Drink Offering
The drink offering is not one of the offerings mentioned in the first seven chapters of Leviticus where the other offerings are provided. It is mentioned in the twenty-eighth chapter of Numbers where God specified which offerings God required to be offered to him. This gives us the first clue as to what this offering is about. Lv 1-7 is about these offerings from man’s viewpoint. Nu 28 is about these offerings from God’s viewpoint. This offering must represent something from God’s perspective.
First, let’s go over some of the characteristics of this offering. It was made of strong wine (Nu 28:7). It was not to be diluted, which speaks of the purity and perfection of the offering, as well as of its preciousness (costlier than what was normally drank). All of it was poured out on the sacrifice: lamb (1/4 hin: ~2 pt); ram (1/3 hin: ~2½ pt); bull (1/2 hin: ~3¾ pt). From scripture, we find that wine is a symbol of joy for both man and God (Jd 9:13; Ps 104:15). It was to be instituted only after they dwelt in the Promised Land (Nu 15:1), and it was only offered with the “sweet savor” offerings (Nu 15:1-16): burnt offering, meal offering, peace offering. It was not used with a sin offering or guilt offering
Yet, this is not the first mention of the drink offering. It is first mentioned in relation to Jacob after his name was changed to Israel (Gn 35:14). When Jacob first left home and came to Bethel (Luz), he vowed: “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.” It is believed that Jacob’s life is prophetic of the time period called Jacob’s Trouble: Jacob had trials and turmoil, but God brought him back to his home, and to Bethel, in peace with Laban (his father-in-law), peace with Esau (his brother), and peace with God. This would seem to represent and symbolize the Millennium, or the Messiah’s future earthly kingdom here on earth. It was only after the completion did the drink offering get made.
Therefore, the drink offering deals with completion. It shows God’s joy for providing for the completion needed to reconcile mankind back to Himself:
Burnt offering – reconciliation of man’s sinful state – God provided
Meal (Grain) offering – our worship of Christ’s sinless life – God provided
Peace offering – our fellowship with God through Christ – God provided
Drink offering – representing the joy of God in providing for us
It was instituted only after God completed their journey into their Promised Land.
Their journey is a symbol of sanctification. The Israelites entering their Promised Land is a symbol of us one day entering the Messiah’s Millennial Kingdom (i.e., Christ’s 1000-year reign on the earth once he returns).
The drink offering was instituted as a symbol of completion and pointed to a future completion. This was done by God who takes joy in doing this for us.
Next time, we will look further at the drink offering and further at its symbolism. Stay tuned!
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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens