MPV Commentary

Offerings to Be Observed.

The repetition of several laws in this chapter was necessary due to their importance and frequent neglect by the Israelites. A new generation had grown up since these ordinances were first instituted, and they were about to settle in the land where those laws would be observed.

My offering and my bread refer to the appointed offerings, emphasizing the need for regularity and care in their observance.

9-10). There was no previous mention of a Sabbath burnt offering, which was an additional sacrifice beyond the daily offerings.

At the beginning of each month, you shall offer a burnt offering to the Lord (Nu 28:11-15). These festivals were sacred and marked by distinctive practices. Although not prescribed in the law, they included the blowing of trumpets over the sacrifices, suspension of labor except for domestic work, public worship, and social or family feasts. The beginning of the month was announced through messengers who watched for the first visible appearance of the new moon, followed by signal-fires on mountain tops.

The institution of these festivals in Israel likely aimed to redirect their minds away from heathen practices common among neighboring nations. This is evident in the offering of one kid to the Lord (Nu 28:15), rather than to the moon as practiced by the Egyptians and Syrians. The Sabbath and new moon are frequently mentioned together.

The law for the passover, an annual festival, is given in Leviticus 23:5. However, some details are introduced here, including specified offerings for each of the seven days of unleavened bread (Nu 28:16-25).

On the day of first-fruits, offer a burnt offering in addition to the other prescribed offering (Leviticus 23:18) (Nu 28:26-27).