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Numbers 28:2 - Divine fire offerings' timely devotion

Numbers 28:2 - במדבר 28:2

Hebrew Text

צַו אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם אֶת־קָרְבָּנִי לַחְמִי לְאִשַּׁי רֵיחַ נִיחֹחִי תִּשְׁמְרוּ לְהַקְרִיב לִי בְּמוֹעֲדוֹ׃

English Translation

Command the children of Yisra᾽el, and say to them, My offering, the provision of my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour to me, shall you observe to offer to me in their due season.

Transliteration

Tzav et-bnei Yisrael ve'amarta alehem et-korbani lachmi le'ishai re'ach nichochi tishmeru lehakriv li bemo'ado.

Hebrew Leining Text

צַ֚ו אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אֶת־קׇרְבָּנִ֨י לַחְמִ֜י לְאִשַּׁ֗י רֵ֚יחַ נִֽיחֹחִ֔י תִּשְׁמְר֕וּ לְהַקְרִ֥יב לִ֖י בְּמוֹעֲדֽוֹ׃
צַ֚ו אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאָמַרְתָּ֖ אֲלֵהֶ֑ם אֶת־קׇרְבָּנִ֨י לַחְמִ֜י לְאִשַּׁ֗י רֵ֚יחַ נִֽיחֹחִ֔י תִּשְׁמְר֕וּ לְהַקְרִ֥יב לִ֖י בְּמוֹעֲדֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 28:2) appears in the context of the parashah of Pinchas, where Hashem instructs Moshe regarding the daily and festival offerings (korbanot) to be brought in the Mishkan and later in the Beit HaMikdash. This verse emphasizes the obligation to bring these offerings at their designated times.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the word "צַו" (command) implies urgency, both for the present generation and for future generations. The phrase "אֶת־קָרְבָּנִי לַחְמִי" (My offering, the provision of My sacrifices) refers to the korban tamid (daily offering) and the musaf offerings (additional festival sacrifices). Rashi notes that these are called "My bread" because they are akin to a king's regular meals, symbolizing Hashem's constant relationship with Bnei Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:46), Rambam discusses the purpose of korbanot as a means to wean Bnei Yisrael from idolatrous practices and direct their worship toward Hashem. The phrase "רֵיחַ נִיחֹחִי" (a sweet savour to Me) signifies Divine acceptance when the offerings are brought with proper intent (kavanah).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifrei (Bamidbar 142) teaches that the word "תִּשְׁמְרוּ" (shall you observe) implies vigilance—ensuring the offerings are brought without delay and in their proper manner.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Pinchas 10) compares the korbanot to a beloved child who regularly visits their parent, reinforcing the bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 404) derives from this verse the mitzvah to bring the korban tamid twice daily. The phrase "בְּמוֹעֲדוֹ" (in their due season) teaches that each offering has a fixed time, underscoring the importance of consistency in avodat Hashem (Divine service).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 49b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning the proper times for offering sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the prescribed seasons for offerings.
📖 Sifrei Bamidbar 142
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the commandment to bring offerings at their appointed times, highlighting the divine requirement for timely sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 28:2 mean?
A: Numbers 28:2 is a commandment from Hashem to the Jewish people to bring regular offerings (korbanot) at their appointed times. These offerings are described as 'My bread' (לַחְמִי) and 'a pleasing aroma' (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחִי), showing their importance in maintaining a connection with Hashem. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the consistency and timeliness of bringing these offerings.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the obligation of bringing daily and holiday offerings in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Temidin uMusafin that these sacrifices are a fundamental part of Jewish worship, symbolizing devotion and gratitude to Hashem. Even though we do not have the Temple today, studying these laws keeps their memory alive and prepares us for future restoration.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 28:2 today?
A: From this verse, we learn the importance of consistency in serving Hashem. Just as the korbanot were brought at fixed times, we today maintain regular prayer (tefillah) and Torah study to replace the Temple service. The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that dedication to mitzvot, like the korbanot, brings spiritual closeness to Hashem even in times when sacrifices are not possible.
Q: What does 'My bread' (לַחְמִי) refer to in this verse?
A: The term 'My bread' (לַחְמִי) refers to the korbanot (offerings) that were brought in the Beit HaMikdash. Rashi explains that just as bread sustains a person physically, korbanot sustain the world spiritually. The Talmud (Menachot 104b) compares the daily offerings to a king's regular meals, showing how they maintain the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse apply when there is no Temple?
A: While we cannot bring korbanot without the Beit HaMikdash, the Talmud (Berachot 26b) teaches that prayer (tefillah) was established in place of sacrifices. The Rambam writes that sincere repentance and Torah study also serve as spiritual substitutes. Additionally, remembering the korbanot (e.g., during the daily prayers and Pesach Seder) keeps their significance alive until the Temple is rebuilt.