Numbers 7:39

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:39 precisely details a specific component of the dedication offerings presented by Gamaliel, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh, for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This verse enumerates the animals—a young bullock, a ram, and a lamb of the first year—designated for the burnt offering, an act symbolizing complete surrender, atonement, and fervent devotion to God. It is an integral part of the highly structured and repetitive account in Numbers chapter 7, which collectively underscores the divine demand for precision, the unity in Israelite worship, and the profound significance of total dedication to the Lord's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:39 is embedded within a meticulously structured and lengthy narrative in Numbers chapter 7, which chronicles the dedication offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders for the newly erected Tabernacle and its sacred implements. This chapter immediately follows the anointing of the Tabernacle and its altar, as explicitly commanded by God in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Anointing of the Tabernacle"). For twelve consecutive days, each tribal leader presented an identical set of gifts, a literary device that powerfully emphasizes uniformity, shared devotion, and the collective participation of the entire nation in this foundational act of worship. Numbers 7:39 specifically outlines the components of the burnt offering presented by Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur, on the seventh day. The deliberate repetition throughout the chapter, detailing the exact same offerings from each tribe, serves to highlight the meticulous obedience required in Israelite worship and the unified commitment of the nation to God's presence dwelling among them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Numbers chapter 7 unfold shortly after the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle, a momentous occasion in Israel's history as they prepared for their journey through the wilderness. The Tabernacle was not merely a tent but God's designated dwelling place among His people, symbolizing His holy presence and providing the prescribed means for worship, communion, and atonement. The offerings, including the burnt offering specified in [Numbers 7:39](/numbers/7-39 "Numbers 7:39 - Gamaliel's Burnt Offering"), were far more than ceremonial gifts; they were essential acts of consecration, dedicating the sacred space and its instruments for divine service. These sacrifices were foundational to the Israelite covenant relationship with God, establishing a framework for approaching a holy God. The particular animals—a young bullock, a ram, and a lamb of the first year—were standard sacrificial animals, carefully chosen for their purity and unblemished state. Their selection underscored the principle that only the finest and most perfect was acceptable for God's service, a requirement detailed extensively in sacrificial laws such as those found in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:39 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Divine Precision and Order**, evident in the meticulous detail with which God prescribes every aspect of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the offerings. This precision underscores God's holiness and His demand for an ordered, reverent approach to His presence. Another key theme is **Corporate Worship and Unity**, as all twelve tribes, through their leaders, bring identical offerings, signifying their collective commitment and shared identity as God's covenant people. This uniformity reinforces the idea that all Israel stands united before God. Furthermore, the passage highlights the theme of **Atonement and Dedication**. The burnt offering, in particular, symbolizes complete surrender and a general atonement for sin, making the worshiper acceptable before God. This act of giving one's best, as seen in the valuable animals specified in [Numbers 7:39](/numbers/7-39 "Numbers 7:39 - Gamaliel's Burnt Offering"), emphasizes the profound cost and commitment involved in drawing near to a holy God, a theme foundational to the entire sacrificial system outlined in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Sacrifices").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **One (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** This numeral (H259) signifies "united" or "one," emphasizing the singularity and specific quantity of each animal required for the offering. In the context of the dedication, it highlights the precise nature of God's commands—not just any number, but exactly "one" of each type, underscoring the divine order and the meticulous adherence expected from the worshipers.
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par'_):** This term (H6499) refers to a young bull, specifically a male calf. The Strong's data suggests it is "apparently as breaking forth in wild strength," or "perhaps as dividing the hoof." Its inclusion signifies a valuable and substantial offering, representing a significant sacrifice from the worshiper's herd. It indicates the giving of one's best and most costly possessions to God.
* **Lamb (Hebrew, _kebes'_):** This word (H3532) denotes a ram, specifically one "just old enough to butt." It refers to a young male sheep, often associated with purity and innocence. The phrase "lamb of the first year" (incorporating H1121 _bên_ for "of the first" and H8141 _shâneh_ for "year") further specifies its youth and unblemished quality, making it an ideal candidate for sacrifice due to its purity and lack of defect.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** This term (H5930) literally means "that which ascends" or "goes up." It describes a specific type of sacrifice where the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest in some cases) was consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. This symbolized complete dedication, total surrender, and a general atonement for unintentional sins, making the worshiper acceptable before the Lord through a demonstration of fervent devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One young bullock":** This specifies the largest and most valuable animal in this particular offering set. A "young bullock" (Hebrew: _par ben baqar_) indicates a male calf that is mature enough to be a significant offering, signifying a substantial and costly sacrifice. Its inclusion highlights the worshiper's willingness to give generously and sacrificially to God, offering a prized possession.
* **"one ram":** This refers to a male sheep, another significant animal in the pastoral economy of ancient Israel. Its presence alongside the bullock reinforces the comprehensive nature of the offering, drawing from different categories of valuable livestock and demonstrating a holistic commitment.
* **"one lamb of the first year":** This denotes a young, pure, and unblemished male lamb, specifically one within its first year of life. This age requirement emphasizes purity, innocence, and lack of defect, which were crucial for an acceptable offering to a holy God. Its inclusion foreshadows the ultimate perfect sacrifice that would embody these qualities.
* **"for a burnt offering":** This concluding clause explicitly states the purpose of these animals. They were designated for the `‘ōlāh`, the sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar. This type of offering symbolized complete dedication, total surrender of the worshiper's self or possessions, and a general atonement for sin, signifying acceptance and reconciliation with God.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:39, when viewed within its broader literary context of chapter 7, employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning. The most prominent is **Repetition**, as the detailed list of offerings, including the items in this verse, is meticulously repeated for each of the twelve tribal leaders. This **Repetition** serves to underscore the uniformity of divine command, the unity of the tribes in their worship, and the meticulous nature of God's requirements for approaching Him. It also emphasizes the importance and value of each component of the offering. **Symbolism** is inherent in the animals themselves: the unblemished bullock, ram, and lamb symbolize purity, value, and the best of the worshiper's possessions, signifying that only the perfect and most valuable is fitting for God. The "burnt offering" itself is a powerful **Symbol** of complete surrender, total dedication, and atonement, as the entire offering ascends to God in smoke, representing the worshiper's devotion. Furthermore, the detailed prescription of these offerings, while literal in their immediate context, functions as **Typology**, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully and finally atone for sin, establishing a divine pattern for future redemption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:39, as an integral part of the Tabernacle dedication offerings, powerfully articulates the enduring theological principles of divine precision, complete dedication, and the necessity of atonement. The meticulous detail in God's commands for worship underscores His absolute holiness and the profound reverence due to Him. The burnt offering, which was entirely consumed, symbolizes total surrender and the giving of one's absolute best to God—a principle that transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system and resonates throughout biblical theology. This act of atonement, designed to make the worshiper acceptable before a holy God, profoundly points forward to a greater, more perfect sacrifice that would provide ultimate and complete reconciliation for all humanity.

* [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Requirements for a Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific practice of animal sacrifice is no longer required for believers in Christ, Numbers 7:39 and its broader context offer profound and enduring principles for our spiritual lives and our approach to God. The meticulousness with which God prescribed these offerings teaches us that our worship and service to Him should be intentional, thoughtful, and offered with our very best, not as an afterthought or with half-hearted effort. It calls us to a standard of excellence in our devotion. The concept of the burnt offering, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication, challenges us to examine the extent of our own commitment to God. Are we holding anything back—any area of our lives, any resource, any ambition—or are we truly presenting our whole selves—our time, talents, resources, and desires—as a "living sacrifice" to Him? This passage calls us to a life of holistic devotion, recognizing that true worship involves not just ritual but a transformed heart and obedient living, reflecting the complete surrender symbolized by the ascending smoke of the offering. It reminds us that our entire lives are meant to be an offering of praise and obedience to the One who has given us everything.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I holding back from complete surrender to God, rather than offering my "best" as a burnt offering?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's requirements for the Tabernacle offerings inform my approach to worship and obedience today?**
* **Considering the symbolism of the burnt offering, what does it mean for me to "present my body as a living sacrifice" in a practical, daily sense, and what might that look like this week?**

### FAQ
**Why were specific animals like a young bullock, ram, and lamb of the first year required for the burnt offering?**

Answer: The specific animals were chosen for several profound reasons, reflecting divine instruction and deep symbolic meaning. Firstly, they were considered "clean" animals suitable for sacrifice according to Mosaic Law, as extensively detailed in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering"). Secondly, they had to be "unblemished" or "without defect," signifying the purity and perfection required for an offering to a holy God. This emphasized the exceedingly high standard God set for approaching Him and underscored His own perfect character. Thirdly, the varying sizes and values of the animals (a bullock being the most valuable, then a ram, then a lamb) allowed for different levels of sacrifice based on a worshiper's means, while still requiring the "best" of what they possessed. The "lamb of the first year" specifically highlighted purity, innocence, and newness of life, serving as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to come.

**What was the primary purpose of the burnt offering in ancient Israelite worship?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the burnt offering (`‘ōlāh`) was multifaceted and deeply significant. It was fundamentally an act of complete dedication and devotion to God, symbolizing the worshiper's total surrender and commitment, as the entire animal (except for the hide in some cases) was consumed by fire and ascended as smoke to God. This act represented the worshiper's desire to be wholly given over to the Lord. It also served as a general atonement for unintentional sins, making the worshiper acceptable before the Lord and restoring fellowship. While other sacrifices addressed specific sins or offered thanksgiving, the burnt offering had a broader atoning quality, covering general sinfulness and re-establishing a right relationship between the worshiper and God. It was also offered in communal settings for the nation's atonement and dedication, as powerfully demonstrated in the Tabernacle dedication described in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Dedication of the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:39, with its meticulous description of the burnt offering—comprising a "young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year"—finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. These prescribed animals, unblemished and offered in complete consumption, all point to the singular, infinitely valuable, and utterly perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the burnt offering symbolized complete surrender and dedication, Jesus offered Himself entirely, without reservation or blemish, on the cross. His sacrifice was not merely a partial offering but a total, once-for-all atonement for the sins of humanity, rendering all subsequent animal sacrifices obsolete and perfectly fulfilling the Law's requirements ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The ascending smoke of the `‘ōlāh` symbolized acceptance before God; similarly, Christ's perfect obedience, sinless life, and sacrificial death were supremely acceptable to the Father, securing our eternal redemption and granting us access to God. Through His finished work, we are now invited to present our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), not to earn salvation, but in grateful response to the complete and perfect offering of our Lord Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled every shadow and type of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

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

Exodus 12:5

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take [it] out from the sheep, or from the goats:

Acts 8:32

The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

Revelation 5:6

¶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

John 1:29

¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: