Numbers 6:17
And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאַ֜יִל
the ram
H352
הָאַ֜יִל
the ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
וְעָשָׂה֙
And he shall offer
H6213
וְעָשָׂה֙
And he shall offer
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זֶ֤בַח
for a sacrifice
H2077
זֶ֤בַח
for a sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
שְׁלָמִים֙
of peace offerings
H8002
שְׁלָמִים֙
of peace offerings
Strong's:
H8002
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סַ֣ל
with the basket
H5536
סַ֣ל
with the basket
Strong's:
H5536
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, a willow twig (as pendulous), i.e., an osier; but only as woven into a basket
הַמַּצּ֑וֹת
of unleavened bread
H4682
הַמַּצּ֑וֹת
of unleavened bread
Strong's:
H4682
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
וְעָשָׂה֙
And he shall offer
H6213
וְעָשָׂה֙
And he shall offer
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
11 of 15
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִנְחָת֖וֹ
also his meat offering
H4503
מִנְחָת֖וֹ
also his meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
13 of 15
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
Historical Context
Peace offerings were unique in that the offerer ate portions along with the priests, making them fellowship meals in God's presence. The Nazirite's completion of his vow was thus celebrated as a feast, marking the successful fulfillment of special consecration and return to normal life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the fellowship aspect of the peace offering enrich our understanding of communion with God?
- What does offering grain, wine, and meat together teach about comprehensive dedication to God?
- In what ways do special seasons of consecration inform and enhance ongoing Christian living?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The ram as peace offering, accompanied by the basket of unleavened bread, completes the Nazirite's consecration ritual. Peace offerings were eaten by the offerer in fellowship with God and the priests, symbolizing restored relationship and covenant communion. The accompanying grain offering and drink offering rounded out the sacrifice, representing the fullness of dedication—animals, grain, and wine all offered to God. This comprehensive offering teaches that God deserves the firstfruits of all we produce, not merely token gestures.