Numbers 29:18 - Sacrifices' precise Divine measurements

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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׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

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

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 29:18) clarifies that the phrase "כַּמִּשְׁפָּט" ("after the ordinance") refers to the earlier Torah commandment in Bamidbar 15:4-12, which establishes the fixed measurements for meal and drink offerings corresponding to each type of animal sacrifice. For example:

A bullock requires three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour for its meal offering.
A ram requires two-tenths.
A lamb requires one-tenth.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos (2:1-5), the Rambam codifies these measurements as binding halacha. He emphasizes that deviations from these quantities invalidate the offering, underscoring the precision required in divine service.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pinchas 14) connects the descending quantities (3-2-1) to humility: just as the measures decrease, so too must one diminish pride when approaching Hashem. The bullock, representing strength, requires the largest offering, while the lamb, symbolizing meekness, needs the least.

Symbolism in the Offerings

Rabbeinu Bachya (Bamidbar 29:18) notes that the mincha (meal offering) signifies human effort (ground grain), while the nesech (wine libation) represents joy. Together, they teach that divine service requires both labor and heartfelt devotion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 29:18 mean?
A: Numbers 29:18 discusses the meal offerings (mincha) and drink offerings (nesachim) that were brought in the Temple along with animal sacrifices during the festival of Sukkot. The verse specifies that these offerings must be given in precise quantities 'according to their number' (b'misparam) and 'after the ordinance' (kamishpat), meaning they follow the detailed laws given in the Torah.

Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes the precision required in serving Hashem, especially in the Temple service. The Talmud (Menachot 103b) explains that every detail of the offerings matters, teaching us the value of exactness and dedication in fulfilling mitzvot.

Q: What can we learn from Numbers 29:18 today?
A: Even though we no longer bring sacrifices, we learn the importance of precision and mindfulness in our mitzvot and prayers today. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 3:1) teaches that the laws of offerings remind us to serve Hashem with care and attention to detail in all aspects of our spiritual lives.

Q: What were the meal and drink offerings mentioned in this verse?
A: The meal offering (mincha) consisted of fine flour mixed with oil, and the drink offering (nesach) was wine. Rashi (on Numbers 15:4) explains that these accompanied animal sacrifices in specific measurements—a tenth of an ephah of flour and a quarter-hin of wine for a lamb, as detailed in the Torah.

Q: How does this apply during Sukkot?
A: Numbers 29:18 is part of the Torah's instructions for the additional (musaf) offerings brought on Sukkot. The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar) notes that the large number of offerings during Sukkot symbolizes our gratitude for Hashem's blessings and serves as atonement for the nations of the world, showing the universal significance of the festival.