Numbers 7:21

One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

One {H259} young {H1241} bullock {H6499}, one {H259} ram {H352}, one {H259} lamb {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141}, for a burnt offering {H5930}:

one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year as a burnt offering,

one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering;

one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb a year old, for a burnt-offering;

Commentary

Numbers 7:21 details a specific component of the dedication offerings brought by the leaders of the tribes of Israel for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This verse specifies the animals designated for a burnt offering: "One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering."

Context of Numbers 7:21

This verse is part of an extended passage (Numbers 7:10-88) that meticulously records the identical offerings made by each of the twelve tribal leaders over twelve days for the dedication of the Tabernacle. Following its construction and anointing, the Tabernacle became the central place of worship and God's dwelling among His people in the wilderness. Nethaneel the son of Zuar, leader of the tribe of Issachar, brought this particular offering on the second day (Numbers 7:18).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Complete Dedication and Worship: The burnt offering (Hebrew: 'olah), entirely consumed by fire, symbolized total devotion and surrender to God. The specific animals—a bullock, a ram, and a lamb—represent significant value and effort, indicating that the best was given to the Lord. This act of worship was a profound expression of the tribes' commitment to God's covenant and their recognition of His holiness.
  • Order and Unity: The fact that each tribal leader brought the exact same set of offerings underscores the principle of unity in worship and adherence to God's divine instructions. It highlights that all Israel was equally responsible and dedicated to the Lord, following the established laws for burnt offerings.
  • Foreshadowing of Christ: While these animal sacrifices provided temporary atonement and symbolized devotion, they ultimately pointed forward to the perfect and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His single offering on the cross fulfilled all the requirements of the Old Testament sacrificial system, providing eternal redemption for all who believe.

Linguistic Insight

The term "burnt offering" comes from the Hebrew word 'olah (עֹלָה), which literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends." This refers to the smoke of the consumed animal ascending to God, signifying a complete and pleasing sacrifice. It emphasized the worshiper's total surrender and devotion.

Practical Application

Numbers 7:21, though rooted in ancient sacrificial practices, carries enduring lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of giving our "best" to God, not necessarily in terms of animal sacrifice, but in our time, talents, and resources. It calls us to a life of complete dedication and worship, recognizing God's sovereignty and holiness. Our worship should be orderly and united, reflecting the body of Christ, and always rooted in the understanding that Christ's ultimate sacrifice is the foundation of our access to God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 12:1

    ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

  • Genesis 8:20

    ¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

  • Ephesians 5:2

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
← Back