Numbers 29:39

KJV

These [things] ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.

KJV (with Strong's)

These things ye shall do {H6213} unto the LORD {H3068} in your set feasts {H4150}, beside your vows {H5088}, and your freewill offerings {H5071}, for your burnt offerings {H5930}, and for your meat offerings {H4503}, and for your drink offerings {H5262}, and for your peace offerings {H8002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'You are to offer these to ADONAI at your designated times in addition to your vows and voluntary offerings -whether these are your burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings or peace offerings.'"

Berean Standard Bible

You are to present these offerings to the LORD at your appointed times, in addition to your vow and freewill offerings, whether burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings, or peace offerings.”

American Standard Version

These ye shall offer unto Jehovah in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your freewill-offerings, for your burnt-offerings, and for your meal-offerings, and for your drink-offerings, and for your peace-offerings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 29:39 concludes the elaborate instructions for the sacrificial offerings required during Israel's divinely appointed feasts, particularly those observed throughout the seventh month. This verse serves as a vital reminder that the comprehensive communal offerings mandated for these festivals were to be performed *in addition to* any personal vows or freewill offerings that individuals might bring to the Lord. It underscores the dual nature of Israelite worship, encompassing both obligatory national devotion and spontaneous, heartfelt individual expressions of faith and gratitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 29 details the specific sacrifices and offerings required for the major festivals of the seventh month: the Feast of Trumpets (vv. 1-6), the Day of Atonement (vv. 7-11), and the Feast of Tabernacles (vv. 12-38). This chapter is a continuation of the broader theme of Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God, building upon earlier instructions in [Leviticus](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord") regarding the sacred calendar. Verse 39 acts as a concluding summary, a final directive that encompasses all the preceding specific commands for the feasts, while also distinguishing these mandatory communal sacrifices from voluntary individual offerings. It emphasizes the completeness of the required worship cycle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Numbers records Israel's journey through the wilderness, a period of divine instruction and preparation before entering the Promised Land. During this time, the tabernacle served as the central place of worship, and the sacrificial system was the primary means of approaching God, atoning for sin, and expressing devotion. The "set feasts" were annual pilgrimages and times of national remembrance, celebration, and atonement, deeply embedded in Israel's cultural and religious identity. The meticulous detail in the instructions for offerings reflects the holiness of God and the seriousness of their covenant relationship, where proper observance was paramount to maintaining divine favor and presence.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 29:39 contributes to several key themes within the Pentateuch and broader Old Testament. It highlights the theme of **Comprehensive Worship**, demonstrating God's expectation for a holistic approach to devotion that includes both meticulously prescribed communal rituals and spontaneous, personal acts of faith. The distinction between "set feasts" offerings and "vows, and your freewill offerings" underscores the theme of **Obligatory vs. Voluntary Giving**, revealing that God values both obedience to His explicit commands and the overflow of a willing heart, as seen in passages like [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle"). Furthermore, the observance of these detailed commands reinforces the theme of **Covenant Fidelity**, serving as a tangible expression of Israel's commitment and loyalty to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, a concept deeply explored in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/23 "Deuteronomy 23 - Laws Regarding Vows and Other Matters").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set Feasts (Hebrew, _mo'edim'_):** This term refers to God's "appointed times" or "divine appointments." It signifies that these festivals were not human inventions but divinely ordained gatherings, set apart by God Himself for specific purposes of worship, remembrance, and fellowship. The emphasis is on their sacred, pre-determined nature, highlighting God's initiative in establishing the rhythm of Israel's spiritual life.
* **Vows (Hebrew, _nedarim'_):** These were solemn promises made to God, often conditional upon a specific outcome or as an expression of profound devotion. Vows were binding commitments, taken seriously in ancient Israelite society, and their fulfillment was a matter of integrity before God, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows"). They represented a personal, deliberate act of commitment beyond the regular requirements.
* **Freewill Offerings (Hebrew, _nedabah'_):** In contrast to obligatory sacrifices or binding vows, freewill offerings were spontaneous, voluntary gifts given out of a willing and generous heart. They were not commanded but flowed from a spirit of gratitude, love, or personal devotion. This type of offering, often associated with a "cheerful giver" as later seen in the New Testament, highlights God's delight in offerings that come from genuine desire rather than mere compulsion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [things] ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts":** This opening clause acts as a summary and directive, referring back to all the specific offerings detailed throughout Numbers 29 for the various annual festivals. It emphasizes that the performance of these sacrifices is a direct act of worship and obedience "unto the LORD," signifying that the entire system is God-centered and for His glory. The phrase "in your set feasts" grounds these actions within the divinely appointed times of communal worship.
* **"beside your vows, and your freewill offerings":** This crucial phrase clarifies that the elaborate schedule of festival offerings is not exhaustive of Israel's worship. The word "beside" (Hebrew, _lebhadh_) indicates "apart from," "in addition to," or "exclusive of." It establishes a clear distinction: the mandatory communal sacrifices for the feasts do not negate or replace the importance of individual, voluntary acts of devotion, whether through solemn vows or spontaneous freewill offerings. This highlights the dual expectation of both corporate and personal piety.
* **"for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings":** This concluding list enumerates the primary categories of offerings that would be brought, both as part of the set feasts and as individual vows or freewill offerings. The burnt offering (wholly consumed, symbolizing total dedication), the meat/grain offering (tribute, devotion), the drink offering (accompanying other sacrifices, symbolizing devotion poured out), and the peace offering (fellowship, communion with God) collectively represent the comprehensive scope of Israel's sacrificial worship, covering aspects of atonement, dedication, and fellowship.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 29:39 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Emphasis**. The verse concludes a lengthy chapter by enumerating the various types of offerings, providing a concise summary of the sacrificial system. This enumeration serves to reinforce the comprehensiveness of the required worship. Furthermore, the phrase "beside your vows, and your freewill offerings" functions as a significant point of **Emphasis**. By explicitly stating that these personal offerings are *in addition to* the mandated festival sacrifices, the text underscores the importance of individual, voluntary devotion. This highlights that while communal obedience is essential, God also values and expects spontaneous acts of worship that spring from a willing heart, demonstrating a full and multifaceted commitment to the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 29:39 encapsulates a profound theological truth about the nature of worship: it is both commanded and spontaneous, communal and individual. God desires not only obedience to His prescribed ways but also the overflow of a heart genuinely devoted to Him. This distinction between obligatory and voluntary offerings reveals God's comprehensive expectation for His people's relationship with Him—one that is characterized by both dutiful adherence to His covenant stipulations and fervent, personal expressions of love and gratitude. It teaches that true worship encompasses the whole person and the whole community, reflecting a deep commitment to God's holiness and His gracious provision.

* [Leviticus 23:2](/leviticus/23-2 "Leviticus 23:2 - The Feasts of the Lord")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Fulfilling Vows")
* [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Christ, the enduring principles embedded in Numbers 29:39 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to a holistic and intentional approach to our relationship with God, one that honors both our communal responsibilities and our individual expressions of faith. We are reminded that our worship should encompass both structured, corporate gatherings where we participate in the "set feasts" of the church (e.g., Sunday services, sacraments) and deeply personal, spontaneous acts of devotion that mirror "vows and freewill offerings." This includes not only our financial giving but also the offering of our time, talents, and affections. God delights in a cheerful giver, in a heart that offers beyond mere obligation, demonstrating a genuine desire to honor Him. Our spiritual sacrifices, as described in the New Testament, should be offered with intentionality, reverence, and a sincere desire to honor God fully, reflecting a life wholly dedicated to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance my participation in corporate worship (the "set feasts" of the church) with my personal, individual devotion to God?**
* **In what areas of my life am I offering God only what is "obligatory," and where can I cultivate a spirit of "freewill offering" that goes beyond expectation?**
* **What "vows" or commitments have I made to God, and how faithfully am I pursuing their fulfillment as an expression of my devotion?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of distinguishing "set feasts" offerings from "vows" and "freewill offerings" in Numbers 29:39?**

Answer: This distinction is highly significant because it highlights the comprehensive nature of Israelite worship and God's expectations for His people. The "set feasts" offerings were mandatory, communal sacrifices prescribed by divine law for specific appointed times. They represented the nation's corporate obedience and atonement. In contrast, "vows" and "freewill offerings" were voluntary, personal acts of devotion. Vows were solemn promises made to God, often conditional, while freewill offerings were spontaneous gifts given out of a willing heart. By stating that the feast offerings were to be performed "beside" (in addition to) these personal offerings, the verse emphasizes that God desired both dutiful obedience to His commands and heartfelt, spontaneous expressions of love, gratitude, and commitment from individuals. It underscores that true worship is not merely ritualistic compliance but also flows from a genuine, personal relationship with God, as seen in passages like [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 29:39, with its meticulous details of sacrifices and the distinction between obligatory and voluntary offerings, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The myriad burnt offerings, meat offerings, drink offerings, and peace offerings, whether for the "set feasts" or as "vows" and "freewill offerings," all pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus did not merely offer a sacrifice; He *is* the sacrifice, fulfilling every type and shadow of the Old Covenant system. His death on the cross was the ultimate [burnt offering](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"), perfectly dedicating humanity to God; the perfect [sin offering](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Sending His Son for Sin"), taking away the guilt of humanity; and the basis for our [peace with God](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ"). Under the New Covenant, believers are no longer bound by the Mosaic sacrificial laws, for Christ's singular offering has rendered them obsolete (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Instead, our worship becomes a "spiritual sacrifice" (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")), offered through Christ, encompassing our lives as living sacrifices (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), our praise, and our generous giving, which are "a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" (cf. [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering")). Thus, the principles of comprehensive, intentional, and voluntary worship from Numbers 29:39 are not abolished but elevated and perfected in our relationship with Christ, through whom we now draw near to 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.

Cross-References

Leviticus 23:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, [Concerning] the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim [to be] holy convocations, [even] these [are] my feasts.

2 Chronicles 31:3

[He appointed] also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, [to wit], for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as [it is] written in the law of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 23:31

And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the LORD in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order commanded unto them, continually before the LORD:

Ezra 3:5

And afterward [offered] the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.

Isaiah 1:14

Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear [them].

Nehemiah 10:33

For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy [things], and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and [for] all the work of the house of our God.

Leviticus 7:11

¶ And this [is] the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.