Numbers 29 8

Numbers 29:8 kjv

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

Numbers 29:8 nkjv

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

Numbers 29:8 niv

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

Numbers 29:8 esv

but you shall offer a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma: one bull from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old: see that they are without blemish.

Numbers 29:8 nlt

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 8 Meaning

Numbers 29:8 specifies the character of the eighth day following the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This day, known as Shemini Atzeret, is ordained as a "holy convocation," signifying a sacred assembly commanded by God for communal worship. On this day, no "laborious work" is to be performed, requiring a cessation from regular vocational activities to dedicate the day entirely to the Lord's purposes and worship.

Numbers 29 8 Context

Numbers 29 provides detailed instructions for the daily and festival offerings to be made by the Israelites throughout the year. Specifically, verses 1-38 outline the prescribed burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings for each major feast day: the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Numbers 29:12-34 describes the seven days of Sukkot, noting a decrease in the number of bull offerings daily. Verse 8, along with 29:35-38, focuses on the "eighth day" known as Shemini Atzeret, which literally means "the Eighth Day of Assembly" or "The Eighth Day of Restraint." It follows Sukkot but is a distinct holiday, signifying a concluding assembly before God and a final solemn cessation from labor, contrasting with Sukkot's joyous dwelling in booths. Historically, these festivals were central to Israelite life, fostering communal identity, worship, and remembrance of God's covenantal acts. They served as vital expressions of devotion to Yahweh, distinguishing Israel's worship from the often chaotic and immoral cult practices of surrounding pagan nations. The structured and holy nature of these assemblies also indirectly provided a polemic against foreign rites lacking such sacred boundaries.

Numbers 29 8 Word analysis

• And on the eighth day (וּבַיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁמִינִ֔י - u'vayom ha-sh'mini):
  • And on the eighth day: The conjunction "And" connects this day directly to the preceding week of Sukkot, yet marks it as distinct. The word "eighth" (שְׁמִינִי - shemini) is significant biblically. The number eight often symbolizes new beginnings, completion beyond a perfect seven, circumcision (Gen 17:12), and resurrection (Christ rose on the first day of the week, which can be seen as an "eighth day" after the week's end). It implies a unique, final, and sacred encounter with God. This day concludes the intense cycle of autumn festivals and marks a transition.
• you shall have (יִהְיֶ֥ה לָכֶ֛ם - yih'yeh lachem):
  • you shall have: This is a direct divine imperative, a command from God, indicating an obligation and an expectation for the Israelites. It emphasizes the God-ordained nature of this day.
• a holy convocation. (מִקְרָא־קֹ֣דֶשׁ - mikra qodesh):
  • a holy convocation: This Hebrew phrase (מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ) refers to an assembly called for a sacred purpose, often by God Himself. It implies a mandatory, set-apart gathering dedicated to worship, instruction, and communion with God. It is not merely a social gathering but a sacred assembly where God's presence is expected. The holiness (qodesh) imbues the assembly with a set-apart nature.
• You shall do no laborious work. (כָּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ - kol-m'lekhet avodah lo ta'asu):
  • You shall do no: A strict prohibition.
  • laborious work: The Hebrew phrase מְלֶכֶת עֲבֹדָה (melekhet avodah) means "work of service/labor" or "servile work." This phrase often denotes ordinary, everyday occupations, labor, or physical toil that serves one's own sustenance or regular economic activity. It explicitly prohibits these types of activities, distinct from "work" like preparing food which might be permitted on some festival days. This ensures that the entire focus of the day remains on spiritual devotion and rest in God's presence, rather than personal gain or worldly distraction. This is a common prohibition for sacred festival days, ensuring Israel's full attention to Yahweh.

Numbers 29 8 Bonus section

The uniqueness of Shemini Atzeret (the Eighth Day) as a stand-alone festival, following immediately after Sukkot, emphasizes its distinct theological significance. While Sukkot involved seven days of dwelling in temporary booths to commemorate Israel's wilderness wanderings and God's provision, Shemini Atzeret is observed within homes. It serves as a bridge, transitioning from the outdoor, historical celebration of Sukkot back to the regular rhythms of life, but carrying a renewed spiritual anointing. The rabbis interpreted this day as God's personal invitation to Israel, "Just one more day; I have kept you by Me for Myself" after the joy of the universal Sukkot pilgrimage. It's often associated with special prayer for rain, crucial for the land of Israel's upcoming agricultural season, further linking it to God's continued provision and blessing. This "eighth day" motif deeply echoes themes of a new beginning, as seen in circumcision on the eighth day and Christ's resurrection on the eighth day (the first day of the week), hinting at spiritual renewal and eternal life.

Numbers 29 8 Commentary

Numbers 29:8 announces Shemini Atzeret as a climactic conclusion to the annual festival cycle, distinct yet intertwined with Sukkot. This "eighth day" underscores a divinely appointed period of concentrated communion with God. The call for a "holy convocation" signifies that the day's purpose is not rest for rest's sake, but for sacred assembly dedicated to Yahweh. The prohibition against "laborious work" liberates the people from mundane concerns, allowing their full attention to turn towards divine matters, communal worship, and reflection on God's covenant faithfulness. The singularity of this "eighth day" after the seven days of booths symbolically moves beyond the temporal dwelling with God, inviting Israel into an intimate and profound personal encounter, as if an extended private audience before their departure. It reflects a theological theme of transition from the communal joy of harvest to a solemn, dedicated rest. This ultimate cessation of work foreshadows the spiritual rest found in Christ and the eternal, complete rest awaiting God's people in His presence, a new beginning after the cycle of earthly toils.