Numbers 7:88

Authorized King James Version

And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְכֹ֞ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
בְּקַ֣ר׀
And all the oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#3
זֶ֣בַח
for the sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#4
הַשְּׁלָמִ֗ים
of the peace offerings
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
#5
עֶשְׂרִ֣ים
were twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#6
וְאַרְבָּעָה֮
and four
four
#7
פָּרִים֒
bullocks
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#8
אֵילִ֤ם
the rams
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#9
שִׁשִּׁ֑ים
sixty
sixty
#10
עַתֻּדִ֣ים
the he goats
prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people
#11
שִׁשִּׁ֑ים
sixty
sixty
#12
כְּבָשִׂ֥ים
the lambs
a ram (just old enough to butt)
#13
בְּנֵֽי
of the first
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
שָׁנָ֖ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#15
שִׁשִּׁ֑ים
sixty
sixty
#16
זֹ֚את
this (often used adverb)
#17
חֲנֻכַּ֣ת
This was the dedication
initiation, i.e., consecration
#18
הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
of the altar
an altar
#19
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#20
הִמָּשַׁ֥ח
that it was anointed
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
#21
אֹתֽוֹ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of peace reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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