The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 28:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And for the sacrifice of every one three tenths of flour which shall be tempered with oil to every calf, and two tenths to every ram,

Douay-Rheims

וּמִ֨נְחָתָ֔ם סֹ֖לֶת בְּלוּלָ֣ה בַשָּׁ֑מֶן שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים לַפָּ֗ר וּשְׁנֵ֧י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֛ים לָאַ֖יִל תַּעֲשֽׂוּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

It is thus recognized that the differences in virtue and the variety of existence are aptly illustrated by the magnitude of the sacrifices and their physical form. Consequently, the highest and most exalted form of life is represented by the calf; the intermediate, which is less perfect, is exemplified by the ram; and the lowest is embodied in the lamb, which is smaller than the ram, just as the ram is lesser than the calf. Therefore, a measure of fine flour, symbolizing life, should be offered corresponding to the size of each offering, with three measures designated for the calf, two for the ram, and one for the lamb.

Read more (139 words)

Furthermore, it is stated that all must be anointed with oil; indeed, according to the proportion of each, the reward from God follows, creating a significant distinction of life in the realm of glory and joy: some are rightly deserving of a greater life, others of a lower, yet still honored, and some receive an even lesser and more humble existence: ‘another of the stars; and the star differs in glory from the star’ (1 Cor. 15:41). I believe there is also a considerable variation among the holy angels regarding the measure of their glory. Regardless of what this measure entails, the life of the saints is filled with joy, and should be accompanied by gladness, enriched by God’s gifts: for notice that the oil is poured not just for three measures, but also for two and for one.