Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 29:4 mean when it mentions 'one tenth measure for one lamb'?
A: Numbers 29:4 refers to the grain offering (mincha) brought together with the sacrificial lambs during the festival of Sukkot. The 'one tenth measure' (עִשָּׂרוֹן) is a unit of flour (about 2.2 liters) mixed with oil, offered for each lamb. This teaches the importance of accompanying prayers and thanks (symbolized by the flour offering) with our sacrifices and service to Hashem.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the exact amount of flour for the Sukkot offerings?
A: The Torah specifies precise measurements to teach us the value of consistency and devotion in serving Hashem. Rashi explains that these details ensure uniformity in the Temple service, showing that every offering must be given with care and exactness. This applies to our mitzvot today—we should perform them meticulously and with proper intent.
Q: How does Numbers 29:4 relate to the festival of Sukkot?
A: This verse is part of the Torah's instructions for the additional (musaf) offerings brought on Sukkot. Each day of Sukkot, a specific number of lambs were sacrificed, along with flour and oil offerings. The Talmud (Sukkah 55b) teaches that these 70 lambs (over seven days) correspond to the 70 nations of the world, showing Sukkot's universal message of prayer for all humanity.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the grain offering in Numbers 29:4?
A: The grain offering teaches humility—flour, a simple food, represents our basic sustenance. The Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh Hakorbanos) explains that offerings remind us to acknowledge Hashem as the source of all blessings. Today, though we no longer bring sacrifices, we can 'offer' our gratitude through prayer, charity, and dedicating our meals to holiness.
Q: Why are seven lambs mentioned in this verse?
A: The seven lambs correspond to the seven days of Sukkot, with additional offerings each day. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:24) connects the number seven to completeness in nature (e.g., seven days of creation). This symbolizes that our service to Hashem must be consistent and wholehearted throughout the entire festival—and in all aspects of life.
Explanation of the Verse in its Context
The verse (Numbers 28:21) discusses the grain offerings (minchah) brought alongside the sacrificial lambs (kebasim) during the festival of Passover. Specifically, it details the measurement of fine flour (issaron) required for each lamb, emphasizing consistency across all seven lambs offered.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the phrase "וְעִשָּׂרוֹן אֶחָד לַכֶּבֶשׂ הָאֶחָד" ("one tenth measure for one lamb") teaches that each lamb requires its own separate issaron of flour. Even though the verse mentions seven lambs, each must have its own distinct grain offering, not a combined measurement for all. This reinforces the principle of precision in avodah (Temple service).
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchos Temidin uMusafin (1:4), the Rambam (Maimonides) codifies this law, stating that every korban olah (burnt offering) of a lamb must be accompanied by its own issaron of fine flour mixed with oil. This reflects the Torah's meticulous attention to detail in divine service, ensuring each offering is complete and proper.
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:21) connects the number seven in this verse to broader themes in Jewish thought. The seven lambs correspond to:
Halachic Implications
Talmudic discussions (Menachos 89b) derive from this verse that the issaron measurement must be exact—neither diminished nor increased. This teaches the importance of adhering strictly to halachic requirements in avodas Hashem (divine service), where even small deviations can invalidate the offering.