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Numbers 29:3 - Temple offerings' precise oil-flour blend

Numbers 29:3 - במדבר 29:3

Hebrew Text

וּמִנְחָתָם סֹלֶת בְּלוּלָה בַשָּׁמֶן שְׁלֹשָׁה עֶשְׂרֹנִים לַפָּר שְׁנֵי עֶשְׂרֹנִים לָאָיִל׃

English Translation

and their meal offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth measures for a bullock, and two tenth measures for a ram,

Transliteration

U-minchatam solet belula va-shemen shlosha esronim la-par shnei esronim la-ayil.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִ֨נְחָתָ֔ם סֹ֖לֶת בְּלוּלָ֣ה בַשָּׁ֑מֶן שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙ לַפָּ֔ר שְׁנֵ֥י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֖ים לָאָֽיִל׃
וּמִ֨נְחָתָ֔ם סֹ֖לֶת בְּלוּלָ֣ה בַשָּׁ֑מֶן שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙ לַפָּ֔ר שְׁנֵ֥י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֖ים לָאָֽיִל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 28:12) details the meal offering (mincha) accompanying the communal sacrifices brought on Rosh Chodesh (the New Moon). The offering consists of fine flour (solet) mixed with oil, with specific quantities for the bull (par) and the ram (ayil).

Quantity and Symbolism

  • Three tenths of an ephah for the bull: Rashi (on Numbers 28:12) explains that the bull's meal offering is larger because it is a more substantial sacrifice, corresponding to its greater size and significance in atonement (as bulls were often brought for communal sins).
  • Two tenths of an ephah for the ram: The ram's meal offering is proportionally smaller, reflecting its secondary role in the sacrificial order. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 7:3) notes that these measurements follow a precise divine command, emphasizing the importance of exactness in divine service.

Flour and Oil: Spiritual Meaning

The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 143) teaches that the fine flour (solet) symbolizes refinement in character, while the oil represents wisdom and enlightenment. The blending of the two signifies that proper divine service requires both moral purity (solet) and intellectual clarity (shemen).

Halachic Significance

The Talmud (Menachot 89b) discusses the precise measurements, ruling that deviations invalidate the offering. This underscores the principle that mitzvot must be performed with exactitude, as commanded in the Torah. The Kli Yakar (Numbers 28:12) adds that the numerical values of the measures (three and two tenths) allude to deeper spiritual concepts, such as the unity of the Jewish people in their service to Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 89b
The verse is discussed in the context of the meal offerings and the measurements required for different sacrifices.
📖 Keritot 6a
Referenced in a discussion about the specific quantities of flour and oil used in various sacrificial offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse about the meal offering (Numbers 29:3) mean?
A: This verse describes the meal offering (mincha) brought alongside animal sacrifices during the festival of Rosh Chodesh (the New Month). The offering consisted of fine flour (solet) mixed with oil, with specific measurements: three tenths of an ephah for a bull and two tenths for a ram. Rashi explains that these measurements reflect the importance and size of the animals being offered.
Q: Why is the meal offering mixed with oil?
A: Oil symbolizes richness and quality in Jewish tradition. The Torah requires the meal offering to be mixed with oil (Leviticus 2:1) to enhance its flavor and represent a more dignified offering to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 13:4) explains that oil adds importance to the offering, making it more fitting for divine service.
Q: Why are there different measurements for the bull and the ram?
A: The Talmud (Menachos 89a) teaches that the larger measurement (three tenths) for the bull corresponds to its greater size and significance compared to the ram (two tenths). This reflects the principle that offerings should match the stature of the sacrifice—larger animals require larger accompanying meal offerings.
Q: Do we still bring meal offerings today?
A: No, meal offerings (along with all korbanos, sacrifices) are only brought when the Holy Temple (Beis HaMikdash) stands in Jerusalem. Today, we study these laws and pray for the Temple's rebuilding. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 11:1) teaches that in the Messianic era, the Temple service will be restored, including meal offerings.
Q: What can we learn from the details of the meal offering?
A: The precision in measurements teaches us about the importance of care and attention in serving Hashem. The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 143) notes that every detail matters in divine service. Additionally, the combination of flour and oil represents the partnership between basic sustenance (flour) and added beauty (oil), reminding us to elevate even our mundane acts for holiness.