Numbers 29:32
And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
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)
שִׁבְעָ֖ה
seven
H7651
שִׁבְעָ֖ה
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
4 of 12
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
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
The seventh day of Sukkot had special significance in later Jewish tradition, involving seven circuits around the altar with willow branches. Though not detailed in Numbers, this practice may reflect the completeness theme embedded in the seventh-day liturgy. The feast occurred in the seventh month (Tishrei), adding further layers of sabbatical symbolism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the symbolic completeness of "seven on the seventh day" point to Christ as the fulfillment of all Old Testament worship?
- What incomplete areas of your spiritual life need to reach the "seventh day" maturity and wholeness?
- How does Jesus's proclamation on the seventh day of Tabernacles (John 7:37-39) transform your understanding of these sacrificial requirements?
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Analysis & Commentary
On the seventh day seven bullocks—The numerical sequence reaches its symbolic climax: seven bulls on the seventh day of the seven-day feast. In Hebrew thought, seven represents completion and perfection (sheva, שֶׁבַע, shares roots with shava, to swear/be complete). This convergence of sevens marks the high point of the liturgical pattern before the unique eighth day.
The two rams, and fourteen lambs (double seven) continue the symbolism. The seventh day of Tabernacles later developed into Hoshana Rabbah in Second Temple Judaism, a day of climactic processionals. Jesus stood on this day proclaiming, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me" (John 7:37).