Numbers 29:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 29:20
20 And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;
Chapter Context
Numbers 29 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, holiness, judgment. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 29:20
20 And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;
Analysis
On the third day eleven bullocks—The descent continues (13, 12, 11...), maintaining rhythmic predictability. Day three's eleven bullocks plus two rams and fourteen lambs totaled 27 animals for burnt offerings alone, plus one sin offering—28 animals on one day, not counting the tamid lambs.
This massive slaughter required multiple priests working simultaneously at the bronze altar. The sheer scale of Sukkot's sacrifices distinguished it as the festival of abundance, reflecting agricultural harvest and anticipating Messianic banquet imagery (Isaiah 25:6, Matthew 22:1-14, Revelation 19:9).
Historical Context
Bronze altar dimensions (Exodus 27:1—7.5 feet square, 4.5 feet high) limited simultaneous carcass processing. Priests worked in coordinated teams: slaughterers, blood-sprinklers, butchers, fire-tenders. The Mishnah (Tamid 3-4) describes this choreography, preserved from Second Temple practice.
Reflection
- How does Sukkot's extravagant sacrificial abundance prefigure the gospel's lavish grace 'exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20)?
- What does the festival's joyful generosity teach about Christian stewardship versus miserly religiosity?
Word Studies
- Lamb: שֶׂה / כֶּבֶשׂ (Seh / Kebes) H3532 - Lamb, young sheep