Numbers 7:41
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 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
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
Peace offerings were eaten joyfully in the tabernacle courtyard, creating a connection between worship and celebration, between sacrifice and feast. These meals built community relationships while celebrating divine-human reconciliation. The joy of these feasts anticipated the eternal feast of the Lamb.
Questions for Reflection
- How does experiencing God's grace produce generosity in our giving and living?
- What does the connection between sacrifice and feasting teach about Christian celebration?
- In what ways should worship include both solemn acknowledgment of cost and joyful celebration of reconciliation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The peace offerings of two oxen, five rams, five goats, and five lambs provided abundant provision for fellowship meals. The specific number five (repeated three times) may symbolize grace—God's gracious provision for fellowship with His people. These offerings were not grudging obligations but generous expressions of gratitude and celebration. The abundance reflects the generous heart that grace produces. The Reformed understanding that grace enables generous living is demonstrated in these lavish peace offerings.