Numbers 29:9

Authorized King James Version

And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, and two tenth deals to one ram,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמִנְחָתָ֔ם
And their meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#2
סֹ֖לֶת
shall be of flour
flour (as chipped off)
#3
בְּלוּלָ֣ה
mingled
to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder
#4
בַשָּׁ֑מֶן
with oil
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#5
שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#6
עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים
tenth deals
(fractional) a tenth part
#7
לַפָּ֔ר
to a bullock
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#8
שְׁנֵי֙
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים
tenth deals
(fractional) a tenth part
#10
לָאַ֖יִל
ram
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#11
הָֽאֶחָֽד׃
to one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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 revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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