Numbers 28:27

KJV

But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year;

KJV (with Strong's)

But ye shall offer {H7126} the burnt offering {H5930} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}; two {H8147} young {H1241} bullocks {H6499}, one {H259} ram {H352}, seven {H7651} lambs {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141};

Complete Jewish Bible

but present a burnt offering as a fragrant aroma for ADONAI, consisting of two young bulls, one ram, seven male lambs in their first year,

Berean Standard Bible

Present a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old as a pleasing aroma to the LORD,

American Standard Version

but ye shall offer a burnt-offering for a sweet savor unto Jehovah: two young bullocks, one ram, seven he-lambs a year old;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 28:27 meticulously details the specific burnt offerings required for the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost (Shavuot). This verse, part of a larger section outlining Israel’s annual sacrificial calendar, underscores the divine expectation for precise, abundant, and wholehearted worship. The prescribed offerings—two young bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year—were to be presented as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, signifying His acceptance and pleasure in His people's obedient devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 28:27 is embedded within a highly prescriptive section of the Book of Numbers, specifically chapters 28 and 29, which provide an exhaustive calendar of the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual offerings required of Israel. This detailed legislation follows the wilderness wanderings and precedes the nation's entry into the Promised Land, serving as a foundational blueprint for their national worship and covenant relationship with Yahweh. The meticulous nature of these instructions emphasizes God's sovereignty and the absolute necessity of adherence to His divine ordinances for maintaining purity, atonement, and fellowship within the community. The specific instructions for the Feast of Weeks in this verse are part of a broader pattern of divine provision for regular worship, ensuring that Israel would consistently acknowledge God's holiness and their dependence on Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot in Hebrew, Pentecost in Greek) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in ancient Israel, alongside Passover and Sukkot. Celebrated fifty days after the presentation of the first sheaf of barley during Passover ([Leviticus 23:15-16](/leviticus/23-15 "Leviticus 23:15-16 - Counting to Shavuot")), it marked the culmination of the grain harvest, particularly the wheat harvest. Historically, it also commemorated the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, though this tradition developed later. The offerings prescribed in Numbers 28:27 were in addition to the regular daily and weekly offerings, highlighting the special significance of this festival. The act of offering specific animals—bullocks, rams, and lambs—was a common practice in the ancient Near East, but Israel's sacrificial system was unique in its divine origin, its purpose of atonement and fellowship with a holy God, and its strict adherence to unblemished animals. The "sweet savour" concept was also present in pagan cultures, but for Israel, it signified God's gracious acceptance of a pure offering made in faith and obedience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Prescription and Obedience**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in dictating the precise manner of worship, leaving no room for human improvisation. The detailed quantities and types of animals underscore that true worship is not arbitrary but must conform to God's revealed will. Secondly, the concept of the "burnt offering" (Hebrew: _‘olah_) as a "sweet savour" highlights the theme of **Acceptable Worship and Fellowship**. When offered according to God's command, these sacrifices were pleasing to Him, symbolizing complete dedication and fostering a restored relationship between a holy God and His people (see [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Pleasing Aroma")). Thirdly, the specific numbers—two bullocks, one ram, seven lambs—emphasize **Completeness, Abundance, and Perfection**. The number seven often signifies divine completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, suggesting a full and generous tribute. This abundance reflects God's own generosity and the Israelites' grateful response to His provision, particularly during the harvest festival. Finally, these regular, divinely ordained sacrifices served as a constant **Covenant Remembrance**, continually reminding Israel of their unique relationship with God and their ongoing need for atonement and His sustaining grace (as seen throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Worship")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _‘olah_):** Derived from the root meaning "to ascend," the _‘olah_ was unique among Israelite sacrifices in that the entire animal (except the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar, ascending as smoke to God. This complete consumption symbolized total dedication, surrender, and devotion of the worshiper to God. It was primarily an offering of atonement for unintentional sin and a general expression of devotion and worship, signifying the worshiper's desire for full communion with God.
* **Sweet Savour (Hebrew, _reakh nihoah_):** This phrase, literally "a soothing aroma" or "pleasing odor," describes God's gracious acceptance and delight in the offering. It is an anthropomorphic expression, portraying God as experiencing pleasure from the sacrifice. This "sweet savour" indicates that the offering was made according to God's will, with the right heart, and thus achieved its intended purpose of reconciliation and fellowship. It signifies that the offering was not merely a ritual but a genuine act of worship that found favor in the eyes of the Holy One.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD;":** This opening clause establishes the purpose and nature of the offering. It is a "burnt offering" (_‘olah_), signifying total dedication and atonement, and its ultimate goal is to be a "sweet savour" to Yahweh, meaning it is to be acceptable and pleasing to Him. This highlights the divine initiative in prescribing worship and the divine standard for its acceptance. The emphasis is on God's reception of the offering, not merely the human act of giving.
* **"two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year;":** This specifies the precise quantity and quality of animals required for this particular burnt offering during the Feast of Weeks. The "young bullocks" and "lambs of the first year" signify unblemished, prime, and valuable animals, representing the best of the flock. The specific numbers (two, one, seven) are not arbitrary but divinely ordained, contributing to the theme of completeness and abundance. This detail underscores the meticulous nature of God's commands and the gravity with which Israel was to approach their worship, offering a generous and perfect tribute.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 28:27, though prescriptive, employs several literary techniques. **Precision** is paramount, with the exact quantities and types of animals specified, reflecting the divine order and the non-negotiable nature of God's commands for worship. This precision also serves as a form of **Repetition** when viewed within the broader context of Numbers 28-29, where similar detailed instructions are given for various festivals, reinforcing the importance of adherence. The phrase "sweet savour" is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human sensory experience (smell) to God, making His acceptance and pleasure relatable. This imagery also functions as **Symbolism**, where the aroma symbolizes divine favor and the successful culmination of the sacrificial act in establishing or reaffirming fellowship. The numerical specifications (two, one, seven) carry **Symbolic Numerology**, particularly the number seven, which frequently denotes completeness or perfection in biblical literature, suggesting a full and perfect offering to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed sacrificial instructions in Numbers 28:27, particularly the concept of a "sweet savour" burnt offering, are deeply theological. They reveal a God who is holy and requires a specific approach to worship, yet also graciously provides the means for His people to draw near. The burnt offering, entirely consumed, prefigures the concept of total surrender and dedication required for true communion with God. It underscores the reality of sin and the necessity of atonement, as well as God's willingness to accept a substitute on behalf of the worshiper. The meticulousness highlights that worship is not about human preference but divine prescription, teaching Israel that God's ways are supreme and His standards are unyielding, yet His grace makes acceptance possible. This Old Testament framework lays the groundwork for understanding the ultimate sacrifice that would truly be a "sweet savour" to God.

* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Pleasing Aroma")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - Paul's Offerings as a Fragrant Aroma")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles embedded in Numbers 28:27 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to consider the nature of our own worship and offerings to God. Are we giving Him our "first year" lambs—our best, our unblemished, our most valuable resources, time, and talents? Is our worship characterized by the "sweet savour" of obedience and wholehearted devotion, or is it merely a perfunctory ritual? Just as Israel was called to precision in their offerings, we are called to intentionality and integrity in our spiritual lives, recognizing that God desires not just our actions but our hearts. Our lives are to be living sacrifices, entirely consumed by devotion to Him, reflecting His holiness and our gratitude for His grace. This passage challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement and embrace a worship that truly pleases the Lord, marked by surrender, generosity, and an eager desire to honor Him in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you holding back from offering your "best" to God, akin to the "first year" lambs?**
* **How does the concept of a "sweet savour" offering inform your understanding of what makes your worship (both corporate and personal) pleasing to God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more "whole burnt offering" approach to your daily life, symbolizing total dedication to Christ?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's commands in Numbers 28:27 shape your view of His character and His expectations for His people?**

### FAQ
**Why are the instructions for offerings in Numbers so detailed and specific?**

Answer: The detailed and specific instructions for offerings in Numbers, including those in [Numbers 28:27](/numbers/28-27 "Numbers 28:27 - Offerings for the Feast of Weeks"), underscore several crucial theological truths. Firstly, they emphasize God's absolute holiness and His demand for a precise, unblemished approach to worship. Unlike pagan rituals that might be adapted by human whim, Israel's worship was divinely ordained, leaving no room for human innovation or compromise. This meticulousness ensured purity and order in their approach to a holy God. Secondly, the details served as a pedagogical tool, constantly reminding the Israelites of their covenant obligations, their ongoing need for atonement, and God's gracious provision for reconciliation. Every specific animal, every quantity, every ritual step carried symbolic weight, reinforcing theological truths about sin, sacrifice, and divine acceptance. Finally, the precision ensured uniformity across the nation, fostering a sense of communal identity and shared devotion under God's singular authority, preparing them for life in the Promised Land where these practices would be central to their national identity and spiritual well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The burnt offering for a "sweet savour" in Numbers 28:27, with its emphasis on total dedication and divine acceptance, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices, including those for the Feast of Weeks, were but shadows pointing to the reality of Christ's singular, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross. Where the blood of bulls and goats could only temporarily cover sin, the precious blood of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly and eternally atoned for humanity's transgressions (see [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His life, death, and resurrection constitute the ultimate "sweet savour" to God, a perfectly pleasing and acceptable offering made not by human hands but by the Son Himself (as described in [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering to God")). Jesus was the unblemished "first year" lamb, the perfect sacrifice whose complete obedience and self-offering fully satisfied God's righteous demands, securing eternal redemption and enabling true, unhindered fellowship between God and humanity. Through Him, believers are now able to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service that are truly pleasing to God, made acceptable by virtue of their union with the Christ, the ultimate burnt offering (see [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Offering Sacrifices of Praise and Good Works")).

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 23:18

And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be [for] a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, [even] an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:19

Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.

Numbers 28:11

And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;

Numbers 28:19

But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire [for] a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish: