“Command the children of Israel, and say to them: My offering, My food, for My fires, for a pleasing aroma to Me, you shall observe to present to Me at its appointed time” (Numbers 28:2). “My offering, My food, for My fires” – the Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: ‘Say to Israel: It is not that I need your offerings; the entire world belongs to Me. The animal that you are sacrificing, I created it.
Likewise it says: “Were I hungry, I would not tell you, [for the world and all it contains is Mine]” (Psalms 50:12) – there is no eating and drinking before Me.22Meaning, God does not eat or drink.’ Rabbi Simon said: Thirteen attributes of mercy are written in My regard, as it is stated: “The Lord passed before him and called: The Lord…” (Exodus 34:6). Is there a merciful one who entrusts his sustenance in the hands of a cruel one?
That is, “were I hungry, I would not tell you” (Psalms 50:12). Rabbi Yehuda ben Rabbi Simon said: The Holy One blessed be He said: I have given you ten kosher animals; three are in your possession, and seven are not in your possession. But I did not impose upon you to circulate in the mountains to bring an offering from those that are not in your possession. I said to you only from those that are raised on your trough.
That is, “were I hungry, I would not tell you” Rabbi Yitzḥak said: “My offering, My food” – is there eating and drinking before Him?23Why are the sacrifices called "My food," given that God does not eat or drink. Learn from the ministering angels: “His servants are a flaming fire” (Psalms 104:4). From where are they sustained? Rabbi Yudan [said that] Rabbi Yitzḥak said: From the radiance of the Divine Presence they are sustained, as it is stated: “Life is in the light of the king’s countenance” (Proverbs 16:15).
“It is a continual burnt offering that was done at Mount Sinai, as a pleasing aroma, a fire offering to the Lord” (Numbers 28:6). Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish said: It is written: “It is a continual burnt offering that was done at Mount Sinai.” If you say that there is eating and drinking before Me, learn from Moses. What is written in his regard?
“He was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread…” (Exodus 34:28). Were there eating and drinking before Me, he would have eaten and drunk. That is, “were I hungry, I would not tell you” (Psalms 50:12).