Numbers 7:45

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 7:45 meticulously details a specific component of the dedication offerings presented by Elishama, the leader of the tribe of Ephraim, on the seventh day of the Tabernacle's consecration. This verse precisely enumerates the animals—a young bullock, a ram, and a lamb of the first year—designated for the burnt offering, a profound sacrifice entirely consumed by fire upon the altar. This act symbolized complete dedication, propitiation, and atonement before the Lord, underscoring the precise, comprehensive, and holy nature of the worship commanded by God for the newly inaugurated sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7 is a pivotal chapter, meticulously chronicling the dedication of the Tabernacle and its altar following its completion and anointing, as detailed in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Completed and Anointed"). This chapter immediately follows the divine instructions for the Tabernacle's operation and the census of the Levites, positioning it as a foundational moment in Israel's corporate worship life. Over twelve consecutive days, the leaders of each of the twelve tribes of Israel brought identical, lavish offerings, including silver and gold vessels, and a variety of animals for burnt, sin, and peace offerings, alongside grain and drink offerings. This repetitive and exhaustive record emphasizes the unified commitment of the entire nation to their covenant God and the newly established central place of worship. Verse 45, specifically detailing Elishama's burnt offering, exemplifies the consistent and divinely prescribed nature of these inaugural sacrifices, highlighting the precise adherence to God's instructions for approaching His holy presence. The preceding verses, such as [Numbers 7:10-11](/numbers/7-10-11 "Numbers 7:10-11 - Dedication of the Altar"), set the stage for these individual tribal offerings, emphasizing their collective significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 7 unfold in the wilderness, shortly after the Israelites' miraculous exodus from Egypt and their encampment at Mount Sinai. This period was crucial for shaping their identity as God's chosen covenant people. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, served as the tangible manifestation of God's presence dwelling among His people, symbolizing His holiness, accessibility, and their need for a divinely ordained means of reconciliation. The dedication offerings were far more than mere ceremonies; they were profound theological acts that formally established the Tabernacle as the legitimate and divinely appointed locus for Israel's worship, atonement, and communion with Yahweh. While animal sacrifice was a common practice in the ancient Near East, Israel's system was distinct. It was uniquely tied to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing His specific demands for purity, holiness, and the substitutionary nature of atonement, setting a crucial precedent that foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice. The offerings also demonstrated the economic and social structure of the tribes, where valuable livestock represented significant wealth and commitment.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:45, within the broader context of the Tabernacle's dedication, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. **Divine Instruction and Obedience** is paramount, as the meticulous listing of offerings underscores God's precise demands for worship and Israel's faithful adherence. This highlights that access to God is on His terms, not humanity's. The theme of **Holiness and Atonement** is central, as the burnt offering (Hebrew: `ʿōlāh`) symbolized complete consecration and provided general atonement, making the worshiper acceptable before a holy God. This reiterates the necessity of a blood sacrifice for cleansing and reconciliation, a concept foundational to the Mosaic covenant. Furthermore, the **Unity and Corporate Worship** of Israel is emphasized through the identical offerings brought by each tribal leader, demonstrating a collective commitment to Yahweh and the Tabernacle as the unifying center of their national life. This communal act of worship, detailed in [Numbers 7:1-88](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders"), reinforces their identity as a people set apart, dedicated to God. Finally, the theme of **God's Dwelling Presence** is solidified, as the dedication rituals signify the successful establishment of the Tabernacle as the place where God would meet with His people, a promise reiterated throughout [Exodus](/exodus "The Book of Exodus") and [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **One (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** (H259) A numeral indicating singularity, unity, or firstness. In this context, it emphasizes the precise, singular nature of each animal required for the offering. It highlights that each type of animal was to be brought individually, not in multiples, underscoring the specific and non-negotiable nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle's dedication. This numerical precision reflects divine order and the exactitude required in worship.
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par'_):** (H6499) Derived from a root meaning "to break forth in wild strength," this term refers to a young bull, often specifically a male calf. The bullock was a substantial and valuable animal, signifying a significant and costly offering. Its inclusion in the burnt offering underscores the gravity of the dedication and the worshiper's willingness to give generously and sacrificially from their most prized possessions. The term `bâqâr` (H1241), also present in the Strong's data for "young bullock," refers to beef cattle generally, while `par` specifies the young bull.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** (H5930) This term, derived from the verb `ʻâlâh` (to ascend or go up), describes a sacrifice where the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke and aroma ascending to God. The `ʻôlâh` was unique among sacrifices in its complete consumption, symbolizing total surrender, complete dedication, and a desire for full communion and atonement. It was often offered as a general act of worship, to make atonement, or to express devotion, signifying the worshiper's desire to be wholly acceptable to God. The phrase "lamb of the first year" (H1121 `bên` + H8141 `shâneh`) emphasizes the youth and prime condition of the animal, essential for an unblemished offering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One young bullock":** This specifies the first and largest animal required for the burnt offering. The "young bullock" (Hebrew: `par` and `bâqâr`) was a significant and costly sacrifice, signifying the worshiper's generosity and the importance of the occasion. Its inclusion indicates a substantial commitment to God and the gravity of the Tabernacle's dedication.
* **"one ram":** The ram (Hebrew: `ʼayil`), also a valuable and strong animal, further demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the offering. Its presence alongside the bullock and lamb ensures a diverse and complete set of animals, each holding specific significance in the sacrificial system, emphasizing the fullness of the dedication.
* **"one lamb of the first year":** This refers to a lamb (Hebrew: `kebes`) that is young and in its prime, typically indicating an unblemished animal. The phrase "of the first year" (Hebrew: `bên shâneh`) denotes purity, vigor, and perfection. This requirement for an unblemished animal was crucial for all sacrifices, symbolizing the holiness of God and the necessity of a perfect offering to approach Him.
* **"for a burnt offering":** This concluding phrase explicitly states the purpose of these meticulously chosen animals. They were designated for the `ʻôlâh`, the whole burnt offering, emphasizing complete dedication, total surrender, and the general atonement it provided. The meticulous specification of animals for this particular type of offering underscores God's precise demands for worship and the specific theological function of each sacrifice in establishing a means of communion with a holy God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in Numbers 7:45, situated within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, employs several significant literary devices. **Enumeration** and **Precision** are paramount, as the text meticulously lists the exact number and type of animals required for the burnt offering. This detailed accounting is not merely descriptive but profoundly prescriptive, emphasizing God's demand for orderly, specific, and unalterable worship. It underscores the sacredness of divine commands and the importance of exact obedience. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded within the choice of animals; each (bullock, ram, lamb of the first year) carries inherent value and represents a costly, pure offering, reflecting the worshiper's sincerity and the high standard of divine acceptance. The "burnt offering" itself is a powerful **Symbol** of complete surrender and atonement, where the ascending smoke visually represents the worshiper's devotion and the offering's acceptance by God. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of these precise offerings across twelve days by each tribal leader throughout Numbers 7 reinforces the unity of the nation's worship, the consistent nature of God's requirements, and the collective commitment to the covenant, creating a liturgical rhythm that underscores the solemnity and profound importance of the Tabernacle's inauguration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:45, through its focus on the burnt offering, powerfully conveys profound theological themes of complete dedication, propitiation, and the meticulous nature of worship. The `ʻôlâh` symbolized a worshiper's total surrender to God, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and rightful claim over all of life. It was a general offering of reconciliation, making the worshiper acceptable before God, signifying a desire for full communion and atonement for unintentional sin or general unworthiness. This act of giving one's most valuable possessions, wholly consumed by fire, underscored the costliness of approaching a holy God and the necessity of a divinely prescribed means of atonement. The precision of the instructions also highlights God's demand for worship offered in spirit and in truth, with reverence, intentionality, and obedience, rather than casual or self-devised methods. It teaches that true worship involves a costly, unreserved giving of oneself to God.

* [Leviticus 1:3-9](/leviticus/1-3-9 "Leviticus 1:3-9 - The Law of the Burnt Offering")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")
* [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of Numbers 7:45, describing the specific animals for a burnt offering, serve as a profound and enduring reminder of the seriousness, intentionality, and costliness with which God desires to be approached. While the practice of animal sacrifice has been fulfilled and superseded by Christ's ultimate offering, the underlying principles of complete dedication and costly worship remain profoundly relevant for believers today. Our lives are called to be "living sacrifices" (as echoed in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), wholly given to God, reflecting a heart of total surrender and devotion. This means offering our time, talents, resources, aspirations, and even our very wills to His service, not out of compulsion or legalism, but out of grateful response to His ultimate, self-giving sacrifice for us. It challenges us to examine the quality and depth of our worship, ensuring it is not merely ritualistic or superficial, but flows from a heart truly consecrated to Him, marked by reverence, obedience, and genuine love for the One who gave everything for our reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the "burnt offering" (complete consumption and ascension) challenge my understanding of what it means to offer my "whole self" to God today, beyond just my actions?**
* **In what specific areas of my life—my resources, time, relationships, or ambitions—am I holding back from complete surrender to God, and what steps can I take to offer those areas as a "living sacrifice"?**
* **Considering the meticulous nature of the Old Testament offerings and God's demand for precision, how can I cultivate greater intentionality, reverence, and preparation in my personal and corporate worship practices?**

### FAQ
**Why were specific animals like a bullock, ram, and lamb chosen for the burnt offering?**

Answer: The selection of specific animals for the burnt offering was not arbitrary but held significant symbolic, practical, and theological meaning within the ancient Israelite context. Animals like the bullock (`par`), ram (`ʼayil`), and lamb (`kebes`) were among the most valuable and economically significant possessions of an Israelite, representing a costly sacrifice that demonstrated the worshiper's sincerity, devotion, and willingness to part with something precious for God. The "lamb of the first year" specifically emphasized purity, youth, and perfection, as only unblemished animals were acceptable for sacrifice, reflecting God's absolute holiness and the need for a perfect offering to approach Him. These animals were also common in the agrarian society of the time, making them accessible for offerings across various socio-economic levels, though for a communal dedication like that in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders"), the offerings were uniformly grand, reflecting the collective wealth and commitment of the tribes. The variety also ensured a comprehensive representation of livestock, signifying that all aspects of their livelihood and possessions were consecrated to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:45, with its focus on the burnt offering (`ʻôlâh`), finds its ultimate, perfect, and singular fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication, propitiation, and atonement through the total consumption of an unblemished animal, powerfully pointed forward to the once-for-all 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"). Jesus, as the perfect and spotless sacrifice, offered Himself entirely on the cross, fulfilling the symbolic "ascending" of the `ʻôlâh` through His perfect obedience and complete surrender to the Father's will (as seen in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices that could never truly and permanently take away sins (as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")), Christ's single, perfect offering perfectly atoned for humanity's sin, making those who believe eternally acceptable and righteous before God. His sacrifice was the ultimate demonstration of costly love and complete dedication, providing the true and lasting reconciliation that the ancient offerings could only foreshadow. Thus, the meticulous requirements of Numbers 7:45 underscore the divine standard of holiness and the need for a perfect offering, a standard that only Christ could perfectly meet, inviting us now to offer our lives as living sacrifices in light of His finished work (as exhorted in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

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

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Psalms 66:15

I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

Isaiah 53:4

¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.