Numbers 28:3 - Daily unblemished lamb offerings

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Hebrew Text

וְאָמַרְתָּ לָהֶם זֶה הָאִשֶּׁה אֲשֶׁר תַּקְרִיבוּ לַיהוָה כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָה תְמִימִם שְׁנַיִם לַיּוֹם עֹלָה תָמִיד׃

English Translation

And thou shalt say to them, This is the fire offering which you shall offer to the Lord; two lambs of the first year without blemish day by day, for a continual burnt offering.

Transliteration

Ve'amarta lahem zeh ha'ishe asher takrivu la'Adonai kevasim bnei-shana temimim shnayim layom olah tamid.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ לָהֶ֔ם זֶ֚ה הָֽאִשֶּׁ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּקְרִ֖יבוּ לַיהֹוָ֑ה כְּבָשִׂ֨ים בְּנֵֽי־שָׁנָ֧ה תְמִימִ֛ם שְׁנַ֥יִם לַיּ֖וֹם עֹלָ֥ה תָמִֽיד׃

Parasha Commentary

The Daily Tamid Offering

The verse (Bamidbar 28:3) commands the daily offering of two unblemished lambs, known as the Korban Tamid, which were brought twice daily—once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Rashi explains that the term Tamid ("continual") emphasizes the perpetual nature of this mitzvah, which applies even on Shabbat and Yom Tov (with additional offerings). The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 1:1-3) elaborates that this offering symbolizes the Jewish people's unwavering devotion to Hashem, as it is constant and unchanging.

Symbolism of the Lambs

The requirement for kevasim bnei shanah ("lambs of the first year") teaches that the offering must be young and pure, free from any physical defects. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:21) connects this to the idea of renewal—just as the lambs are in their first year, so too should our service to Hashem be fresh and sincere each day. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 1:1) further links this to the concept of hishtadlut (effort), as one must actively seek spiritual renewal daily.

Two Lambs: Morning and Afternoon

Morning Offering: The first lamb, brought at dawn, represents the dedication of one's day to Hashem from its outset (Talmud Yoma 28b). The Kli Yakar notes that this parallels Avraham Avinu’s early morning devotion (Bereishit 22:3).
Afternoon Offering: The second lamb, brought before evening, signifies gratitude for the day’s blessings and a reaffirmation of commitment (Ramban on Bamidbar 28:4). The Talmud (Berachot 26b) connects this to Yitzchak Avinu’s practice of prayer in the afternoon.

The Fire Offering (Ishsheh)

The term ishsheh ("fire offering") underscores that the korban is wholly consumed by the fire of the Mizbe’ach, symbolizing total submission to Hashem’s will (Malbim). The Sforno adds that this reflects the ideal of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice), as the flames ascend upward, mirroring the soul’s yearning for closeness to the Divine.

Contemporary Lessons

Although the Beit HaMikdash is not standing today, the Chofetz Chaim (in Mishna Berura 1:9) teaches that the times of the Tamid correspond to the fixed times for Shacharit and Mincha prayers. Thus, the verse reminds us to structure our days around avodat Hashem, ensuring consistency in our spiritual growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 49b

The verse is discussed in the context of the daily burnt offerings and the requirements for the lambs to be without blemish.

📖 Yoma 33a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the order of the daily sacrifices and the importance of the continual burnt offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 28:3 mean?
A: Numbers 28:3 describes the daily offering (Korban Tamid) that was brought in the Tabernacle and later in the Holy Temple. It specifies that two unblemished lambs in their first year were to be offered each day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—as a continual burnt offering to Hashem.

Q: Why is the Korban Tamid important?
A: The Korban Tamid (continual offering) was central to the service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). It represented the Jewish people's constant devotion to Hashem. The Talmud (Berachot 26b) teaches that our daily prayers were instituted to correspond to the Tamid offerings, showing its lasting spiritual significance.

Q: Why were two lambs offered each day?
A: Rashi explains that the two lambs correspond to the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing our complete commitment to both our duties to Hashem and our obligations to fellow people. The morning and afternoon offerings also represent constant devotion throughout the day.

Q: What does 'without blemish' mean in this verse?
A: The term 'without blemish' (תמימים) means the animals had to be physically perfect, without any defects. This teaches that offerings to Hashem must be of the highest quality we can provide, representing our desire to give our best in serving G-d (based on Rambam's teachings in Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach).

Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring physical offerings today, our Sages teach that prayer (Tefillah) and Torah study replace the sacrifices (Taanit 2a). The timing of our daily prayers—Shacharit (morning) and Mincha (afternoon)—correspond to the times of the Tamid offerings, maintaining this connection to constant divine service.