Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 28:9 teach us about Shabbat offerings?
A: Numbers 28:9 describes the additional (Musaf) sacrifices brought in the Temple on Shabbat: two unblemished lambs, along with flour mixed with oil and a wine libation. This teaches that Shabbat has its own unique offerings beyond the daily sacrifices (Tamid), emphasizing its holiness (Rashi on Numbers 28:9).
Q: Why were two lambs brought on Shabbat according to this verse?
A: The two lambs represent a doubling of the daily offering (which was one lamb), symbolizing the extra sanctity of Shabbat. The Talmud (Menachot 89b) explains that this doubling reflects the 'double portion' of manna that fell before Shabbat (Exodus 16:22-26), showing G-d's special providence on Shabbat.
Q: What is the significance of the flour and oil mentioned in Numbers 28:9?
A: The flour (soles) mixed with oil represents the meal offering (mincha) accompanying the lamb sacrifices. Rambam (Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin 8:1) explains that every animal sacrifice in the Temple required a flour offering and wine libation, showing that our service to G-d involves multiple dimensions - physical (animal) and agricultural (flour, wine).
Q: How does this verse about Shabbat sacrifices apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today, the verse teaches us about Shabbat's special status. The Mishnah Berurah (242:1) notes that we commemorate these offerings through additional prayers (Musaf) on Shabbat. The doubling of offerings also reminds us to increase our spiritual focus on Shabbat through Torah study and prayer.
Q: What does 'without blemish' mean in Numbers 28:9?
A: 'Without blemish' (temimim) means the lambs had to be physically perfect, without any defects. The Talmud (Zevachim 35b) lists various disqualifying blemishes. This teaches that offerings to G-d must be of the highest quality, just as we should offer our best efforts in serving G-d, especially on Shabbat.
The Shabbat Korbanot (Offerings)
The verse (Bamidbar 28:9) describes the additional offerings (musaf) brought in the Beit Hamikdash on Shabbat, consisting of two unblemished lambs along with flour, oil, and wine offerings. This reflects the sanctity of Shabbat, which is elevated through communal sacrifices even beyond the daily tamid offerings.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi notes that the phrase "two lambs" emphasizes their equality in age and quality, as both must be "bnei shana" (first-year lambs) and "temimim" (unblemished). He further explains that the flour offering (mincha) is mixed with oil (belula bashemen) to create a dough, distinguishing it from other meal offerings that might be prepared differently.
Symbolism of the Shabbat Offerings
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Temidin uMusafin (7:1), the Rambam codifies this law, emphasizing that the Shabbat musaf is obligatory and a public demonstration of the sanctity of Shabbat. He notes that these offerings are distinct from weekday sacrifices, underscoring Shabbat's unique status.
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:9) teaches that the Shabbat offerings atone for desecration of Shabbat, whether intentional or unintentional. This reflects the idea that the Beit Hamikdash service maintains the spiritual integrity of the Jewish people, even when individuals falter.