Numbers 15:8

And when thou preparest a bullock [for] a burnt offering, or [for] a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:

And when thou preparest {H6213} a bullock {H1121}{H1241} for a burnt offering {H5930}, or for a sacrifice {H2077} in performing {H6381} a vow {H5088}, or peace offerings {H8002} unto the LORD {H3068}:

"'When you prepare a bull as a burnt offering, as a sacrifice to fulfill a special vow or as peace offerings for ADONAI,

When you prepare a young bull as a burnt offering or sacrifice to fulfill a vow or as a peace offering to the LORD,

And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt-offering, or for a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or for peace-offerings unto Jehovah;

Commentary

Context

Numbers 15 outlines supplementary laws concerning offerings, particularly as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. These regulations ensured that the people understood the proper accompanying elements for various animal sacrifices, reinforcing the meticulousness required in their worship. Verse 8 specifically addresses the preparation of a bullock, a significant and valuable animal, for different types of solemn occasions, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their devotion to the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Precision in Worship: The detailed instructions for preparing offerings underscore God's absolute holiness and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence and adherence to His specific commands. This attention to detail shows that worship was not casual but a serious, sacred act.
  • Completeness of Devotion: The bullock, as a substantial offering, symbolizes a significant act of devotion. When offered as a burnt offering (olah, "that which ascends"), it was entirely consumed, representing complete surrender and dedication to the LORD. This signifies giving one's best and all to God.
  • Fulfilling Commitments: The mention of "performing a vow" highlights the sacred nature of promises made to God. The Old Testament emphasized the importance of fulfilling such commitments, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:21. It teaches the seriousness of our words before God.
  • Fellowship and Peace: Peace offerings (shelamim), derived from shalom (peace, wholeness), were unique in that portions were shared by the offerer, symbolizing fellowship and communion with God and with fellow worshippers. They celebrated a state of well-being and reconciliation.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "bullock" is par, denoting a young bull. Its selection for various offerings often highlighted its prime condition and value, underscoring the principle of offering one's best to God.
  • "Burnt offering" is translated from the Hebrew olah, meaning "that which ascends." This emphasizes that the sacrifice was entirely consumed by fire, ascending as a fragrant aroma to God, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement.
  • "Peace offerings" comes from the Hebrew shelamim, deeply connected to the word shalom, signifying wholeness, well-being, and peace. These offerings were about establishing or maintaining a right relationship and communion with God.

Practical Application

While the specific ritual practices of the Old Testament sacrificial system are no longer observed due to the perfect sacrifice of Christ, the principles behind Numbers 15:8 remain highly relevant:

  • Intentional and Wholehearted Worship: Just as the Israelites were to be intentional and precise in their offerings, believers today are called to approach worship with reverence, preparation, and wholeheartedness. Our worship should be a deliberate act of giving our best to God, whether in prayer, praise, or service.
  • Integrity in Promises: The emphasis on fulfilling vows reminds us of the importance of integrity in our commitments, both to God and to others. As Matthew 5:37 teaches, our "yes" should truly mean yes.
  • Christ, Our Ultimate Sacrifice: Ultimately, these Old Testament sacrifices, including the bullock for various offerings, pointed forward to Jesus Christ. He became the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for sin, establishing a new covenant through His blood. Through Him, we have true peace, fellowship, and access to God without the need for animal sacrifices. Our peace with God is now secured by His finished work on the cross.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 3:1

    ¶ And if his oblation [be] a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer [it] of the herd; whether [it be] a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

  • Leviticus 7:11

    ¶ And this [is] the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 7:18

    And if [any] of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.

  • Leviticus 1:3

    ¶ If his offering [be] a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.
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