Pinchas: How we implement the biblical sacrifices today

Parashat Pinchas

Numbers 25:10–30:1

Jeremiah 1:1–2:3; John 2:13–22

In the Parasha Pinchas, we encounter numerous instructions on various sacrifices and their timing. The detailed regulations are explained in Numbers 28 and 29. These are commandments concerning the daily sacrifices, the offerings on Sabbaths, on the new moons, and on all of Israel’s annual festivals.

These commandments are part of the covenant that God has made with his people and are therefore binding for everyone who enters into this covenant. But how can we put them into practice today, when there is neither an earthly sanctuary nor a temple in Jerusalem? Is it still possible to fulfill the sacrificial practice from Parasha Pinchas?

The sacrifices in Pinchas: a lasting obligation?

Let us first take a look at the text that reveals the commandments. In Pinchas we read:

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. (Numbers 28:1–2, KJV)

Since these are commandments from the Almighty, it should be clear that these sacrifices are not optional. God gives us to understand that they are his offerings. They thus occupy a fixed place in the covenant relationship between Him and his people.

But without a temple, a literal fulfillment of these commandments seems impossible. So do we have to ignore them? Or is there a spiritual yet practical way to live them?

Hosea shows us a way: The bulls of our lips

A prophetic key lies in the words of the prophet Hosea. He addresses the northern kingdom of Israel—the kingdom that had strayed from God’s ways due to Jeroboam’s sin and was later led into dispersion.

And God knew full well that the northern kingdom no longer had a temple, an altar, or a Levitical priestly service. Nevertheless, he spoke words of return through Hosea:

O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. (Hosea 14:1–2, KJV)

Literally, the Hebrew reads:

וּנְשַׁלְּמָה פָרִים שְׂפָתֵינוּ (u’neschallemah parim sfateinu) — that is, “that we offer the bulls of our lips”.

God thus creates a very real way back—even without a temple. By accepting the words of our prayers as if they were bulls or rams that we bring to the altar, the way to his sanctuary is open to us again.

This insight still characterizes Jewish prayer life today: The three daily prayer times—Shacharit (morning), Mincha (afternoon), and Ma’ariv (evening)—are based on the times of sacrifice in the temple in terms of time and content. Based on Hosea 14, Jewish interpreters understand these prayers not only as a substitute, but as a practical way of fulfilling God’s sacrificial commandments, even if there is no temple.

Prayer as a living sacrificial service — also for us today

If we take the sacrifices in Pinchas seriously, then we are not looking for excuses, but for ways to put them into practice. Three central points can be derived from the Torah, the prophets, and Jewish tradition:

1. Maintain temporal structure: The sacrifices in Numbers 28–29 are based on the course of the day, the weekly rhythm, new moons, and festival times. Even today, we can consciously celebrate these times by incorporating specific times of prayer and praise into our everyday lives and festivals.
2. Prayer and praise as spiritual sacrifices: Our prayers are not merely substitutes, but a real expression of our covenant with God. As already announced in Hosea, it is our words that we offer on the altar of our hearts. Hebrews 13:15 confirms this principle in the new covenant: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15, KJV)
3. Taking responsibility: Sacrifice has always meant personal cost—be it an animal from the herd, flour, or oil. Today, this can be done through time, dedication, finances, or social commitment. Sharing with those in need is also a sacrifice that is pleasing to God (cf. Hebrews 13:16).

Temple service in everyday family life

As a family, we also try to integrate elements of temple service into our everyday lives. This includes fixed times of prayer, celebrating the biblical festivals together, and consciously aligning our week with God’s ordinances.

Living the message of Pinchas today

From the Parashah of Pinchas, we see that God has given a clear order in which we can meet him. We can approach him in compliance with his order, even if there is no temple or altar.

This is not just about spiritual symbolism, but about concrete practice in everyday life.

God takes our sacrifices seriously, even if they consist of the “bulls of our lips” today.

It is up to us whether we accept his invitation and turn our prayers, our praise, our gratitude, and our repentance into a pleasing sacrifice. Pinchas shows us the way—we are invited to walk it.

This article was originally published on Torah-in-Family.de in German language.