Numbers 29: A Season of Offerings, A Heart of Gratitude
And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.
And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the Lord; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish:
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram,
And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:
Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord.
And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein:
But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the Lord for a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish:
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, and two tenth deals to one ram,
A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:
One kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.
And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days:
And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,
And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings.
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein:
But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:
Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
These things ye shall do unto the Lord in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.
And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the Lord commanded Moses.
Numbers 29 details the specific offerings required during three significant holy observances: the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Festival of Shelters. These festivals punctuated the Jewish calendar, providing opportunities for remembrance, repentance, and renewed dedication to God. Understanding these rituals offers a window into the heart of Israelite worship and points forward to the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.
The Festival of Trumpets (Numbers 29:1-6)
The first day of the seventh month, later known as Rosh Hashanah, marked the Jewish New Year. It was a day set apart for rest and remembrance, distinguished by the blowing of trumpets (Numbers 29:1). More than just a festive occasion, it was a call to reflection and a reminder of God's covenant with His people. In addition to the regular New Moon offerings, monthly burnt offerings, and daily burnt offerings, special sacrifices were prescribed (Numbers 29:6). This highlights a crucial principle: as we grow in our relationship with God and mark special occasions, our dedication and worship should increase, not diminish.
The Day of Atonement (Numbers 29:7-11)
Following the joyous celebration of the Festival of Trumpets came the solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This was, and remains, the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar. It was a time for deep introspection, confession, and mourning over sin. The high priest would enter the Most Holy Place, a sacred act performed only once a year, to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, making atonement for the people (see Leviticus 16:1-34). This day was characterized by self-denial, often through fasting (Numbers 29:7), and the sacrifice of a male goat as a sin offering (Numbers 29:11).
For Christians, the Day of Atonement finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His substitutionary death on the cross provides complete and final atonement for our sins (see Hebrews 9:28), rendering the need for repeated sacrifices obsolete. Yom Kippur serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin and the immeasurable grace offered through Christ's sacrifice.
The Festival of Shelters (Numbers 29:12-38)
The Festival of Shelters, also known as the Festival of Tabernacles or Booths, was a week-long celebration commemorating God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. During this festival, the Israelites were to leave their homes and dwell in temporary shelters constructed of branches and greenery, remembering their ancestors' dependence on God's provision and deliverance. It served as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness throughout their history.
Because of its extended duration, the Festival of Shelters required a significant number of offerings, reflecting the abundance of the harvest and the people's gratitude to God. Each day had specific instructions, including a decreasing number of young bulls sacrificed, starting with thirteen on the first day (Numbers 29:13-16) and decreasing to seven on the seventh day (Numbers 29:32). The eighth day was a solemn assembly, similar to the first, with a cessation of work and the presentation of prescribed offerings (Numbers 29:35). The sheer volume of offerings underscores the importance of expressing heartfelt thanksgiving to God for His provision and blessings.
The Heart Behind the Offerings (Numbers 29:39-40)
Numbers 29 concludes by emphasizing that these prescribed sacrifices and festivals were to be observed in addition to any vows or freewill offerings individuals might choose to bring to God (Numbers 29:39). This highlights the importance of a willing and grateful heart in worship. God desires not just adherence to rituals, but a genuine expression of love and devotion.
The numerous and costly offerings required of the Israelites were a significant investment. Yet, they paled in comparison to the immense grace God had shown them. He had chosen them as His own, redeemed them from slavery, and entered into a covenant relationship with them. The offerings were an expression of gratitude for this unparalleled grace and a commitment to honoring their covenant with Him.
Numbers 29 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering God's faithfulness, repenting of our sins, and expressing our gratitude through acts of worship and obedience. While the specific sacrifices detailed in this chapter are no longer required, the principles of heartfelt devotion and sacrificial giving remain relevant for believers today. Let us examine our own hearts and ask ourselves: Are we offering God our best, both in our worship and in our daily lives?
And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.
And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the Lord; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish:
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram,
And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:
Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord.
And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein:
But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the Lord for a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish:
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, and two tenth deals to one ram,
A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:
One kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.
And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days:
And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,
And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings.
And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein:
But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:
Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
These things ye shall do unto the Lord in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.
And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the Lord commanded Moses.
Numbers 29 details the specific offerings required during three significant holy observances: the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Festival of Shelters. These festivals punctuated the Jewish calendar, providing opportunities for remembrance, repentance, and renewed dedication to God. Understanding these rituals offers a window into the heart of Israelite worship and points forward to the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.
The Festival of Trumpets (Numbers 29:1-6)
The first day of the seventh month, later known as Rosh Hashanah, marked the Jewish New Year. It was a day set apart for rest and remembrance, distinguished by the blowing of trumpets (Numbers 29:1). More than just a festive occasion, it was a call to reflection and a reminder of God's covenant with His people. In addition to the regular New Moon offerings, monthly burnt offerings, and daily burnt offerings, special sacrifices were prescribed (Numbers 29:6). This highlights a crucial principle: as we grow in our relationship with God and mark special occasions, our dedication and worship should increase, not diminish.
The Day of Atonement (Numbers 29:7-11)
Following the joyous celebration of the Festival of Trumpets came the solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This was, and remains, the most sacred day on the Jewish calendar. It was a time for deep introspection, confession, and mourning over sin. The high priest would enter the Most Holy Place, a sacred act performed only once a year, to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, making atonement for the people (see Leviticus 16:1-34). This day was characterized by self-denial, often through fasting (Numbers 29:7), and the sacrifice of a male goat as a sin offering (Numbers 29:11).
For Christians, the Day of Atonement finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His substitutionary death on the cross provides complete and final atonement for our sins (see Hebrews 9:28), rendering the need for repeated sacrifices obsolete. Yom Kippur serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin and the immeasurable grace offered through Christ's sacrifice.
The Festival of Shelters (Numbers 29:12-38)
The Festival of Shelters, also known as the Festival of Tabernacles or Booths, was a week-long celebration commemorating God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. During this festival, the Israelites were to leave their homes and dwell in temporary shelters constructed of branches and greenery, remembering their ancestors' dependence on God's provision and deliverance. It served as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness throughout their history.
Because of its extended duration, the Festival of Shelters required a significant number of offerings, reflecting the abundance of the harvest and the people's gratitude to God. Each day had specific instructions, including a decreasing number of young bulls sacrificed, starting with thirteen on the first day (Numbers 29:13-16) and decreasing to seven on the seventh day (Numbers 29:32). The eighth day was a solemn assembly, similar to the first, with a cessation of work and the presentation of prescribed offerings (Numbers 29:35). The sheer volume of offerings underscores the importance of expressing heartfelt thanksgiving to God for His provision and blessings.
The Heart Behind the Offerings (Numbers 29:39-40)
Numbers 29 concludes by emphasizing that these prescribed sacrifices and festivals were to be observed in addition to any vows or freewill offerings individuals might choose to bring to God (Numbers 29:39). This highlights the importance of a willing and grateful heart in worship. God desires not just adherence to rituals, but a genuine expression of love and devotion.
The numerous and costly offerings required of the Israelites were a significant investment. Yet, they paled in comparison to the immense grace God had shown them. He had chosen them as His own, redeemed them from slavery, and entered into a covenant relationship with them. The offerings were an expression of gratitude for this unparalleled grace and a commitment to honoring their covenant with Him.
Numbers 29 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering God's faithfulness, repenting of our sins, and expressing our gratitude through acts of worship and obedience. While the specific sacrifices detailed in this chapter are no longer required, the principles of heartfelt devotion and sacrificial giving remain relevant for believers today. Let us examine our own hearts and ask ourselves: Are we offering God our best, both in our worship and in our daily lives?