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Numbers 28:14 - Monthly sacrifices' precise wine measures?

Numbers 28:14 - במדבר 28:14

Hebrew Text

וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם חֲצִי הַהִין יִהְיֶה לַפָּר וּשְׁלִישִׁת הַהִין לָאַיִל וּרְבִיעִת הַהִין לַכֶּבֶשׂ יָיִן זֹאת עֹלַת חֹדֶשׁ בְּחָדְשׁוֹ לְחָדְשֵׁי הַשָּׁנָה׃

English Translation

And their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine for a bullock, and the third part of a hin for a ram, and a fourth part of a hin for a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.

Transliteration

Veniskeihem chatzi hahin yihyeh lapar ushlishit hahin la'ayil urvi'it hahin lakeves yayin zot olat chodesh bechodsho lechadshei hashanah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֗ם חֲצִ֣י הַהִין֩ יִהְיֶ֨ה לַפָּ֜ר וּשְׁלִישִׁ֧ת הַהִ֣ין לָאַ֗יִל וּרְבִיעִ֥ת הַהִ֛ין לַכֶּ֖בֶשׂ יָ֑יִן זֹ֣את עֹלַ֥ת חֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ בְּחׇדְשׁ֔וֹ לְחׇדְשֵׁ֖י הַשָּׁנָֽה׃
וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֗ם חֲצִ֣י הַהִין֩ יִהְיֶ֨ה לַפָּ֜ר וּשְׁלִישִׁ֧ת הַהִ֣ין לָאַ֗יִל וּרְבִיעִ֥ת הַהִ֛ין לַכֶּ֖בֶשׂ יָ֑יִן זֹ֣את עֹלַ֥ת חֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ בְּחׇדְשׁ֔וֹ לְחׇדְשֵׁ֖י הַשָּׁנָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Verse Context and Overview

This verse (Bamidbar 28:14) details the wine libations (נִסְכֵּיהֶם) accompanying the Korban Musaf (additional offerings) brought on Rosh Chodesh (the New Moon). The Torah specifies precise measurements for each type of animal offering: a bull, a ram, and a lamb. The amounts differ based on the animal's size and significance in the sacrificial service.

Measurements of Wine Libations

  • For the bull (פָּר): Half a hin of wine (approximately 3.6 liters, according to Rambam in Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 2:4).
  • For the ram (אַיִל): A third of a hin (approximately 2.4 liters).
  • For the lamb (כֶּבֶשׂ): A quarter of a hin (approximately 1.8 liters).

Rashi explains that these measurements correspond to the animal's stature—larger animals require larger libations, reflecting their greater importance in the avodah (Temple service).

Symbolism of the Wine Libations

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pinchas 10) connects wine libations to joy, as wine symbolizes celebration (Tehillim 104:15). The regular monthly offerings, accompanied by wine, signify Israel's ongoing relationship with Hashem, marked by both reverence and joy. The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 28:14) adds that the varying amounts teach that spiritual service must be proportional to one's capacity—just as the offerings differ, so too do individuals' abilities in serving Hashem.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot 2:1) emphasizes that these measurements are precise Torah law and cannot be altered. The Gemara (Menachot 89a) discusses the importance of proper measurements, noting that inaccuracies invalidate the libation. Additionally, the wine must be of high quality, as derived from the term "יַיִן" in the verse, which implies wine fit for libation (Torat Kohanim, Emor 14:3).

Connection to Rosh Chodesh

The verse concludes by identifying these offerings as "עֹלַת חֹדֶשׁ בְּחָדְשׁוֹ" (the monthly burnt offering). The Sforno explains that Rosh Chodesh offerings renew Israel's dedication to Hashem at the start of each month, symbolizing spiritual renewal. The Or HaChaim adds that the cyclical nature of these offerings reflects the perpetual bond between Hashem and the Jewish people, reaffirmed with each new moon.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 91a
The verse is discussed in the context of the measurements for drink offerings, particularly focusing on the quantities specified for different sacrifices.
📖 Chullin 83b
Referenced in a discussion about the laws of sacrifices and the specific measurements of wine offerings for different animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 28:14 teach about the drink offerings in the Temple?
A: Numbers 28:14 specifies the amounts of wine to be brought as drink offerings (נִסְכִּים) alongside the monthly burnt offerings (עוֹלוֹת) in the Temple. A half-hin of wine was brought for a bull, a third-hin for a ram, and a quarter-hin for a lamb. Rashi explains that these measurements were precise and part of the Torah's detailed laws for sacrifices.
Q: Why were different amounts of wine brought for different animals?
A: The Torah assigns larger wine offerings for larger animals (bull, ram, lamb) to correspond to their size and significance. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 2:4) teaches that this reflects the principle of proportionality in Divine service—greater efforts and resources are dedicated to more substantial offerings.
Q: What is the significance of the monthly burnt offering mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'burnt offering of every month' (עֹלַת חֹדֶשׁ) refers to the special Musaf sacrifices brought on Rosh Chodesh (the new month). The Talmud (Chullin 60b) connects this to the sanctity of time in Judaism, showing how we mark the renewal of months with Divine service.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today, the Talmud (Berachos 55a) teaches that Torah study and prayer correspond to Temple service. The Midrash (Tanchuma Tzav 14) also notes that acts of kindness are like sacrifices. Thus, we apply the verse's lesson of dedication to Hashem through alternative means.
Q: What is a 'hin' of wine in modern measurements?
A: A hin is a biblical liquid measure equal to approximately 12 eggs' volume (about 3.6 liters according to Chazon Ish). Thus, half-hin is ~1.8 liters, a third-hin is ~1.2 liters, and a quarter-hin is ~0.9 liters. The Mishnah (Menachos 9:2) discusses these measurements in detail regarding Temple service.