Numbers 29:2

KJV

And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, [and] seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall offer {H6213} a burnt offering {H5930} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}; one {H259} young {H1241} bullock {H6499}, one {H259} ram {H352}, and seven {H7651} lambs {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141} without blemish {H8549}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Prepare a burnt offering to make a fragrant aroma for ADONAI - one young bull, one ram and seven male lambs in their first year and without defect -

Berean Standard Bible

As a pleasing aroma to the LORD, you are to present a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished,

American Standard Version

And ye shall offer a burnt-offering for a sweet savor unto Jehovah: one young bullock, one ram, seven he-lambs a year old without blemish;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:2 meticulously outlines the specific components of the burnt offering prescribed for the Feast of Trumpets, a significant annual observance in ancient Israel. This verse details the precise quantities and qualities—one young bullock, one ram, and seven unblemished lambs of the first year—mandated by God. These offerings were designated as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, signifying divine acceptance and pleasure in the Israelites' obedient worship and complete devotion, forming a vital part of their covenant relationship and communal atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29:2 is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed section of the book of Numbers (chapters 28-29) that provides comprehensive instructions for Israel's annual feasts and new moon observances. Specifically, this verse immediately follows the introduction of the Feast of Trumpets, which was to be celebrated on the first day of the seventh month as "a holy convocation" and "a day of blowing of trumpets" ([Numbers 29:1](/numbers/29-1 "Numbers 29:1 - Feast of Trumpets Introduction")). The preceding chapter, [Numbers 28](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28 - Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Offerings"), sets the pattern by detailing the daily, weekly (Sabbath), and monthly (New Moon) offerings, establishing a foundational understanding of the sacrificial system before moving to the special requirements for the major annual festivals. This meticulous enumeration underscores the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of these commands, emphasizing precision and obedience in Israelite worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 29:2 were given to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, prior to their entry into the Promised Land. These laws were foundational for establishing the religious and social order of the nascent nation, ensuring that worship practices were uniform and divinely sanctioned. The sacrificial system was central to Israelite life, serving as the primary means of approaching a holy God, seeking atonement for sin, expressing gratitude, and affirming covenant loyalty. The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah in later tradition) marked the beginning of the civil new year and initiated a period of introspection leading up to the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 23:27](/leviticus/23-27 "Leviticus 23:27 - Day of Atonement")). The specific animals—bullock, ram, and lambs—were common sacrificial animals in the ancient Near East, but their precise quantities and the requirement for them to be "without blemish" were unique divine stipulations for Israel, setting their worship apart from surrounding pagan practices.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 29:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. The theme of **Divine Prescription and Obedience** is paramount, as God's detailed instructions for the offerings highlight His sovereignty and the necessity for Israel to worship according to His revealed will, not their own inclinations. This is a recurring motif seen from the tabernacle construction ([Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions")) to the priestly vestments. The requirement for animals to be "without blemish" ([Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Burnt Offering Requirements")) emphasizes **Holiness and Purity**, reflecting the absolute purity of God and the need for a spotless offering to bridge the gap between a sinful people and a holy God. Furthermore, the "burnt offering" itself underscores **Total Devotion and Atonement**, as it was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to the LORD, while also serving as a means of expiation for sin, as seen in [Leviticus 1:4](/leviticus/1-4 "Leviticus 1:4 - Atonement through Burnt Offering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _‘olah'_):** This term literally means "that which ascends" or "goes up," referring to the smoke of the sacrifice rising from the altar to God. Unlike other offerings where portions were returned to the worshiper or priests, the `‘olah` was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication, surrender, and devotion to God. It was a gift wholly given, signifying the worshiper's desire for full communion and atonement before the LORD. Its total consumption underscored the seriousness of sin and the comprehensive nature of the offering required for expiation.
* **Sweet Savour (Hebrew, _reiach nichoach'_):** This phrase, often translated as "pleasing aroma" or "soothing aroma," appears frequently in the Old Testament sacrificial laws. It denotes divine acceptance and satisfaction with the offering presented. It is not an anthropomorphic description of God literally smelling an odor, but rather a theological statement that the sacrifice, offered in obedience and faith, was agreeable to God and achieved its intended purpose of reconciliation or devotion. It signifies God's favor and the efficacy of the offering in His sight.
* **Without Blemish (Hebrew, _tamim'_):** This crucial requirement for sacrificial animals means "whole," "perfect," "sound," or "blameless." It signified that the animal was free from any physical defects, disease, or imperfection that would render it unsuitable for sacrifice. Theologically, this emphasized the purity and perfection required for an offering to be acceptable to a holy God. It underscored the sanctity of the sacrificial act and foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would one day be offered for humanity's sins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD;":** This clause establishes the primary purpose and nature of the offering. The command "ye shall offer" highlights the mandatory nature of this act of worship. The "burnt offering" (`‘olah`) signifies complete dedication, while its designation "for a sweet savour unto the LORD" indicates that this act of obedience and devotion would be pleasing and acceptable to God, securing His favor and affirming the covenant relationship.
* **"one young bullock, one ram,":** This specifies the larger, more substantial animals required for the burnt offering on the Feast of Trumpets. The bullock and ram were significant and costly sacrifices, indicating the importance and solemnity of this particular feast. The precise enumeration of "one" of each underscores the divine precision expected in worship.
* **"[and] seven lambs of the first year without blemish:":** This further details the composition of the burnt offering, adding a significant number of lambs. The phrase "of the first year" denotes their youth and vitality, often considered prime for sacrifice. The critical qualification "without blemish" reiterates the absolute necessity of physical perfection and symbolic purity for any animal offered to God, ensuring its acceptability and reflecting the holiness of the divine recipient.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 29:2 employs several literary devices to convey its theological significance. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the phrase "without blemish" (or its Hebrew equivalent, `tamim`), which is a pervasive requirement throughout the Mosaic Law for sacrificial animals. This repetition emphasizes the absolute standard of purity and perfection demanded by God for acceptable worship, reinforcing a central theme of holiness. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play: the "burnt offering" symbolizes total dedication and atonement, as the entire sacrifice ascends to God; the "sweet savour" symbolizes divine acceptance and pleasure in obedient worship; and the "without blemish" animals symbolize the purity and perfection necessary for approaching a holy God. The precise **Enumeration** of animals (one bullock, one ram, seven lambs) serves to underscore the divine authority and meticulousness of the commands, leaving no room for human improvisation or deviation in sacred rites.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:2, with its detailed instructions for the burnt offering, connects deeply with the broader biblical themes of divine holiness, human sinfulness, and the necessity of atonement. The requirement for a "sweet savour" offering underscores God's desire for a relationship with His people, one characterized by obedience and wholehearted devotion. The unblemished nature of the animals points to the absolute perfection required for any offering that would bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, highlighting that true reconciliation can only come through a spotless sacrifice. This verse, therefore, is not merely a ritualistic instruction but a profound theological statement about the nature of God, the condition of humanity, and the divinely ordained path to reconciliation.

* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma")
* [Exodus 29:18](/exodus/29-18 "Exodus 29:18 - Consecration Offering as a Sweet Aroma")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Unacceptable Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Numbers 29:2 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. The call to offer a "burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD" translates into a summons for wholehearted devotion and complete surrender in our lives today. Just as the ancient Israelites were commanded to bring their best—animals "without blemish"—we are similarly called to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), characterized by sincerity, purity of motive, and obedience to God's revealed will. Our worship, service, and daily conduct should be "without blemish" in the sense that they are offered from a pure heart, unmarred by hypocrisy or self-interest, seeking only to please God. This verse reminds us that true worship is not merely ritualistic but a profound expression of love and devotion that God finds pleasing and acceptable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you holding back from offering complete devotion to God, rather than a "burnt offering" of total surrender?**
* **How does the concept of an offering "without blemish" challenge you to examine the sincerity and purity of your motives in worship and service?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to be a "sweet savour unto the LORD," and how can you cultivate such a life?**
* **Considering the precision of God's commands in Numbers 29:2, how does this inform your understanding of obedience in your spiritual walk?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "burnt offering" being entirely consumed by fire?**

Answer: The complete consumption of the burnt offering (`‘olah`) by fire on the altar symbolized total dedication and surrender to God. Unlike other offerings where portions were returned to the worshiper or priests, the `‘olah` was wholly given to the LORD, signifying the worshiper's complete devotion, the total expiation of sin, and the desire for full communion with a holy God. It represented a gift entirely given, ascending to God as a pleasing aroma, as described in [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma").

**Why were the animals required to be "without blemish"?**

Answer: The requirement for sacrificial animals to be "without blemish" (`tamim`) underscored the absolute holiness and perfection of God. An imperfect or flawed animal would be an insult to the divine recipient. This stipulation ensured that the offering was of the highest quality, symbolizing the purity and perfection necessary for approaching a holy God and for the offering to be acceptable for atonement. This principle is consistently seen throughout the Mosaic Law, such as in [Leviticus 22:21](/leviticus/22-21 "Leviticus 22:21 - Offerings Must Be Without Blemish").

**What does "sweet savour unto the LORD" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "Sweet savour" (`reiach nichoach`) signifies that the offering was pleasing, acceptable, and agreeable to God. It's not about God literally smelling an aroma but about His divine approval and satisfaction with the act of worship performed in obedience and faith. It indicates that the offering achieved its intended purpose of reconciliation, devotion, or thanksgiving, and that God's favor rested upon the worshiper. This concept is also applied to Noah's post-flood sacrifice in [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Sacrifice as a Sweet Aroma").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 29:2, with its meticulous details of the burnt offering for a "sweet savour" and the requirement for "without blemish" animals, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the burnt offering, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus Himself is the "one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish" in one person—He is the flawless, spotless sacrifice, "a lamb without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Spotless Lamb")). His crucifixion was the ultimate "burnt offering," a complete and total surrender to God's will, entirely consumed by the fire of divine wrath against sin. This perfect sacrifice was indeed "a sweet-smelling savour" to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Sweet Aroma")), fully satisfying divine justice and perfectly accomplishing atonement for humanity's sins. Through Christ, believers now have access to God, not through animal sacrifices, but through faith in His finished work, offering themselves as "living sacrifices" in response to His perfect offering ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

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

Hebrews 10:10

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

Hebrews 10:14

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Numbers 28:27

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;

Numbers 29:8

But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD [for] a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, [and] seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish:

Numbers 29:36

But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

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: