Numbers 29:36

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But ye shall offer {H7126} a burnt offering {H5930}, a sacrifice made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}: one {H259} bullock {H6499}, one {H259} ram {H352}, seven {H7651} lambs {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141} without blemish {H8549}:

Complete Jewish Bible

but you are to present a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, giving a fragrant aroma to ADONAI -one bull, one ram, seven male lambs in their first year, without defect;

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

but ye shall offer a burnt-offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah: one bullock, one ram, seven he-lambs a year old without blemish;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:36 meticulously prescribes the specific animal offerings for the eighth and concluding day of the Feast of Tabernacles, known as Shemini Atzeret. This singular holy convocation, distinct yet connected to the preceding seven days of the harvest festival, required a burnt offering of one bullock, one ram, and seven unblemished year-old lambs, presented as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. The precise nature of these sacrifices underscored the Israelites' ongoing dedication and the divine acceptance of their worship, marking a solemn culmination of the festival cycle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29:36 is situated within a detailed legislative block in Numbers chapters 28-29, which meticulously outlines the sacrificial requirements for the annual feasts and new moon celebrations. Specifically, this verse concludes the instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which spanned from the 15th to the 21st day of the seventh month. While the preceding seven days of Sukkot featured a progressively decreasing number of bullocks offered daily—a unique pattern often interpreted as symbolic of the nations—the eighth day, Shemini Atzeret, presents a distinct and fixed set of offerings. This shift in sacrificial quantity and type underscores the unique status of this concluding day as a separate, solemn assembly, a holy convocation distinct from the seven days of dwelling in booths, yet serving as its spiritual culmination. The meticulous detail here, as throughout [Numbers 28-29](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28-29 - Sacrifices for Feasts and New Moons"), emphasizes the divine precision required in Israelite worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, deeply rooted in Israel's agricultural cycle as a harvest festival, and also serving as a historical commemoration of God's provision and the Israelites' dwelling in temporary shelters during their wilderness wanderings (as detailed in [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - The Feast of Tabernacles")). Shemini Atzeret, the "Eighth Day of Assembly," followed immediately after Sukkot but was understood as a separate, solemn assembly. Unlike the joyous, outward-focused celebration of the harvest and the nations during Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret was a more introspective and intimate gathering, focused solely on Israel's unique relationship with the Lord. It served as a final day of rest, reflection, and renewed communion with God after the intense week of celebration, emphasizing a concluding time of solemn assembly and spiritual refreshment. The sacrificial system itself was central to Israelite worship, providing a means of atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with a holy God.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. The concept of **Divine Precision in Worship** is paramount, as the meticulous enumeration of animals and their qualities ("one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish") highlights God's demand for exact adherence to His prescribed ways. This precision underscores the **Holiness of God** and the necessity for purity and perfection in approaching Him. The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: *‘ōlāh*), entirely consumed by fire, symbolizes **Total Dedication and Consecration** to God, representing the worshiper's complete surrender and atonement. The phrase "a sweet savour unto the LORD" signifies **Divine Acceptance and Pleasure** in the sacrifice when offered according to His instructions, indicating that the worship was favorably received. This theme of acceptable worship is profoundly echoed in the New Testament, particularly with [Christ's sacrifice being described as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering"). Ultimately, the detailed instructions reinforce the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command** as foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _‘ōlāh_):** Derived from the verb `‘ālāh` (עָלָה), meaning "to ascend" or "to go up." This term specifically refers to an offering that was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. Unlike other sacrifices where portions were returned to the worshiper or priests, the *‘ōlāh* symbolized complete dedication, consecration, and atonement for unintentional sin, representing the worshiper's total surrender to God.
* **Sweet Savour (Hebrew, _rêaḥ nîḥōaḥ_):** This phrase translates literally to "a soothing aroma," "a pleasing scent," or "a restful fragrance." It is an anthropomorphic expression indicating God's favorable reception and acceptance of the offering. When a sacrifice was offered according to God's precise instructions and with the right heart, it brought Him pleasure and signified His approval and the restoration of fellowship.
* **Without Blemish (Hebrew, _tāmîm_):** Meaning "whole," "complete," "sound," or "perfect." This requirement was fundamental for all animals designated for sacrifice in the Old Testament. It underscored the holiness of God and the necessary perfection in anything presented to Him. The physical perfection of the animal symbolized the moral and spiritual purity required for approaching a holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate, blameless sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:"**: This clause issues the divine command for the specific nature of the offering. It must be an *‘ōlāh*, entirely consumed by fire, signifying complete devotion and atonement. Crucially, it must be presented in such a way that it is acceptable and pleasing to God, described as a "sweet savour," indicating His favorable reception of their obedient worship.
* **"one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:"**: This part of the verse provides the precise inventory and qualitative specifications for the animals to be offered. The exact numbers (one bullock, one ram, seven lambs) highlight the meticulous detail of God's instructions, emphasizing that worship was not left to human discretion but was divinely prescribed. The critical qualification "without blemish" underscores the absolute necessity of perfection and purity in anything brought into God's presence, reflecting His own holiness and the standard required for reconciliation and communion.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Numbers 29:36, like much of the sacrificial legislation, is characterized by **Precision and Detail**. The meticulous enumeration of animals ("one bullock, one ram, seven lambs") and their specific qualities ("of the first year without blemish") is a form of **Legalistic Detail**, emphasizing the exactitude required in Israelite worship. This serves to highlight God's absolute sovereignty and the necessity of adherence to His commands, leaving no room for ambiguity in the performance of sacred rites. The phrase "a sweet savour unto the LORD" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human sensory experience (smell) to God, to convey His favorable disposition and acceptance of the offering. This **Symbolism** of a pleasing aroma signifies divine pleasure and the establishment of harmonious relationship. The "burnt offering" itself is profoundly **Symbolic**, representing total consecration and atonement, as the entire animal was consumed, ascending to God, symbolizing the worshiper's complete devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:36, with its detailed sacrificial requirements, powerfully illustrates several enduring theological truths. The emphasis on a "burnt offering" (entirely consumed) underscores the principle of total dedication and surrender to God, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty and the worshiper's dependence. The demand for animals "without blemish" highlights God's perfect holiness and the inherent imperfection of humanity, setting a standard for approach that only a perfect sacrifice could meet. The "sweet savour" signifies divine acceptance, revealing God's desire for fellowship and His pleasure in obedient, consecrated worship. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical record of ancient rites but a profound theological statement about the nature of God, the necessity of atonement, and the conditions for acceptable worship, all of which find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma")
* [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")
* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blameless Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the elaborate sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled and completed in Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice, the underlying principles embedded in Numbers 29:36 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The call for a "burnt offering" that is entirely consumed by fire serves as a powerful metaphor for the complete dedication and surrender God desires from us. We are called to present our whole selves—our bodies, minds, and wills—as "living sacrifices" to God, holding nothing back in our devotion. The concept of a "sweet savour" reminds us that our worship, our service, and indeed our very lives, should be pleasing and acceptable to God, not based on our own merit, but through faith in Christ and obedience to His Spirit. The stringent requirement for animals "without blemish" points us to the perfect holiness of God and our own utter inability to meet His standard. This drives us to humble reliance on Christ's flawless righteousness, which alone makes our imperfect offerings acceptable in His sight. Our "worship" today is not merely ritual but a holistic lifestyle of faith, love, and obedience, offered in gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's commands for ancient worship inform our approach to worship and obedience today?**
* **In what ways can our lives be offered as a "sweet savour" to the Lord in a contemporary context, reflecting His pleasure and acceptance?**
* **How does the requirement of "without blemish" for the sacrifices point us to our need for Christ's perfect righteousness, and how does this truth impact our daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What is Shemini Atzeret and how is it distinct from Sukkot?**

Answer: Shemini Atzeret, meaning "The Eighth Day of Assembly," is a distinct holy convocation that immediately follows the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). While connected to Sukkot as its culmination, it is traditionally understood as a separate festival. Sukkot is a joyous harvest festival commemorating the wilderness wandering and dwelling in temporary booths, often involving a decreasing number of bullocks offered daily, which some interpret as representing the nations. Shemini Atzeret, however, is a more solemn, intimate assembly focused solely on Israel's unique relationship with the Lord, marked by a fixed, singular set of offerings, as seen in [Numbers 29:36](/numbers/29-36 "Numbers 29:36 - Offerings for Shemini Atzeret"). It serves as a final day of rest, reflection, and renewed communion with God after the week-long celebration.

**Why are the offerings on this day different from the preceding days of Sukkot?**

Answer: The offerings for Shemini Atzeret are distinct in their quantity and type from the preceding days of Sukkot to emphasize its unique theological significance. During Sukkot, the number of bullocks offered decreased daily, from thirteen on the first day to seven on the seventh, a pattern often associated with prayers or offerings for the seventy nations of the world (according to rabbinic tradition). In contrast, [Numbers 29:36](/numbers/29-36 "Numbers 29:36 - Offerings for Shemini Atzeret") prescribes a fixed, smaller set of offerings for Shemini Atzeret (one bullock, one ram, seven lambs). This shift highlights that the eighth day is not merely an extension of Sukkot but a distinct, intimate assembly for Israel alone, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship with God after the broader, more universal focus of the preceding days. It signifies a concluding, singular moment of communion and rest.

**What is the significance of a "burnt offering" being a "sweet savour"?**

Answer: The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: *‘ōlāh*) was unique among sacrifices because the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. This symbolized complete dedication, total surrender, and atonement for unintentional sin. The phrase "sweet savour" (Hebrew: *rêaḥ nîḥōaḥ*) is an anthropomorphic expression indicating God's favorable reception and acceptance of the offering. It signifies that the sacrifice, when offered according to His precise instructions and with a repentant and obedient heart, brought Him pleasure and restored fellowship. It underscores that true worship is not merely ritualistic but must be offered in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God, as seen in [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering as a Sweet Aroma") and later echoed in the New Testament regarding [Christ's sacrifice](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 29:36, with its precise demands for an unblemished burnt offering as a "sweet savour," finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The requirement for animals "without blemish" (Hebrew: *tāmîm*) perfectly foreshadowed the sinless perfection of Christ, who was the [Lamb of God without spot or blemish](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood"), utterly pure and qualified to bear the sins of the world. Just as the Old Testament burnt offering symbolized complete dedication and atonement, Jesus offered Himself as the ultimate and singular sacrifice, entirely consumed by the Father's will and the flames of divine justice on the cross. His death was not merely a ritual but a perfect, once-for-all act of self-giving, described in the New Testament as a [fragrant offering and sacrifice to God](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering"), a "sweet savour" that perfectly satisfied divine justice and brought immense pleasure to the Father. Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus accomplished what the innumerable Old Testament offerings could only point to: He took away sin, opened the way to God, and established a new covenant, making those who believe in Him perfectly acceptable in God's sight, fulfilling the very essence of the Law's demands for a blameless offering and acceptable worship (as seen in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") and [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.