Numbers 7:81
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 common sacrifice in Israel's worship, offered daily (morning and evening) in addition to special occasions. The complete consumption distinguished it from other offerings where portions were eaten. Leviticus 1 details the burnt offering regulations, emphasizing the necessity of blood atonement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the burnt offering's complete consumption challenge half-hearted discipleship or partial obedience?
- What does Naphtali's identical burnt offering (despite being last) teach about the equal access to God that all believers possess through Christ?
- Why did God require three different animals for the burnt offering rather than one, and what might this reveal about Christ's atonement?
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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 בֶּן־שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה, par echad ben-baqar ayil echad keves-echad ben-shenato le'olah)—The burnt offering (olah, עֹלָה, "ascension") represents total consecration. The bullock (strength), ram (substitution), and firstling lamb (innocence) together form a triad pointing to Christ's multifaceted atonement.
Naphtali, though last in order, brings the same costly worship as Judah. The lamb of the first year (בֶּן־שְׁנָתוֹ, ben-shenato, "son of its year") must be without blemish, prefiguring Christ as the spotless Lamb offered in the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4). The burnt offering's complete consumption by fire symbolizes that partial obedience is not acceptable—God requires all.