Numbers 7:77
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 Pagiel the son of Ocran.
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 detailed in Leviticus 3 and 7:11-21. They included thanksgiving offerings, vow offerings, and freewill offerings. The worshiper, priests, and God (via the altar fire) all partook, symbolizing covenant fellowship. Pagiel's offering concluded Asher's presentation on the eleventh day.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the fellowship meal aspect of the peace offering deepen our understanding of the Lord's Supper as covenant communion?
- What does the abundance of peace offerings (compared to one sin offering) teach about God's desire for relationship over mere transaction?
- Why might the peace offerings include the greatest variety of animals (oxen, rams, goats, lambs) compared to the other sacrifices?
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Analysis & Commentary
For a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs (זֶבַח הַשְּׁלָמִים, zevach hashelamim)—The peace offering (shelamim, from shalom, שָׁלוֹם, "wholeness/peace") celebrates restored fellowship between God and man. Unlike burnt offerings (entirely consumed) or sin offerings (for the priests), portions were eaten by the worshiper, symbolizing covenant communion. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran—Asher's prince completes his dedication with abundant thanksgiving.
The five-fold repetition (five rams, five goats, five lambs) suggests the number of grace and God's favor. These voluntary offerings express gratitude, not obligation. The oxen (strength), rams (leadership), goats (atonement), and lambs (innocence) together picture the fullness of reconciliation, anticipating the messianic feast (Isaiah 25:6, Luke 14:16-24).