Numbers 29:13

And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:

And ye shall offer {H7126} a burnt offering {H5930}, a sacrifice made by fire {H801}, of a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}; thirteen {H7969}{H6240} young {H1241}{H1121} bullocks {H6499}, two {H8147} rams {H352}, and fourteen {H702}{H6240} lambs {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141}; they shall be without blemish {H8549}:

You are to present a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, bringing a fragrant aroma to ADONAI. It is to consist of thirteen young bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs in their first year (they are to be without defect),

As a pleasing aroma to the LORD, you are to present an offering made by fire, a burnt offering of thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished,

and ye shall offer a burnt-offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor unto Jehovah; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, fourteen he-lambs a year old; they shall be without blemish;

Commentary

Context of Numbers 29:13

Numbers 29:13 is part of a detailed set of instructions regarding the national offerings to be made during the various annual feasts of Israel. Specifically, this verse describes the burnt offerings required for the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a seven-day festival beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. This feast commemorated God's provision and protection during the Israelites' forty years of wandering in the wilderness, as well as celebrating the harvest. The elaborate and numerous sacrifices outlined in Numbers 29 highlight the significance of this particular feast in the Israelite calendar and the meticulous nature of God's commands for worship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Abundance and Generosity: The sheer number of animals—thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs—indicates a remarkably large offering. This emphasizes the theme of abundance in God's provision and calls for an equally generous and grateful response from His people. It speaks to the idea of giving God the best and most ample of what one possesses.
  • Holiness and Purity: The repeated phrase "they shall be without blemish" underscores the divine requirement for perfection in approaching God. This purity in sacrifice foreshadows the ultimate, spotless sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who alone could perfectly atone for sin.
  • Acceptance and Fellowship: The phrase "a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD" signifies God's acceptance and pleasure in the offering. It indicates that the sacrifice was pleasing to Him, establishing or restoring fellowship between God and His people. This concept is spiritually echoed in the New Testament concerning Christ's sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2).
  • Divine Instruction and Obedience: The precise and detailed nature of these commands highlights God's sovereignty and the importance of meticulous obedience to His divine will. Every aspect of Israelite worship was divinely ordained, leaving no room for human invention.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Burnt offering" (Hebrew: ‘olah): This term literally means "that which ascends" or "goes up." The entire animal, except for the hide, was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, surrender, and atonement to God. It was a sacrifice of total dedication.
  • "Sweet savour" (Hebrew: reah nihoah): This phrase translates to "a soothing aroma" or "pleasing odor." It is an anthropomorphic expression indicating God's acceptance and satisfaction with the offering, signifying that it was received favorably by Him.
  • "Without blemish" (Hebrew: tamim): This word means "whole," "complete," "perfect," or "sound." It was a critical requirement for all sacrificial animals, ensuring the highest quality and symbolizing the moral and spiritual perfection required in approaching a holy God.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system is fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind these commands remain profoundly relevant for believers today. Numbers 29:13 reminds us:

  • To Offer Our Best: Just as the Israelites were commanded to bring "without blemish" offerings in abundance, we are called to give God our very best—our time, talents, resources, and our whole selves—not just what is convenient or leftover. This is a call to excellence in our worship and service.
  • The Heart of Worship: The "sweet savour" was not merely about the physical act of sacrifice but the heart behind it. Our worship and obedience should stem from a genuine desire to please God, reflecting a heart of gratitude and full surrender, much like presenting our bodies as living sacrifices.
  • Christ's Sufficiency: The immense number of sacrifices for the Feast of Tabernacles, day after day, highlights the continuous need for atonement under the Old Covenant. This contrasts with the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fully satisfied God's righteous demands and provided complete and lasting forgiveness for all who believe. We no longer need to offer animals, but we approach God through the merits of His Son.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 28:11 (3 votes)

    And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot;

  • Ezra 3:4 (3 votes)

    They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as [it is] written, and [offered] the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;

  • Romans 12:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Hebrews 10:12 (2 votes)

    But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

  • Hebrews 10:14 (2 votes)

    For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

  • Numbers 29:2 (2 votes)

    And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, [and] seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

  • Numbers 28:19 (2 votes)

    But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire [for] a burnt offering unto the LORD; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish: