Readers wanting to understand more about drink offerings are encouraged to read Exodus 29:38-46, Numbers 15:11-3, Numbers 28:1-31 and 29:1-40.

In this snippet, we shift focus from already being poured out to as a drink offering. According to God’s commandments (Num 15:1,5; Numbers 28 & 29) drink offerings were associated with burnt offerings (i.e., Num 28:14).  Drink offerings, together with burnt offerings were offered twice daily as well as on various occasions including each sabbath (Num 28:10) and at the annual Passover feast (Num 28:24).

Drink offerings were also given as part of individual acts of worship (i.e., Jacob in Gen 35:14 & Gideon in Judg 6:19-20) as well as by Hezekiah when he restored worship in the Temple (2 Ch 29:35).  The dominant pattern (noting there are exceptions) is that drink offerings are explicitly associated with burnt offerings which were often given together with grain offerings.

Paul, linking his life (activities, energies and purpose) to a drink offering demonstrates an important principle of worship and service.  Specifically, he regarded everything he did to be associated with the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 10:4-5,12).  Further, he also had a deep appreciation of our Lord’s spotless and pure character and what he meant to our God.

Declaring our lives as a drink offering (just as Paul did) means we live out the truth that we are bought with a price and therefore should glorify God in our bodies (Rom 12:1, 1 Co 6:20).  The way to glorify God is by testifying of his great love (Joh 15:13, Luk 23:34) and his amazing Son (Mat 3:16-17).