TRV
Translation
King James Version
And when thou preparest a bullock for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice in performing a vow, or peace offerings unto the LORD:
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;
World English Bible Messianic
When you prepare a bull for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or for peace offerings to the LORD;
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when thou preparest a bullocke for a burnt offring, or for a sacrifice to fulfill a vowe or a peace offring to the Lord,
Young's Literal Translation
`And when thou makest a son of the herd a burnt-offering or a sacrifice, at separating a vow or peace-offerings to Jehovah,
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In the KJVVerse 4,162 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Numbers 15 verses 1–21
1 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you,
3 And will make an offering by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice in performing a vow, or in a freewill offering, or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the LORD, of the herd, or of the flock:
4 Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil.
5 And the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering shalt thou prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice, for one lamb.
6 Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oil.
7 And for a drink offering thou shalt offer the third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
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:
9 Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil.
10 And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
11 Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid.
12 According to the number that ye shall prepare, so shall ye do to every one according to their number.
13 All that are born of the country shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
14 And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do.
15 One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD.
16 One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.
17 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
18 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you,
19 Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.
20 Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for an heave offering: as ye do the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.
21 Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.
Here we have,
I. Full instructions given concerning the meat-offerings and drink-offerings, which were appendages to all the sacrifices of animals. The beginning of this law is very encouraging: When you come into the land of your habitation which I give unto you, they you shall do so and so, Num 15:2. This was a plain intimation, not only that God was reconciled to them notwithstanding the sentence he had passed upon them, but that he would secure the promised land to their seed notwithstanding their proneness to rebel against him. They might think some time or other they should be guilty of a misdemeanour that would be fatal to them, and would exclude them for ever, as the last had done for one generation; but this intimates an assurance that they should be kept from provoking God to such a degree as would amount to a forfeiture; for this statute takes it for granted that there were some of them that should in due time come into Canaan. The meat-offerings were of two sorts; some were offered alone, and we have the law concerning those, Lev 2:1, etc. Others were added to the burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, and constantly attended them, and about these direction is here given. It was requisite, since the sacrifices of acknowledgment (specified in Lev 2:3) were intended as the food of God's table, that there should be a constant provision of bread, oil, and wine, whatever the flesh-meat was. The caterers or purveyors for Solomon's temple provided fine flour, Kg1 4:22. And it was fit that God should keep a good house, that his table should be furnished with bread as well as flesh, and that his cup should run over. In my Father's house there is bread enough. Now the intent of this law is to direct what proportion the meat-offering and drink-offering should bear to several sacrifices to which they were annexed. If the sacrifice was a lamb or a kid, then the meat-offering must be a tenth-deal of flour, that is, an omer, which contained about five pints; this must be mingled with oil, the fourth part of a hin (a hin contained about five quarts), and the drink-offering must be the same quantity of wine, about a quart and half a pint, Num 15:3-5. If it was a ram, the meat-offering was doubled, two tenth-deals of flour, about five quarts, and a third part of a hin of oil (which was to them as butter is to us) mingled with it; and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, Num 15:6, Num 15:7. If the sacrifice was a bullock, the meat-offering was to be trebled, three omers, with five pints of oil, and the same quantity of wine for a drink-offering, Num 15:8-10. And thus for each sacrifice, whether offered by a particular person or at the common charge. Note, Our religious services should be governed, as by other rules, so by the rule of proportion.
II. Natives and strangers are here set upon a level, in this as in other matters (Num 15:13-16): "One law shall be for you and for the stranger that is proselyted to the Jewish religion." Now, 1. This was an invitation to the Gentiles to become proselytes, and to embrace the faith and worship of the true God. In civil things there was a difference between strangers and true-born Israelites, but not in the things of God; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord, for with him there is no respect of persons. See Isa 56:3. 2. This was an obligation upon the Jews to be kind to strangers, and not to oppress them, because they saw them owned and accepted of God. Communion in religion is a great engagement to mutual affection, and should slay all enmities. 3. It was a mortification to the pride of the Jews, who are apt to be puffed up with their birthright privileges. "We are Abraham's seed." God let them know that the sons of the stranger were as welcome to him as the sons of Jacob; no man's birth or parentage shall turn either to his advantage or his prejudice in his acceptance with God. This likewise intimated that, as believing strangers should be accounted Israelites, so unbelieving Israelites should be accounted strangers. 4. It was a happy presage of the calling of the Gentiles, and of their admission into the church. If the law made so little difference between Jew and Gentile, much less would the gospel make, which broke down the partition-wall, and reconciled both to God in one sacrifice, without the observance of the legal ceremonies.
III. A law for the offering of the first of their dough unto the Lord. This, as the former, goes upon the comfortable supposition of their having come into the promised land, Num 15:18. Now that they lived upon manna they needed not such an express acknowledgment of God's title to their daily bread, and their dependence upon him for it, the thing spoke for itself; but in Canaan, where they should eat the fruit of their own industry, God required that he should be owned as their landlord and their great benefactor. They must not only offer him the first-fruits and tenths of the corn in their fields (these had already been reserved); but when they had it in their houses, in their kneading trough, when it was almost ready to be set upon their tables, God must have a further tribute of acknowledgment, part of their dough (the Jews say a fortieth part, at least, of the whole lump) must be heaved or offered up to God (Num 15:20, Num 15:21), and the priest must have it for the use of his family. Thus they must own their dependence upon God for their daily bread, even when they had it in the house with them; they must then wait on God for the comfortable use of it; for we read of that which was brought home, and yet God did blow upon it, and it came to little, Hag 1:9. Christ has taught us to pray not, Give us this year our yearly harvest, but Give us this day our daily bread. God by this law said to the people, as the prophet long afterwards said to the widow of Sarepta (Kg1 17:13), Only make me thereof a little cake first. This offering was expressly kept up by the laws of Ezekiel's visionary temple, and it is a commandment with promise of family-mercies (Eze 44:30): You shall give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thy house; for, when God has had his dues out of our estates, we may expect the comfort of what falls to our share.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–21. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 15:8 meticulously outlines the requirements for preparing a bullock as a significant offering to the LORD, specifically for a burnt offering, a sacrifice made in fulfillment of a solemn vow, or a peace offering. This verse is integral to a broader section of supplementary laws concerning offerings, underscoring the divine expectation for meticulousness, intentionality, and generosity in Israelite worship. It emphasizes the profound sanctity of approaching God and the critical importance of adhering to precise divine instruction in all acts of devotion, covenant fidelity, and communion as the people prepared to inherit the Promised Land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 15:8 primarily employs Legalistic Language, characteristic of the Pentateuchal law codes, which provides precise and prescriptive instructions for ritual practice. This legalistic style ensures clarity, authority, and the avoidance of ambiguity in matters of worship. The verse also utilizes Enumeration by explicitly listing three distinct purposes for offering a bullock (burnt offering, vow offering, peace offering). This enumeration highlights the versatility and significance of this particular animal in the sacrificial system, as well as the various contexts—from propitiation to fellowship—in which profound devotion and covenant faithfulness could be expressed. Furthermore, there is subtle yet powerful Symbolism at play: the bullock itself symbolizes a significant and costly gift, representing the worshiper's best and most valuable offering. Each type of offering also carries its own symbolic weight, representing distinct aspects of the relationship with God—total surrender and atonement (Burnt Offering), covenant integrity and the sanctity of promises (Vow Offering), and communal fellowship and wholeness (Peace Offering). The meticulous detail in the instructions serves as a Thematic Reinforcement of God's absolute holiness and the necessity of precise obedience in drawing near to Him.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 15:8, by meticulously 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 or casual but requires intentionality, precision, and a willingness to offer one's most valuable possessions. The burnt offering speaks powerfully to the need for complete surrender and atonement, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and the worshiper's utter dependence upon His grace. The vow offering highlights the sanctity of promises made to God, reinforcing the critical importance of integrity and unwavering faithfulness in covenant relationship. The peace offering, on the other hand, points to the profound possibility of joyous fellowship and intimate 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 profound reverence and intimate relationship, demanding a costly yet accessible path for His people to draw near and experience His presence.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Old Testament sacrificial system have been perfectly fulfilled and superseded by the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles embedded in Numbers 15:8 remain profoundly relevant and transformative for contemporary believers. This verse serves as a powerful call to consider the quality, intention, and cost of our worship and devotion today. Are we truly offering God our "bullock"—our best, our most valuable resources, our whole selves, our undivided attention—or are we merely giving what is convenient, leftover, or requires minimal effort? It challenges us to approach God with profound reverence, meticulous care, and wholeheartedness, understanding that true worship is not a casual engagement but a deliberate, costly act of devotion that reflects His infinite worth. Furthermore, the emphasis on fulfilling vows reminds us of the sanctity of our commitments, both to God and to others. Our "yes" should be a reliable yes, and our "no" an unequivocal no, reflecting integrity, trustworthiness, and faithfulness in all our words and actions, mirroring the character of God Himself. 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 imperfect sacrifices, but by the ultimate, complete, and perfect sacrifice of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of offering a "bullock" specifically?
Answer: The offering of a "bullock" (a young bull, as indicated by the Hebrew terms bên H1121 and bâqâr H1241) was significant primarily due to its high value, strength, and prime condition. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, a bullock represented substantial wealth and a significant investment, often serving as a primary form of capital. 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 and vital theme throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that God, as the sovereign Creator and Covenant Keeper, deserves the highest honor and the most sincere devotion from His people (Malachi 1:8). It underscored that true worship involved personal cost and a willingness to surrender that which was precious.
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 redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "burnt offering," symbolizing complete dedication, propitiation, 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). His death on the cross was the ultimate act of total surrender, ascending to God as a fragrant aroma, pleasing and acceptable in every way (Ephesians 5:2). 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 perfect obedience unto death (Philippians 2:8). He is the faithful and true witness, the embodiment of God's promises, whose "yes" is always "yes" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Finally, the "peace offerings," which brought fellowship and communion between God and His people, are gloriously fulfilled in Christ, who is Himself our peace (Ephesians 2:14). Through His shed blood, He has established a new covenant, providing true and lasting peace with God, enabling us to draw near with confidence and share in divine fellowship, breaking down every barrier (Colossians 1:20). The elaborate Old Testament sacrificial system, including the offering of the bullock, was a divinely ordained shadow pointing to the substantive reality of Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making perfect atonement and eternal peace possible.