Numbers 29 2

Numbers 29:2 kjv

And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savor unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

Numbers 29:2 nkjv

You shall offer a burnt offering as a sweet aroma to the LORD: one young bull, one ram, and seven lambs in their first year, without blemish.

Numbers 29:2 niv

As an aroma pleasing to the LORD, offer a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect.

Numbers 29:2 esv

and you shall offer a burnt offering, for a pleasing aroma to the LORD: one bull from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish;

Numbers 29:2 nlt

On that day you must present a burnt offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. It will consist of one young bull, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs, all with no defects.

Numbers 29 verses

Numbers 29 2 Meaning

Numbers 29:2 prescribes the specific animals to be offered as a olah (burnt offering) on the first day of the seventh month, which is the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah). This offering consists of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs, all required to be one year old and without blemish. The text emphasizes that this offering is "to the Lord" and is accepted by Him as a "pleasing aroma," indicating divine satisfaction and approval of the worship rendered according to His precise commands. It underscores the sanctity of the festival and the meticulous adherence required for Israel's approach to their holy God.

Numbers 29 2 Context

Numbers Chapter 29 is part of a larger section (Chapters 28-29) detailing the precise instructions for sacrifices required during Israel's annual feasts. Specifically, verse 2 focuses on the burnt offering for the Feast of Trumpets (Num 29:1), a "holy convocation" on the first day of the seventh month. This festival was unique, marked by the blowing of trumpets, signaling a solemn time of introspection leading up to the Day of Atonement. The preceding chapter (Num 28) outlines the daily, Sabbath, new moon, and Passover/Weeks offerings, emphasizing the constant nature of worship. This verse, within its liturgical context, underscores God's meticulous demands for worship, providing specific quantities and qualities of offerings to ensure Israel's obedience, holiness, and fellowship with Him within their covenant. The detail here contrasts with common pagan practices of the ancient Near East, which often involved arbitrary, sometimes violent, or less valuable offerings. God's demands highlight His perfect nature, requiring only the unblemished and specific for reconciliation and communion.

Numbers 29 2 Word analysis

• "And you shall offer": From the Hebrew wĕhiqrǎḇtem (וְהִקְרַבְתֶּם), meaning "you shall bring near" or "present." This signifies an act commanded by God, underscoring the Israelite's responsibility and the need for proximity to God through established ritual.

• "a burnt offering": olah (עֹלָה). Literally "that which goes up" (consumed entirely by fire on the altar, except the hide), symbolizing complete devotion, atonement, and dedication ascending to God. It represented full surrender and purification for general sin and was an act of complete worship.

• "to the Lord": la-YHWH (לַיהוָה). Explicitly designates Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, as the sole recipient of all prescribed worship, emphasizing His unique claim over His people.

• "as a pleasing aroma": rêaḥ nîḥōaḥ (רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ). Translates to "soothing odor" or "sweet aroma." This is a theological rather than a literal olfactory statement, signifying God's gracious acceptance and satisfaction with the offering when presented in obedience and faith, as He prescribed. It points to divine favor and propitiation.

• "one young bull": par ben baqar (פַּר בֶּן בָּקָר). A male bovine, typically the most valuable and largest animal offered. Its inclusion signifies the high importance and costliness of this specific festival offering.

• "one ram": 'ayil 'eḥad (אַיִל אֶחָד). A mature male sheep. Rams were standard sacrificial animals, often symbolizing leadership or general offerings.

• "and seven male lambs a year old": kĕḇaśîm bənê šānâ šibah` (כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי שָׁנָה שִׁבְעָה). Male lambs of prime age. Lambs denote innocence and purity, and were frequently used in atonement. The number "seven" (שִׁבְעָה) in biblical context often denotes completeness, perfection, or divine order, emphasizing the sacred and perfect nature of this day and its accompanying sacrifices.

• "without blemish": təmîmim (תְּמִימִם). Plural of tamim (תָּמִים), meaning "whole," "complete," "perfect," or "sound." This was a universal and crucial requirement for all animals offered to God. It signified the holiness of God, who accepts nothing less than perfect for worship and atonement, foreshadowing Christ's own spotless sacrifice (Heb 9:14, 1 Pet 1:19). It also ensures that the offeror gives their very best to God.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And you shall offer a burnt offering...to the Lord": This phrase highlights divine command for a direct and exclusive act of worship and reconciliation with Yahweh.
  • "as a pleasing aroma...without blemish": These two phrases connect the absolute purity and perfection of the offering with its divine acceptance, establishing that God's approval is contingent upon strict adherence to His standards of holiness.
  • "one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old": The detailed specificity of animals (type, age, and quantity) underlines the meticulousness of God's liturgical law, leaving no room for approximation. This highlights the importance of precise obedience in worship.

Numbers 29 2 Bonus section

The significant offerings prescribed for the Feast of Trumpets in this verse (more substantial than many regular festival offerings) suggest the unique gravity and anticipatory nature of this holy day, marking the spiritual "new year" and a call to readiness for the coming Day of Atonement. The consistent repetition of the "pleasing aroma" motif throughout the Mosaic Law, across various offerings, serves as a theological affirmation that God, in His graciousness, accepts the faith-filled, obedient acts of His covenant people. While animal sacrifices in themselves could not truly cleanse from sin, they pointed forward to the definitive work of Christ. Furthermore, the combination of bull, ram, and lambs could signify the breadth of the offering, from strength to innocence, covering a comprehensive dedication.

Numbers 29 2 Commentary

Numbers 29:2 precisely defines the olah (burnt offering) required for the Feast of Trumpets, signifying the importance of this sacred day. This offering, consisting of a costly young bull, a ram, and seven young male lambs, all perfect and blemish-free, represented Israel's complete dedication and provided general atonement. When presented in obedient faith, it became a "pleasing aroma" to God, signifying His acceptance and the reconciliation of His people. The specificity and demands for purity within these commands consistently point to God's holy character and His desire for an unblemished offering, ultimately fulfilled in the single, perfect, and all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself "without blemish" to God. This verse teaches the unchanging principle that God accepts only that which meets His standard of holiness.