Numbers 29:26
And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
Original Language Analysis
וּבַיּ֧וֹם
day
H3117
וּבַיּ֧וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
פָּרִ֥ים
bullocks
H6499
פָּרִ֥ים
bullocks
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
3 of 12
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
אֵילִ֣ם
rams
H352
אֵילִ֣ם
rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
5 of 12
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 #:
8 of 12
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
These Feast of Tabernacles regulations (Leviticus 23:33-43) were given at Sinai but fully implemented after entering Canaan. The massive number of sacrifices—totaling 71 bulls, 15 rams, 105 lambs, and 8 goats over eight days—required extensive priestly coordination and demonstrated Israel's covenant commitment through costly worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the descending pattern of seventy bulls for seventy nations challenge Israel's (and the church's) call to bless all peoples?
- What does the costliness of these festival sacrifices reveal about worthy worship versus convenience?
- How does the requirement for unblemished animals deepen your appreciation for Christ's perfect sacrifice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
On the fifth day nine bullocks—The descending pattern of olah (עֹלָה, burnt offering) continues through the seven days of Sukkot (Tabernacles), moving from thirteen bullocks on day one to seven on day seven. This diminishing sequence totals seventy bulls, which rabbinic tradition connects to the seventy nations (Genesis 10), symbolizing Israel interceding for the whole world through sacrificial worship.
The precision of without spot (תָּמִים, tamim, unblemished) underscores the perfection required in offerings pointing to Christ, "a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19). Each day's elaborate ritual reinforced Israel's dependence on substitutionary atonement.