Numbers 15:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 15:8 details the specific requirements for preparing a bullock as an offering, particularly for a burnt offering, a sacrifice made in fulfillment of a vow, or a peace offering to the LORD. This verse is part of a larger section outlining supplementary laws for offerings, emphasizing the meticulousness, intentionality, and generosity expected in Israelite worship as they prepared to enter and settle in the Promised Land. It underscores the sanctity of approaching God and the importance of adhering to divine instruction in all acts of devotion and covenant fidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 15 opens with a series of supplementary laws concerning offerings, specifically detailing the accompanying grain and drink offerings for various animal sacrifices. These regulations follow immediately after the narrative of Israel's rebellion at Kadesh Barnea and the subsequent divine judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering. Despite their failure, God reaffirms His covenant presence and provides detailed instructions for worship, anticipating their eventual entry into the land. Verses 1-16 establish general rules for offerings made by both Israelites and resident aliens, while verses 8-10 specifically address the preparation of a bullock, a significant and costly animal, for particular types of sacrifices, reinforcing the comprehensive and precise nature of their worship. This section ensures that even after a major setback, the path to proper worship and reconciliation with God remains clearly defined.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Numbers chronicles Israel's journey from Sinai to the plains of Moab, a period of transition from a nomadic existence to preparation for settled life in Canaan. The sacrificial system, central to Israelite worship, was divinely ordained at Mount Sinai and elaborated upon in Leviticus. These laws in Numbers 15 serve to reinforce and expand upon those foundational principles, ensuring continuity and proper practice as the nation matured and prepared to establish itself in the land. The offering of a "bullock" (a young bull) signified a substantial and valuable gift, reflecting the economic realities of an agrarian society where livestock was a primary form of wealth. The meticulous instructions for offerings underscored the cultural understanding of purity, holiness, and the necessity of proper ritual to maintain covenant relationship with a holy God. Vows were also a significant cultural practice, binding individuals to solemn promises before God, and their fulfillment was considered a grave matter of integrity.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 15:8 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Holiness and Precision in Worship**, emphasizing that access to God and maintenance of the covenant relationship required strict adherence to His commands, not casual or arbitrary acts. The detailed instructions for the bullock offering, whether as a [burnt offering](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"), a vow offering, or a [peace offering](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Peace Offering"), underscore the **Completeness of Devotion** and the principle of offering one's best to the LORD. The mention of "performing a vow" reinforces the theme of **Covenant Fidelity and the Sanctity of Promises**, reminding the Israelites of the seriousness of their commitments to God, a principle echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows"). Furthermore, the inclusion of "peace offerings" points to the theme of **Fellowship and Reconciliation with God**, as these sacrifices were unique in allowing the offerer to partake in the meal, symbolizing communion. These detailed regulations served to instill a deep sense of reverence and responsibility in the people concerning their relationship with their divine King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par_):** This term refers to a young bull, typically unblemished and of significant value. Its selection for various offerings, particularly those of a solemn or comprehensive nature, underscored the principle of offering one's best to God. The bullock was a substantial sacrifice, representing a considerable investment and a deep commitment on the part of the offerer, signifying the gravity and importance of the occasion.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _ʿōlāh_):** Derived from a root meaning "to ascend," the _ʿōlāh_ was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. This offering symbolized complete dedication, atonement, and the total surrender of the offerer to the LORD. It was a sacrifice of propitiation and devotion, representing the worshiper's desire for full reconciliation and acceptance before God.
* **Performing a Vow (Hebrew, _lᵉhap̄lîʾ neḏer_):** This phrase literally means "to make a special vow" or "to perform a vow wonderfully/extraordinarily." It refers to a solemn, voluntary promise made to God, often in exchange for a specific blessing or as an expression of profound devotion. The offering associated with such a vow was not merely routine but a specific act of fulfilling a personal, weighty commitment, highlighting the integrity required in one's relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when thou preparest a bullock":** This opening clause sets the stage for a specific sacrificial act, indicating that the instructions apply to the preparation of a young bull. The use of "thou" (singular) implies that these laws are applicable to any individual Israelite or even a resident alien who might bring such an offering, emphasizing personal responsibility in worship. The "preparation" implies a meticulous process, from selecting an unblemished animal to its ritual slaughter and presentation.
* **"[for] a burnt offering":** This specifies the first category of sacrifice for which the bullock might be prepared. As an _ʿōlāh_, the burnt offering was wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement. Its inclusion here indicates that a bullock was a suitable and significant animal for this most comprehensive of sacrifices, demonstrating the worshiper's total surrender to God.
* **"or [for] a sacrifice in performing a vow":** This clause introduces a second context for the bullock offering: the fulfillment of a solemn vow. Vows were voluntary commitments made to God, and their performance was a critical aspect of covenant faithfulness. Offering a bullock for this purpose underscored the seriousness and magnitude of the vow, reflecting a profound personal commitment and the importance of integrity before the LORD.
* **"or peace offerings unto the LORD:":** The final category mentioned is the peace offering (_šᵉlāmîm_). Unlike the burnt offering, portions of the peace offering were consumed by the offerer and priests, symbolizing fellowship and communion with God and with fellow worshipers. The bullock, a substantial animal, would provide a significant amount of meat for such a communal meal, emphasizing the celebration of peace, wholeness, and a right relationship with the LORD.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 15:8 primarily employs **Legalistic Language**, characteristic of the Pentateuchal law codes, which provides precise instructions for ritual practice. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration** by listing three distinct purposes for offering a bullock (burnt offering, vow offering, peace offering), which highlights the versatility of this particular animal in the sacrificial system and the various contexts in which profound devotion could be expressed. Furthermore, there is subtle **Symbolism** at play: the bullock itself symbolizes a significant and costly gift, representing the worshiper's best, while the different types of offerings symbolize distinct aspects of the relationship with God—total surrender (**Burnt Offering**), covenant integrity (**Vow Offering**), and communal fellowship (**Peace Offering**). The meticulous detail in the instructions underscores the **Thematic Reinforcement** of God's holiness and the necessity of precise obedience in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:8, by detailing the preparation of a bullock for various offerings, underscores foundational theological principles concerning humanity's relationship with a holy God. It emphasizes that proper worship is not arbitrary but requires intentionality, precision, and a willingness to offer one's most valuable possessions. The burnt offering speaks to the need for complete surrender and atonement, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and the worshiper's dependence. The vow offering highlights the sanctity of promises made to God, reinforcing the importance of integrity and faithfulness in covenant relationship. The peace offering, on the other hand, points to the possibility of joyous fellowship and communion with God, celebrating the wholeness and well-being that comes from a right relationship with Him. Together, these aspects reveal a God who desires both reverence and relationship, demanding a costly yet accessible path for His people to draw near.

* [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Burnt Offering Requirements")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Leviticus 7:11-18](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-18 - Law of the Peace Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Old Testament sacrificial system have been fulfilled and superseded by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles of Numbers 15:8 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. This verse calls us to consider the quality and intention of our worship. Are we offering God our "bullock"—our best, our most valuable, our whole selves—or merely what is convenient or leftover? It challenges us to approach God with reverence, precision, and wholeheartedness, understanding that true worship is not casual but a deliberate act of devotion. Furthermore, the emphasis on fulfilling vows reminds us of the sanctity of our commitments, both to God and to others. Our "yes" should be yes, and our "no" should be no, reflecting integrity in our words and actions. Ultimately, this passage invites us to reflect on the immense cost of true devotion and the profound peace that comes from being in right relationship with God, a peace made possible not by our sacrifices, but by the ultimate sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to offer my "bullock"—my best and most valuable—to the LORD?**
* **How does the meticulousness required in Old Testament offerings inform my approach to worship and spiritual disciplines today?**
* **What vows or commitments have I made to God or others that I need to faithfully fulfill, reflecting integrity in my walk?**
* **How does the concept of "peace offerings" encourage me to seek deeper fellowship and communion with God and with fellow believers?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of offering a "bullock" specifically?**

Answer: The offering of a "bullock" (a young bull) was significant primarily due to its high value and prime condition. In an agrarian society, a bullock represented substantial wealth and a significant investment. Therefore, offering a bullock symbolized offering one's best and most valuable possession to the LORD, demonstrating a profound level of devotion, sacrifice, and commitment. It was a costly offering, signifying the gravity and importance of the occasion, whether for atonement, the fulfillment of a solemn vow, or an expression of peace and fellowship with God. This principle of offering one's best is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing that God deserves the highest honor and the most sincere devotion from His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 15:8, with its detailed instructions for the various offerings of a bullock, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "burnt offering," symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, is perfectly realized in Christ, who offered Himself as the singular, all-sufficient sacrifice, entirely consumed by the Father's will and for the reconciliation of humanity ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Singular Sacrifice")). His death on the cross was the ultimate act of total surrender, ascending to God as a fragrant aroma ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Furthermore, Christ perfectly "performed a vow" not of His own making, but the eternal vow of God to redeem humanity, fulfilling every prophetic word and covenant promise through His obedience unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He is the faithful and true witness, whose "yes" is always "yes" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Finally, the "peace offerings," which brought fellowship and communion, are gloriously fulfilled in Christ, who is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Through His blood, He has established a new covenant, providing true and lasting peace with God, enabling us to draw near with confidence and share in the divine fellowship ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The elaborate Old Testament sacrificial system, including the offering of the bullock, was a shadow pointing to the substantive reality of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and makes perfect peace possible ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.