Numbers 29:15

KJV

And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:

KJV (with Strong's)

And a several tenth deal {H6241} to each {H259} lamb {H3532} of the fourteen {H702}{H6240} lambs {H3532}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and two quarts for each of the fourteen lambs;

Berean Standard Bible

and a tenth of an ephah with each of the fourteen lambs.

American Standard Version

and a tenth part for every lamb of the fourteen lambs;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:15, situated within the extensive sacrificial ordinances for the Feast of Tabernacles, precisely details the specific grain offering mandated for each of the fourteen lambs presented daily. This verse profoundly underscores the divine expectation for precision, completeness, and unreserved devotion in Israel's worship, thereby emphasizing God's absolute holiness and the solemnity with which His covenant people were to approach Him through His meticulously prescribed rituals.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29 is a highly detailed liturgical chapter within the Pentateuch, meticulously outlining the daily sacrificial requirements for Israel's annual feasts. It focuses particularly on the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and, most extensively, the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), concluding with an eighth day of solemn assembly. This chapter functions as a comprehensive manual, providing exact quantities of animal, grain, and drink offerings for each day of these significant festivals. Numbers 29:15 specifically addresses the grain offering for the lambs sacrificed during the Feast of Tabernacles, a festival characterized by a decreasing number of bulls daily but a consistent offering of rams and lambs, each requiring precise accompanying offerings. This verse, therefore, reinforces the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law and the Israelites' ongoing obligation to uphold the covenant through prescribed worship, highlighting the divine demand for order and exactitude in all sacred observances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of Israel's three major pilgrimage festivals, celebrated in the autumn after the harvest, typically in September or October. Historically, it commemorated God's faithful provision and protection for Israel during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness, when they lived in temporary shelters or "tabernacles" (Leviticus 23:43). Agriculturally, it was a joyous harvest festival, giving thanks for the ingathering of crops and the abundance of the land. The elaborate and costly daily sacrifices, including the specific grain offerings mentioned in Numbers 29:15, reflected the nation's profound gratitude and dependence on God for both their past deliverance and their present sustenance. The precision in these instructions was not merely bureaucratic; it was a profound theological statement about the order, holiness, and sovereignty of God, demanding exact obedience from a people called to be distinct and holy unto Him.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 29:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the **Divine Precision in Worship**, demonstrating that God's commands were remarkably specific, leaving no room for approximation in the sacred offerings. This underscores His demand for exact obedience and reverence in approaching Him, setting a standard for the seriousness with which His people were to engage in worship, as seen in the broader context of the Law's demands for holiness (e.g., the judgment on Nadab and Abihu in [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")). Furthermore, the verse, by specifying the grain offering accompanying the animal sacrifice, emphasizes the **Completeness of Sacrifice**. Animal sacrifices in the Old Testament were almost invariably accompanied by grain (meal) and drink offerings, symbolizing a holistic act of worship that dedicated not only the life of the animal but also the produce of the land, representing the totality of Israel's dependence on and devotion to God. This concept of a comprehensive dedication is foundational to understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system, as detailed in passages like [Leviticus 2:1-3](/leviticus/2-1-3 "Leviticus 2:1-3 - The Law of the Grain Offering"). Finally, this verse is integral to the detailed understanding of **The Feast of Tabernacles**, one of Israel's most significant festivals, rich in symbolism, celebrating God's dwelling among His people in the wilderness and pointing forward to a time of ultimate rest and provision. Its institution and significance are further elaborated in [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33-43 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - Institution of the Feast of Tabernacles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tenth deal (Hebrew, _ʻissârôwn'_):** This term (H6241) refers to a precise dry measure, specifically one-tenth of an ephah. An ephah was a standard unit of volume, roughly equivalent to 3.6 liters or about one bushel. Therefore, a "tenth deal" was a very specific, small quantity of fine flour, emphasizing the meticulous nature of God's instructions and the exactness required in the offerings. It signifies that the amount was not arbitrary but divinely prescribed, highlighting the non-negotiable standard of divine worship.
* **Each (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** In this context, "each" (H259) translates the Hebrew word _ʼechâd_, meaning "one" or "united." Its usage here emphasizes that a distinct, individual "tenth deal" of grain was required for *each* lamb. This highlights the particularity and non-negotiable nature of the offering for every single animal, reinforcing the theme of divine precision and the individual accountability within the communal worship, ensuring no part of the commanded offering was overlooked.
* **Lamb (Hebrew, _kebes'_):** This term (H3532) refers to a young male sheep, specifically a ram just old enough to butt. In the context of Israel's sacrificial system, lambs were frequently used as offerings for various purposes, including burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings. Their inclusion in the daily sacrifices for the Feast of Tabernacles signifies their importance as a common and foundational element of Israel's worship, symbolizing purity and the sacrificial substitute required for atonement and communion with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a several tenth deal":** This phrase establishes the precise quantity of the grain offering. "A several tenth deal" means "a distinct tenth of an ephah," indicating a specific, measured amount of fine flour for the offering. This highlights God's demand for exactness in worship, leaving no room for approximation or deviation from His prescribed standards, underscoring His order and holiness.
* **"to each lamb":** This clause emphasizes the individual application of the offering. It was not a collective measure for all lambs, but rather a specific portion designated for *each* and every lamb sacrificed. This underscores the meticulousness of the sacrificial system and the importance of every single detail in the eyes of God, reflecting the principle that each offering, no matter how small, held significance.
* **"of the fourteen lambs":** This final phrase provides the numerical context for the daily offering during the Feast of Tabernacles. On the first day, and similarly on subsequent days where lambs were part of the offering, fourteen lambs were to be sacrificed. This indicates the substantial scale of devotion and resources committed to these sacred rituals, with each of the fourteen lambs requiring its own precise grain offering, demonstrating the nation's collective and costly obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 29:15, like much of the book of Numbers, is characterized by **Numerical Precision** and **Legalistic Detail**. The exact quantities ("a several tenth deal") and specific numbers ("fourteen lambs") are not merely informational but serve as literary devices to convey the absolute authority and meticulousness of God's commands. This **Repetition** of precise measurements and instructions throughout the chapter (and indeed, the entire Pentateuch) functions to impress upon the reader the non-negotiable nature of divine law and the seriousness with which Israel was to approach worship. The sheer volume of detail creates a sense of **Ritualistic Rigor**, emphasizing that every aspect of Israel's communal life, especially their worship, was to be ordered according to God's perfect will, leaving no room for human improvisation or negligence, thereby reinforcing the sanctity and gravity of the covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:15, through its precise instructions for the grain offering, profoundly illustrates the divine expectation for intentional, complete, and unreserved worship. God's demand for exactness in the Old Testament sacrificial system was not arbitrary; it underscored His holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him. This precision symbolized the need for Israel's total dedication—not just the life of an animal, but also the produce of their labor, representing their entire existence and dependence upon God. While these Old Testament rituals were temporary and could not ultimately atone for sin, they served as a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the nature of God, the gravity of sin, and the necessity of a perfect offering. They also foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully reconcile humanity to God, revealing a God who demands perfection but provides the means for it.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Reverence")
* [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions in Numbers 29:15, detailing the precise "tenth deal" for "each lamb," serve as a powerful reminder that God desires our worship to be intentional, thoughtful, and complete, not haphazard or half-hearted. Just as ancient Israel was called to give their best and to follow God's instructions with exactitude, so too are believers today called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This means engaging our minds, hearts, and resources in our devotion, recognizing that true worship encompasses every aspect of our lives—our time, talents, and material possessions. The principle of holistic giving, where the grain offering accompanied the animal sacrifice, encourages us to consider how we can dedicate all that we are and have to God's glory, living lives of faithful stewardship and joyful obedience, knowing that our ultimate offering is our very selves in response to His immeasurable grace. This verse challenges us to examine the quality and intentionality of our spiritual disciplines and daily walk, ensuring that our devotion is not merely external ritual but a heartfelt, comprehensive offering of our lives to the One who gave everything for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be offering "half-hearted" or imprecise devotion to God?**
* **How can the principle of "holistic giving," as seen in the Old Testament offerings, inform my stewardship of time, talents, and resources today?**
* **What does God's demand for precision in ancient worship teach me about the seriousness and reverence with which I should approach Him in prayer and worship?**
* **How does understanding the temporary nature of these Old Testament sacrifices deepen my appreciation for the finality and completeness of Christ's sacrifice?**

### FAQ

**What is a "tenth deal" and why is its precision emphasized?**

Answer: A "tenth deal" (Hebrew: _‘issaron_) refers to one-tenth of an ephah, which was a standard dry measure in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 3.6 liters or about one bushel. Therefore, a "tenth deal" was a very specific and relatively small quantity of fine flour. Its precision is emphasized to highlight God's absolute demand for exactness and adherence to His prescribed instructions in worship. It underscores that the offerings were not to be given haphazardly or in approximate amounts, but according to divine specification, reflecting God's order, holiness, and the seriousness with which His people were to approach Him. This meticulous detail is a recurring theme throughout the Mosaic Law, such as in the detailed instructions for the tabernacle construction in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle"), where every dimension and material was precisely specified.

**Why were the offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles so extensive and detailed?**

Answer: The offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles were extensive and highly detailed for several significant reasons. First, they commemorated God's faithful provision and protection for Israel during their forty years of wilderness wanderings, when they lived in temporary shelters. The lavishness of the offerings expressed profound national gratitude for this deliverance. Second, it was an autumn harvest festival, celebrating God's blessing of agricultural abundance, and the offerings were a tangible expression of thanksgiving for the land's produce. Third, the sheer volume and precision of the sacrifices underscored the holiness of God and the gravity of sin, teaching Israel about the costly nature of atonement and the need for meticulous obedience in approaching a holy God. Finally, the daily, decreasing number of bulls, but consistent rams and lambs, symbolized the progressive nature of God's redemptive plan and the ongoing need for atonement and communion, pointing forward to a greater, final sacrifice. The detailed nature of these rituals, as seen throughout [Numbers 29](/numbers/29 "Numbers 29 - Offerings for the Feasts"), reflects the depth of their theological significance and the comprehensive nature of Israel's covenant obligations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 29:15, with its emphasis on precise quantities and meticulous adherence to sacrificial law, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "several tenth deal" for "each lamb" points to the necessity of a perfect, unblemished offering, given in exact accordance with God's will. While the Old Testament sacrifices, including the grain offerings, were temporary and could not truly take away sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")), they served as shadows pointing to the reality found in Christ ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance")). Jesus is the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice was not merely precise in its execution but absolutely complete and once-for-all ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He perfectly fulfilled every requirement of the Law, offering Himself as the ultimate "grain offering" (representing His perfect life and obedience) and the perfect "animal sacrifice" (representing His atoning death), thereby accomplishing what the myriad Old Testament offerings could only foreshadow. Through His singular, perfect offering, Christ has ushered in a new covenant, making true reconciliation and access to God possible, not through repeated rituals, but through faith in His finished work ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice Perfects Believers")). His sacrifice was the ultimate and perfectly precise offering that fully satisfied God's righteous demands.

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.