Numbers 29:6
Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.
Numbers 29:6 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse speaks of the various offerings prescribed by the Lord to be made by the Israelites as sacrifices. The burnt offerings of the month, daily burnt offerings, meat offerings, and drink offerings were all part of the rituals practiced in ancient Israel as a way of showing devotion and seeking forgiveness from God. These offerings were to be made with a sincere heart and in accordance with the prescribed manner to be pleasing to the Lord. The sacrifices were made by fire as a symbol of purification and atonement for sin. The sweet savour mentioned in the verse refers to the pleasing aroma that these sacrifices produced, which was seen as an acceptable offering to the Lord. Each offering had its own significance and purpose, with the ultimate goal of drawing closer to God and seeking His favor and forgiveness.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the significance of the burnt offering as an act of worship and atonement in the Old Testament. The burnt offering represented complete surrender and dedication to God, symbolizing the worshipper's desire to draw near to Him. The meat offering, on the other hand, was an offering of fine flour and oil, symbolizing sustenance and provision. Together with the drink offerings, they formed a complete sacrificial system that was prescribed by God for the Israelites to follow. The phrase "a sweet savour" indicates that these offerings were pleasing to the Lord, signifying the worshipper's obedience and dependence on Him. By offering sacrifices made by fire, the worshipper was acknowledging the holiness and sovereignty of God, seeking forgiveness for sins, and expressing gratitude for His blessings. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of ritualistic worship and obedience to God's commands in the Old Testament.
Numbers 29:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
besides the burnt-offering of the new moon, and the meal-offering thereof, and the continual burnt-offering and the meal-offering thereof, and their drink-offerings, according unto their ordinance, for a sweet savor, an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.
World English Bible
besides the burnt offering of the new moon, and its meal offering, and the continual burnt offering and its meal offering, and their drink offerings, according to their ordinance, for a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
Douay-Rheims
Besides the holocaust of the first day of the month with the sacrifices thereof, and the perpetual holocaust with the accustomed libations. With the same ceremonies you shall offer a burnt sacrifice for a most sweet odour to the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beside the burnt offring of the moneth, and his meat offring, and the continual burnt offring, and his meate offring and the drinke offrings of the same, according to their maner, for a sweete sauour: it is a sacrifice made by fire vnto ye Lord.