Numbers 7:51
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
Burnt offerings were the most ancient sacrifice, practiced since Abel (Genesis 4:4) and Noah (Genesis 8:20). The Hebrew olah ('that which ascends') described the smoke rising to God. These offerings at the tabernacle dedication (1444 BC) consecrated the sacrificial system that would operate until Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the burnt offering as 'wholly consumed' challenge partial or conditional surrender to God in your own life?
- What theological significance do you see in the three-animal pattern (bullock, ram, lamb) pointing toward different aspects of Christ's sacrifice?
- In what ways does understanding the burnt offering as 'that which ascends' inform your view of worship and prayer rising to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah)—The burnt offering was wholly consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender to God. The progression from young bullock (פַּר בֶּן־בָּקָר, par ben-baqar) to ram (אַיִל, ayil) to lamb of the first year (כֶּבֶשׂ בֶּן־שָׁנָה, keves ben-shanah) represents varying degrees of value and maturity.
The bullock (most expensive, used by leaders, Leviticus 4:3) signified substantial sacrifice; the ram (adult sheep, Genesis 22:13) recalled Abraham's substitute; the year-old lamb (Passover animal, Exodus 12:5) pointed toward Christ, the Lamb slain before the world's foundation (Revelation 13:8). This threefold pattern in each tribe's offering created a comprehensive picture of substitutionary atonement.