Numbers 29:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 29:17
17 And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
Chapter Context
Numbers 29 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, fellowship, 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 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 29:17
17 And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
Analysis
On the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks—The descending bullock count begins: day 1 = 13, day 2 = 12, continuing to day 7 = 7. This unique pattern totals 70 bullocks across seven days. While rams (2) and lambs (14) remained constant, the diminishing bullocks created asymmetry demanding explanation.
Rabbinic interpretation saw 70 bullocks representing the nations (Genesis 10), decreasing as Messiah's kingdom subdues the world. Christian typology sees the descent symbolizing the world's fading glory versus the eternal eighth day (verse 35). The pattern's intentionality underscores numerical symbolism pervading Mosaic law.
Historical Context
The second through seventh days followed identical liturgical structure—only the bullock count changed. This repetition facilitated memorization in a largely pre-literate society where oral tradition preserved Torah. Priests learned the pattern: decrease bullocks by one, maintain rams at two, lambs at fourteen, always one sin offering.
Reflection
- What does the 70-nations symbolism teach about worship's cosmic scope beyond individualistic piety?
- How might the descending pattern prefigure the 'passing away' of the old covenant once Messiah inaugurates the new (Hebrews 8:13)?
Word Studies
- Lamb: שֶׂה / כֶּבֶשׂ (Seh / Kebes) H3532 - Lamb, young sheep