Numbers 29:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 29:15
15 And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:
Chapter Context
Numbers 29 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, grace, righteousness. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 29:15
15 And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:
Analysis
A several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs—Again issaron la-keves ha-echad stresses individual allocation. Fourteen lambs (double seven) amplified the covenant fullness symbolized by seven, befitting the grandest festival. The repetition across verses 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 underscores the unchanging pattern.
This regularity taught dependability in worship. God's commands weren't arbitrary mood-based preferences but covenant stipulations demanding faithful adherence. The lambs' consistency (always fourteen, always one issaron each) mirrored God's faithfulness—'the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever' (Hebrews 13:8).
Historical Context
Lamb sacrifice permeated Israelite worship from Passover's origin (Exodus 12) through daily tamid offerings. The fourteen lambs on each of seven Sukkot days (98 total) plus rams and descending bullocks created the festival calendar's most elaborate sacrificial sequence, distinguishing it from Passover and Pentecost.
Reflection
- How does the precision and repetition in these sacrificial laws combat the modern notion that worship style is merely preferential?
- What does the fourteen-lamb pattern (double perfection) suggest about abundance in Christ who fulfills all festivals?
Word Studies
- Lamb: שֶׂה / כֶּבֶשׂ (Seh / Kebes) H3532 - Lamb, young sheep