Numbers 7:29
And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
Original Language Analysis
וּלְזֶ֣בַח
And for a sacrifice
H2077
וּלְזֶ֣בַח
And for a sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
הַשְּׁלָמִים֮
of peace offerings
H8002
הַשְּׁלָמִים֮
of peace offerings
Strong's:
H8002
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
בָּקָ֣ר
oxen
H1241
בָּקָ֣ר
oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
3 of 17
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
אֵילִ֤ם
rams
H352
אֵילִ֤ם
rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
עַתֻּדִ֣ים
he goats
H6260
עַתֻּדִ֣ים
he goats
Strong's:
H6260
Word #:
7 of 17
prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people
בֶּן
of the first
H1121
בֶּן
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
קָרְבַּ֥ן
this was the offering
H7133
קָרְבַּ֥ן
this was the offering
Strong's:
H7133
Word #:
14 of 17
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
Historical Context
The peace offering meals fostered community among the tribes. As families and friends gathered to eat the sacrificed animals, they experienced both vertical reconciliation (with God) and horizontal reconciliation (with each other). These meals created and reinforced covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does abundance in worship challenge minimalist or consumer approaches to church?
- What does the communal feasting aspect of peace offerings teach about the social nature of salvation?
- In what ways should Christian fellowship reflect the generosity demonstrated in peace offerings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The peace offerings' abundance—two oxen, five rams, five goats, five lambs—created substantial fellowship meals. The generous provision reflects God's character as the generous host who provides abundantly for those reconciled to Him. Peace offerings were not austere obligations but lavish celebrations. This abundance points forward to the wedding feast of the Lamb, where God's people will feast eternally in His presence. The Reformed emphasis on God's generosity in salvation is illustrated in these abundant peace offerings.