Numbers 7:75
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 originated in Genesis (8:20, 22:13) and were codified in Leviticus 1. Unlike peace offerings (partially eaten), the entire animal was consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication. The Mosaic economy required constant repetition; Christ's single offering perfected worship forever (Hebrews 10:10-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the complete consumption of the burnt offering challenge half-hearted, compartmentalized discipleship?
- What does the progression from bullock (strength) to ram (substitution) to lamb (innocence) reveal about the multifaceted nature of Christ's atonement?
- Why did God require the repetition of identical offerings from each tribe when one offering could have sufficed mathematically?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering (פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן־בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ־אֶחָד, par echad ben-baqar ayil echad keves-echad)—The burnt offering (olah, עֹלָה, "that which ascends") was wholly consumed on the altar, representing complete consecration to God. The bullock symbolizes strength in service, the ram represents substitutionary atonement (Genesis 22:13), and the lamb of the first year (כֶּבֶשׂ בֶּן־שָׁנָה, keves ben-shanah) prefigures Christ, "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).
The threefold sacrifice points to the fullness of Christ's offering: His strength (bullock), His willing substitution (ram), and His innocence (firstling lamb). All ascend as "a sweet savour unto the LORD" (Leviticus 1:9), accepted only through blood atonement.