Connecting with God and the Observance of Passover -- How Often?

Numbers Chapter 28: Offerings, Passover, Unleavened Bread

Numbers 28:1-31

Day 85. Just got the approval from our Premier for Ontario churches to be allowed to meet at 30% capacity starting tomorrow, June 12^th.  That’s great news. But it’s no easy matter. People are waiting to hear from their churches as to how that will happen since many of the precautions for social distancing, etc. are still in place. We press on.

The Passage

Verses 1-8 cover the required daily offerings.

Verses 9-10 cover the required weekly offerings.

Verses 11-15 cover the required monthly offerings.

Verse 16 stipulates the Lord’s Passover shall be on the fourteenth day of the first month.

Verses 17-25 cover the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the associated offerings.

Verses 26-31 cover the required offerings of the First Fruits.

Each of the above section has some detailed instructions on the various requirements.

Thoughts on the Passage

First of all, much of this, if not all of it, is a reiteration of things God had commanded before. The Israelites had been keeping these to the best of their ability for the last 38 years. But Matthew Henry suggests there were three reasons for this “review” here:

1.     This was a new generation of men.

2.     Because they were now entering into war and God didn’t want the Israelites to think they need not observe such offerings. [We take note of this as we consider our troops in various battlefields all over the world.]

3.     Because they were about to enter the Promised Land where they would have plenty of everything and feasting a lot.  It was then God didn’t want them to forget His statutes. [Again, this speaks to us – we are living in generally good times and that makes it easier for us to forget God. We do so at our own peril.]

But as I look at all the activity, I can’t help but think of how dedicated God’s children were expected to be – daily, weekly, monthly, and annual special sacrifices and offerings. And at great personal financial cost in terms of livestock, etc. The questions remain, “What does God expect of us today in this regard?” and “What are we giving to God today?” Each person will need to answer that for themselves. Once we determine that, we next need to ask ourselves, “Is that enough?” I’m not suggesting more will buy us anything – certainly not salvation. I am suggesting that it may be a measure of our love towards our Creator. [Your thoughts always welcomed.]

Notice verse 4 tells us that the daily offering is made twice – once in the morning and once in the evening. David Guzik suggests this reminds us to start and end our day with a statement of trust in God’s atonement and expression of our devotion to Him.

In verse 16 we read about Passover.  Most consider the Passover to begin on the 15^th day of the month of Nisan.  Then why does our Bible say the 14^th day. This may help: The 15^th day begins in the evening (of the 14^th day), after the sun sets, and the Seder meal is eaten that evening.

Some groups observe communion every week; some once a month. Jesus never specified how often when He told us to observe this Memorial of His death. However, he did introduce the observance after sundown on Nisan 14, 33 AD, according to the Bible’s lunar calendar (Matthew 26:18-20, 26).

Jesus instituted the Lord’s on the date of the Jewish Passover, and he died later that same day. (Matthew 26:​1, 2) This was no coincidence. The Scriptures compare Jesus’ sacrifice to that of the Passover lamb. (1 Corinthians 5:​7, 8) The Passover was observed once each year. (Exodus 12:​1-6; Leviticus 23:5) Likewise, the Memorial of Jesus’ death was observed only once each year by the early Christians, to the best of our knowledge, according to The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, Volume IV, pages 43-​44, and McClintock and Strong’s Cyclopedia, Volume VIII, page 836. Jehovah Witnesses only observe this meal once a year, and so do some other sects such as The Dawn Bible Students Association.

The Feast of Weeks (or First Fruits) is now known as the Feast of Pentecost.  Its primary purpose was not atonement, but thanksgiving for the harvest. Atonement in this case was a secondary purpose.

We don’t have to observe all these offerings in the same way – but we must not ignore God’s intention for these offerings with respect to His people. That intention is the same for us – we must not forget our God in boom times or in war times. We must remain in contact with Him at all times of the day throughout our lives once we become His child. May that be our prayer for each of us.

It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.