Numbers 29:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 29:10
10 A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:
Chapter Context
Numbers 29 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, faith, love. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 29:10
10 A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:
Analysis
A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs—The Hebrew issaron issaron (tenth part, tenth part) emphasizes individual portions. Each of seven lambs received one ephah-tenth of fine flour, totaling seven esronim. Seven, the covenant number, signified completeness.
This meticulous distribution demonstrated God's attention to detail in worship. No lamb was overlooked, no offering slighted—a pattern reflected in Christ's care for individual sheep (John 10:3) and the Spirit's diverse gifts distributed 'severally as he will' (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Historical Context
The language 'throughout the seven lambs' uses lekol hakevashim shiv'ah, stressing comprehensive inclusion. In tabernacle practice (1445-1000 BC), priests measured portions precisely using standardized vessels, maintaining consistency across Israel's far-flung tribes when they gathered for festivals.
Reflection
- How does God's attention to each lamb's portion encourage believers about His intimate knowledge of individual needs?
- What does the number seven's recurrence in sacrificial law teach about God's covenant faithfulness?
Word Studies
- Lamb: שֶׂה / כֶּבֶשׂ (Seh / Kebes) H3532 - Lamb, young sheep