במדבר, פרק כ״ח, פסוק ו׳

The daily burnt offering forms the heart of the regular service, forging an unbroken connection between the people and God. By linking this daily routine to the historical revelation at Mount Sinai, the everyday service transforms into a continuous renewal of the original covenant. The instruction to replicate the offering made at Mount Sinai indicates that the people are to recreate a familiar sacrifice from their past [שפתי חכמים]. The primary approach among commentators is that this historically references the offerings brought during the Tabernacle's inauguration [רש״י, רבנו בחיי], or those offered by the young men of the Israelites just before the giving of the Torah [רש״י, חזקוני, תורה תמימה, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Recalling these specific moments shows that God deeply desires this cherished offering and He wishes for it to continue forever [חזקוני].

The specific mention of Mount Sinai sparks a historical debate regarding the Israelites' practices during their years in the wilderness. Some commentators argue that sacrifices were only brought at Mount Sinai, ceasing entirely once the people resumed their travels [אבן עזרא, רלב״ג, רבנו בחיי]. In contrast, others maintain the exact opposite, concluding that the daily offering began at Sinai and never stopped throughout the desert wanderings [בכור שור, תורה תמימה], or that at the very least, the tribe of Levi continued the practice while the rest of the nation paused [רבנו בחיי]. Beyond history, comparing the daily sacrifice to the one at Sinai establishes practical laws for future generations. Just as the blood of the Sinai offering was collected in basins, the daily offering requires a designated service vessel to receive its blood [רש״י, מזרחי, ברטנורא, משכיל לדוד]. Furthermore, the requirement of a liquid libation for the daily sacrifice teaches that the original Sinai offering also included libations [מזרחי, מלבי״ם].

On a deeper level, the daily offering serves as a perpetual renewal of the moment the Israelites accepted the Torah, expressing a constant devotion to the divine fire [רש ר הירש]. Recalling Mount Sinai evokes the pure love and fondness associated with the sacrifices brought before the sin of the Golden Calf [ספורנו, העמק דבר]. To complete this offering and make it entirely pleasing to God, it is immediately followed by the instruction to bring a wine libation [העמק דבר]. Ultimately, the unbroken consistency of this daily service acts as a shield for the world, defending it against strict judgment. Bringing the sacrifice twice a day, in the morning and the afternoon, symbolizes the human duty to constantly conquer personal desires, ensuring a person remains ready and entirely available to serve God throughout the day and night [שפתי כהן].