְּבָשִׂים בְּמִסְפָּרָם כַּמִּשְׁפָּט׃

English Translation

and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance:

Transliteration

Uminchatam veniskeihem laparim la'eylim velakvasim bemisparam kamishpat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִנְחָתָ֣ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֡ם לַ֠פָּרִ֠ים לָאֵילִ֧ם וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֛ים בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
וּמִנְחָתָ֣ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֡ם לַ֠פָּרִ֠ים לָאֵילִ֧ם וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֛ים בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Numbers 29:18) appears in the section detailing the additional offerings (musafim) brought during the festival of Sukkot. It specifies the meal offerings (mincha) and drink offerings (nesachim) accompanying the animal sacrifices—bullocks, rams, and lambs—according to their prescribed quantities.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "כַּמִּשְׁפָּט" ("after the ordinance") refers to the established laws given earlier in the Torah (Numbers 15:1-16), which detail the fixed amounts of flour, oil, and wine required for each type of offering. For example:

  • A bullock requires three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil.
  • A ram requires two-tenths.
  • A lamb requires one-tenth.

Rambam's Legal Perspective

In Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin (Laws of Daily and Additional Offerings 10:1), the Rambam (Maimonides) codifies this verse as part of the halachic requirements for Sukkot offerings. He emphasizes that these measurements are non-negotiable and must adhere strictly to the Torah's specifications, as deviation would invalidate the sacrifice.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pinchas 16) connects the precise measurements of the offerings to the idea of order and discipline in divine service. Just as the physical offerings follow a set structure, so too must one's spiritual devotion be methodical and intentional, reflecting the harmony of Hashem's commandments.

Symbolism of the Offerings

The Talmud (Sukkah 55b) teaches that the seventy bullocks offered during Sukkot correspond to the seventy nations of the world, symbolizing prayers for universal peace and prosperity. The meal and drink offerings, though smaller in scale, are integral to this process, representing the sustenance and gratitude underlying all divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 29:21 mean?
A: Numbers 29:21 discusses the meal offerings (mincha) and drink offerings (nesachim) brought in the Temple along with animal sacrifices during the festival of Sukkot. The verse specifies that the amounts of these offerings must correspond precisely to the number of animals being sacrificed, following the Torah's detailed laws (Rashi on Numbers 29:21).
Q: Why are meal and drink offerings mentioned with animal sacrifices?
A: In Jewish tradition, meal and drink offerings accompany animal sacrifices to complete the service. The Talmud (Menachot 104b) teaches that these additional offerings elevate the sacrifice, showing our devotion to Hashem through multiple forms of giving. Each component has its own significance in the Temple service.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today, the Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 3:15) explains that studying the laws of sacrifices is considered spiritually equivalent to bringing them. Additionally, our prayers (Tehillim 141:2) and acts of kindness are compared to offerings, fulfilling a similar role in connecting to Hashem.