Numbers 28:31 - Daily offerings with perfection required

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Hebrew Text

מִלְּבַד עֹלַת הַתָּמִיד וּמִנְחָתוֹ תַּעֲשׂוּ תְּמִימִם יִהְיוּ־לָכֶם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם׃

English Translation

You shall offer them beside the continual burnt offering, and its meal offering, (they shall be to you without blemish) and their drink offerings.

Transliteration

Milvad olat hatamid uminchato ta'asu temimim yihyu-lachem vensichehem.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִלְּבַ֞ד עֹלַ֧ת הַתָּמִ֛יד וּמִנְחָת֖וֹ תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ תְּמִימִ֥ם יִהְיוּ־לָכֶ֖ם וְנִסְכֵּיהֶֽם׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 28:31) appears in the section detailing the korbanot (offerings) brought on Rosh Chodesh (the New Moon). It emphasizes that these additional offerings must not replace the Korban Tamid (continual daily offering) but must be brought alongside it.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 28:31) clarifies that the phrase "milvad olat hatamid" ("beside the continual burnt offering") teaches that the additional Rosh Chodesh offerings do not exempt one from bringing the daily Korban Tamid. Both are obligatory, and one does not substitute for the other.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Temidin U'Musafin (1:3), the Rambam codifies this principle, stating that the Korban Tamid takes precedence over all other communal offerings. Even on days when additional sacrifices (like those of Rosh Chodesh or festivals) are brought, the Tamid must never be omitted.

Significance of "Temimim" (Without Blemish)

The verse specifies that the offerings must be "temimim" (unblemished). The Talmud (Menachot 27a) derives from this that any offering with a disqualifying blemish is invalid. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach 2:1) elaborates that this applies to all sacrifices, reinforcing the requirement for physical perfection in animals dedicated to divine service.

The Role of the Meal and Drink Offerings

The mincha (meal offering) accompanying the Korban Tamid is detailed in Vayikra 6:12-16, where it is described as a perpetual offering of fine flour, oil, and frankincense.
The nesachim (drink offerings) consisted of wine, as specified in Bamidbar 15:1-10. The Talmud (Menachot 89b) discusses the precise measurements required for these libations.

Spiritual Message

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:21) connects the Korban Tamid's consistency to the unwavering devotion required in serving Hashem. Just as the daily offering is brought regardless of other obligations, our commitment to Torah and mitzvot must remain constant, unaffected by additional spiritual opportunities or challenges.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 28:31 mean?
A: Numbers 28:31 instructs that additional offerings (like the Rosh Chodesh sacrifices mentioned earlier in the chapter) must be brought alongside the daily Tamid offering (morning and evening sacrifices). The verse emphasizes that all offerings must be 'temimim' (without blemish) and include their proper meal and drink offerings. Rashi explains that this teaches that no other offering may replace or interfere with the daily Tamid offering.

Q: Why is the Tamid (continual) offering mentioned here?
A: The Tamid offering is central to the Temple service, brought twice daily without interruption. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 1:1-3) explains that this verse teaches that even when special offerings (like Rosh Chodesh or holiday sacrifices) are brought, the Tamid always takes precedence and must never be omitted. This shows the importance of consistent daily devotion to Hashem.

Q: What does 'without blemish' mean in this verse?
A: The term 'temimim' (without blemish) means the animal must be physically perfect, without any defects, to be fit for offering. The Talmud (Chullin 23a) details what constitutes a blemish. This teaches that we must give our best to Hashem - just as we wouldn't offer damaged goods to a king, we must be meticulous in our service to G-d.