Numbers 29:2
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:
Original Language Analysis
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם
And ye shall offer
H6213
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֨ם
And ye shall offer
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עֹלָ֜ה
a burnt offering
H5930
עֹלָ֜ה
a burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
2 of 16
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
נִיחֹ֙חַ֙
for a sweet
H5207
נִיחֹ֙חַ֙
for a sweet
Strong's:
H5207
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
פַּ֧ר
bullock
H6499
פַּ֧ר
bullock
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
6 of 16
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
בְּנֵֽי
of the first
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָּקָ֛ר
young
H1241
בָּקָ֛ר
young
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
8 of 16
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
אַ֣יִל
ram
H352
אַ֣יִל
ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
בְּנֵֽי
of the first
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
The substantial offerings on this festival demonstrated its importance. The sweet savour to the LORD indicates divine acceptance. These burnt offerings, completely consumed by fire, expressed total consecration. The festival's placement at the year's beginning sanctified the coming year, dedicating it to God from the start.
Questions for Reflection
- What does beginning the year with substantial offerings teach about priorities?
- How do the multiple unblemished animals symbolize comprehensive consecration?
- In what ways does Christ's perfect sacrifice fulfill these Old Testament types?
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Analysis & Commentary
The burnt offering of one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs without blemish represents comprehensive dedication on this holy day. The number seven (lambs) symbolizes completeness. The requirement that all be without blemish emphasizes that God deserves perfect offerings. This combination of animals represents the offering of strength (bullock), leadership (ram), and innocence (lambs) to God. Christ's perfect sacrifice fulfills what these unblemished animals prefigured—complete, spotless dedication to God's will.