Numbers 7:27

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 7:27 is part of the detailed account of the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the newly constructed tabernacle. This specific verse details the animals designated for the burnt offering presented by the leader of the tribe of Ephraim on the third day.

Context

The entire chapter of Numbers 7 records the identical offerings brought by each tribal leader over twelve consecutive days following the completion and anointing of the tabernacle and its furnishings (see Numbers 7:1). Each day's entry lists the various gifts, including silver and gold vessels filled with fine flour and oil for grain offerings, incense, and animals for different types of sacrifices: a burnt offering, a sin offering, and peace offerings. Verse 27 specifically lists the animals for the burnt offering brought by Elishama the son of Ammihud, the leader of the tribe of Ephraim.

Key Themes

  • Dedication and Consecration: The entire chapter emphasizes the dedication of the tabernacle and the priesthood through significant offerings. It highlights the people's role, represented by their leaders, in supporting and participating in this holy work.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: The burnt offering (Leviticus 1) was a voluntary sacrifice representing complete dedication to God and serving as a general atonement for sin. The specific animals listed were standard requirements for this type of offering.
  • Obedience and Order: The repetition of the exact same offerings by each tribe underscores the importance of obedience to God's prescribed pattern for worship and sacrifice. It shows the unity of the tribes in their approach to God, despite their distinct identities.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "burnt offering" is 'olah (Χ’ΦΉΧœΦΈΧ”), derived from a root meaning "to ascend." This refers to the fact that the entire animal (except the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar, signifying that the offering "ascended" to God as a pleasing aroma (as mentioned in Leviticus 1:9). It represents a complete surrender and devotion to the Lord.

Significance and Application

While the sacrificial system of the Old Testament pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10), the principles behind these offerings remain relevant. The burnt offering, requiring a complete offering of the best animals, reminds us of the call to offer ourselves completely to God in worship and service (Romans 12:1). The meticulous detail in Numbers 7 emphasizes that our devotion and service should be intentional, obedient, and according to God's will, not merely our own preferences.

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

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 1:11

    To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

  • Jeremiah 7:22

    For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:

  • Psalms 50:8

    I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, [to have been] continually before me.

  • Psalms 50:14

    Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

  • Psalms 51:16

    For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

  • Amos 5:22

    Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
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