Numbers 29:30
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
Original Language Analysis
וּמִנְחָתָ֣ם
And their meat offering
H4503
וּמִנְחָתָ֣ם
And their meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
1 of 7
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֡ם
and their drink offerings
H5262
וְנִסְכֵּיהֶ֡ם
and their drink offerings
Strong's:
H5262
Word #:
2 of 7
a libation; also a cast idol
לַ֠פָּרִים
for the bullocks
H6499
לַ֠פָּרִים
for the bullocks
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
3 of 7
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
לָֽאֵילִ֧ם
for the rams
H352
לָֽאֵילִ֧ם
for the rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
Historical Context
The detailed regulations cross-referenced Numbers 15:1-12, where specific amounts of flour, oil, and wine were prescribed based on whether the animal was a lamb, ram, or bull. This created a complex but consistent system requiring priestly expertise to administer properly across all twelve tribes.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways might you be tempted to substitute sincerity for obedience to God's revealed will?
- How does the repetitive nature of these commands challenge the cultural preference for novelty in worship?
- What does the detailed specificity of biblical worship teach about God's character and how He desires to be approached?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
According to their number, after the manner—The precise repetition of this phrase (also vv. 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 37) emphasizes covenantal fidelity. The Hebrew k'mishpatam (כְּמִשְׁפָּטָם) means "according to the legal requirement," stressing that acceptable worship adheres to revealed standards, not human innovation.
This ritualized repetition teaches that true devotion combines heart and obedience. The prophets later condemned sacrifices offered with wrong hearts (Isaiah 1:11-17), but never suggested abandoning God's prescribed forms. Jesus himself fulfilled, not abolished, the Law (Matthew 5:17).