Numbers 29:2

Authorized King James Version

And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם
And ye shall offer
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
עֹלָ֜ה
a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#3
לְרֵ֤יחַ
savour
odor (as if blown)
#4
נִיחֹ֙חַ֙
for a sweet
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
#5
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
פַּ֧ר
bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#7
בְּנֵֽי
of the first
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
בָּקָ֛ר
young
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#9
אֶחָ֑ד
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#10
אַ֣יִל
ram
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#11
אֶחָ֑ד
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#12
כְּבָשִׂ֧ים
lambs
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#13
בְּנֵֽי
of the first
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
שָׁנָ֛ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#15
שִׁבְעָ֖ה
and seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#16
תְּמִימִֽם׃
without blemish
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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