Numbers 28:12
And three tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram;
Numbers 28:12 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse from Leviticus 14:10 outlines the specific measurements for the meat offerings that were required by the Israelites as part of their religious ceremonies. The verse specifies that for a bullock, three-tenth deals of flour mixed with oil were to be offered, and for a ram, two-tenths of flour mixed with oil were to be presented. These offerings were a way for the Israelites to show their dedication and obedience to God, as well as to seek forgiveness for their sins. The use of flour mixed with oil symbolized purity and abundance, while the act of offering a portion of their harvest demonstrated gratitude and humility before God. These offerings were an essential part of the Israelite's worship practices and served as a way for them to connect with the divine and seek spiritual cleansing.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see the instructions for meat offerings that were to be presented to the Lord. The use of flour, oil, and specific measurements in these offerings holds significant theological symbolism. Flour represents sustenance and the basic necessities of life, while oil symbolizes anointing and consecration. The measurements of the flour - three tenth deals for a bullock and two tenth deals for a ram - are precise and demonstrate the importance and value of the offerings. The act of mingling the flour with oil symbolizes the blending of these basic elements of life with the divine presence of the Lord. This ritual underscores the idea of giving the best of what one has to offer to God, demonstrating reverence, dedication, and a desire for communion with the divine. Through these meat offerings, the Israelites were not only following the prescribed rituals but also engaging in a deeper spiritual practice of acknowledging God's provision and seeking His favor.
Numbers 28:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
and three tenth parts [of an ephah] of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with oil, for each bullock; and two tenth parts of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with oil, for the one ram;
World English Bible
and three tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with oil, for each bull; and two tenth parts of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with oil, for the one ram;
Douay-Rheims
And three tenths of flour tempered with oil in sacrifice for every calf: and two tenths of flour tempered with oil for every ram:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And three tenth deales of fine floure for a meat offring mingled with oyle for one bullocke, and two tenth deales of fine floure for a meate offring, mingled with oyle for one ramme,