Numbers 29:11

Numbers 29:11 KJV outlines a specific set of offerings required for the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the solemn assembly or Shemini Atzeret. This verse details the final required sacrifices for this significant annual festival, underscoring the meticulous nature of Old Testament worship and God's provision for His people.

Context

This verse is found within Numbers chapters 28 and 29, which provide detailed instructions for the various offerings to be made throughout the year, with a particular focus on the monthly and annual feasts. Numbers 29 specifically details the elaborate sacrificial system for the seventh month, which included the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Numbers 29:11 refers to the offerings for the eighth day following the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, a distinct and holy convocation. This day marked the culmination of the autumn feasts, requiring its own unique set of sacrifices, distinct from the preceding seven days of Sukkot.

Key Themes

• Continual Need for Atonement: Even after a period of intense celebration and fellowship with God during the Feast of Tabernacles, the inclusion of a "sin offering" on the eighth day highlights the ongoing need for purification and forgiveness. This reminds the Israelites, and us, of humanity's persistent sinfulness and God's continuous provision for atonement for sins.
• Divine Specificity in Worship: The precise instructions for each offering—the type of animal, the accompanying meat (grain) and drink offerings—underscore God's holiness and His demand for worship conducted according to His revealed will. This meticulous detail demonstrates the importance of approaching God on His terms.
• Layered Sacrifices: The verse mentions multiple types of offerings: a "sin offering," the "sin offering of atonement" (likely referring to the annual Day of Atonement's efficacy, or a general reference to all sin offerings as atoning), the "continual burnt offering," and the "meat offering" and "drink offerings." This complex system addressed various aspects of the covenant relationship—purification from sin, complete dedication to God, and thanksgiving. The continual burnt offering was a daily sacrifice that continued even during feast days, symbolizing constant devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "meat offering," which in modern English might be misunderstood. The original Hebrew word is minchah (מִנְחָה), which refers to a grain offering (or tribute offering), typically consisting of flour, oil, and frankincense, not animal flesh. The "drink offering" (Hebrew: nesekh, נֶסֶךְ) was usually wine poured out as an act of devotion, often accompanying burnt and grain offerings. The "sin offering" (Hebrew: chatta't, חַטָּאת) was for purification from specific sins or uncleanness, while the "burnt offering" (Hebrew: olah, עוֹלָה) was wholly consumed on the altar, signifying complete dedication to God.

Practical Application

For believers today, these Old Testament sacrifices point to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites needed continual atonement, we recognize our ongoing need for God's grace and forgiveness. The elaborate system of offerings foreshadowed Christ, who became the once-for-all sacrifice for sin. This verse reminds us that true worship involves acknowledging our sin, seeking purification through Christ's blood (as without shedding of blood is no remission), and offering our lives in complete dedication and thanksgiving to God.