Numbers 7:39
One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
Original Language Analysis
פַּ֣ר
bullock
H6499
פַּ֣ר
bullock
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
1 of 11
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
בֶּן
of the first
H1121
בֶּן
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָּקָ֗ר
young
H1241
בָּקָ֗ר
young
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
4 of 11
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
אַ֧יִל
ram
H352
אַ֧יִל
ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
בֶּן
of the first
H1121
בֶּן
of the first
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 11
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 burnt offering was the most common sacrifice in Israel's system, offered daily in the morning and evening. The princes' offerings supplemented this regular worship, demonstrating that extraordinary devotion builds on, rather than replaces, ordinary faithfulness. The continual burnt offering established baseline worship; these dedication gifts exceeded that baseline.
Questions for Reflection
- How do special seasons of dedication relate to daily, ordinary faithfulness in Christian living?
- What areas of life are we tempted to withhold from the 'fire' of complete consecration?
- In what ways does progressive sanctification involve daily, repeated acts of dedication?
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Analysis & Commentary
The burnt offering of bullock, ram, and lamb represents the offering of our entire selves—our strength, our leadership capacity, and our innocent trust. All consumed by fire, nothing held back. This total consecration prefigures the Christian life described by Paul—presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, wholly given to God. The Reformed understanding of sanctification as increasing conformity to Christ is illustrated in these repeated burnt offerings—daily, progressive dedication of all we are to God's glory.