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Numbers 29:37 - Final sacrifices' precise offerings ordained

Numbers 29:37 - במדבר 29:37

Hebrew Text

מִנְחָתָם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם לַפָּר לָאַיִל וְלַכְּבָשִׂים בְּמִסְפָּרָם כַּמִּשְׁפָּט׃

English Translation

their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance:

Transliteration

Minchatam veniskeihem lapar la'ayil velakvasim bemisparam kamishpat.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִנְחָתָ֣ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֗ם לַפָּ֨ר לָאַ֧יִל וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֛ים בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
מִנְחָתָ֣ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֗ם לַפָּ֨ר לָאַ֧יִל וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֛ים בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 29:18) discusses the meal offerings (mincha) and drink offerings (nesachim) that accompany the sacrifices brought during the festival of Sukkot. These offerings are specified for the bullock (par), the ram (ayil), and the lambs (kevasim), each according to their prescribed number and in accordance with the Torah's ordinance (mishpat).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "בְּמִסְפָּרָם כַּמִּשְׁפָּט" ("according to their number, after the ordinance") refers to the fixed quantities of meal and drink offerings that accompany each type of sacrifice, as detailed earlier in the Torah (Numbers 15:1-16). For example:

  • A bullock requires three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil.
  • A ram requires two-tenths of an ephah.
  • A lamb requires one-tenth of an ephah.

Rashi emphasizes that these measurements are not arbitrary but are divinely ordained (mishpat), underscoring the precision required in avodah (Temple service).

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin (Laws of Continual and Additional Offerings), the Rambam codifies the requirements for meal and drink offerings, noting that they are an integral part of the sacrificial service. He stresses that deviations from these measurements invalidate the offering, highlighting the importance of adhering strictly to the Torah's commandments.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma connects the meal and drink offerings to the concept of sustenance and divine blessing. Just as these offerings sustain the altar service, they symbolize the Jewish people's reliance on Hashem for their physical and spiritual nourishment. The precise measurements teach that our devotion must be measured and consistent, reflecting a balanced relationship with the Divine.

Talmudic Discussion

The Talmud (Menachos 89b) elaborates on the significance of the drink offerings, noting that they are poured directly onto the altar. The Sages derive from this that just as wine brings joy, the service of Hashem should be performed with simcha (joy). The meal offerings, meanwhile, represent humility, as fine flour is ground and refined—a metaphor for the refinement of character required in serving Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 29:37 mean?
A: Numbers 29:37 describes the meal offerings (mincha) and drink offerings (nesachim) that were brought in the Temple along with animal sacrifices (bull, ram, and lambs) during the festival of Sukkot. The verse teaches that each animal sacrifice had to be accompanied by specific amounts of flour, oil, and wine, following the precise laws given in the Torah (Rashi on Numbers 29:37).
Q: Why are the meal and drink offerings important?
A: The meal and drink offerings were an essential part of the Temple service. They showed complete devotion to Hashem, as they accompanied the animal sacrifices. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 2:1) explains that these offerings helped elevate the physical act of bringing sacrifices into a spiritual service.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 29:37 today?
A: Although we cannot bring sacrifices today without the Temple, we learn the importance of serving Hashem with precision and attention to detail. Just as the offerings had to be brought 'according to the ordinance,' we must perform mitzvos carefully, following halacha (Jewish law). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:21) also teaches that these offerings symbolize our commitment to Torah study and good deeds.