Numbers 7:51

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 7:51 is part of a detailed account in the Book of Numbers, specifically describing the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle. This particular verse specifies the components of the burnt offering presented by Ahiezer, the leader of the tribe of Dan, on the tenth day of the dedication period.

Context and Setting

The Book of Numbers documents Israel's journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. Chapter 7 meticulously records the offerings brought by each tribal prince for the consecration of the newly erected Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelled among His people. Each day for twelve days, a different tribal leader presented an identical set of gifts, emphasizing unity and comprehensive obedience to God's commands regarding worship and atonement. Numbers 7:51 details one specific element of this grand dedication ceremony.

Key Themes and Significance

  • Obedience and Order: The meticulous detail in Numbers 7 highlights Israel's adherence to God's precise instructions for worship. The repetition of offerings across all tribes underscores the importance of communal obedience and a structured approach to divine service.
  • Atonement and Dedication: The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: 'olah, meaning "that which goes up" or "ascends") was a primary sacrifice in ancient Israelite worship. It symbolized complete devotion and surrender to God, as the entire animal (except the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar. It also served as a means of making atonement for general sin, making the worshiper acceptable before God.
  • Worship and Reconciliation: The offerings were a crucial part of Israel's covenant relationship with God, providing a divinely appointed way for them to approach a holy God and seek His favor and forgiveness. The specific animals—a young bullock, a ram, and a lamb of the first year—were valuable, representing a significant sacrifice on the part of the giver.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew term for "burnt offering" is 'olah (עוֹלָה). This word emphasizes the ascent of the sacrifice's smoke to God, symbolizing the worshiper's complete dedication and the offering's acceptance by the Lord as a "sweet savour" or pleasing aroma.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind these offerings remain relevant. Numbers 7:51, within its larger context, reminds us of:

  • The Call to Wholehearted Devotion: Like the burnt offering, our worship and service to God should be complete and unreserved, reflecting our deep commitment to Him.
  • The Need for Atonement: The repeated sacrifices underscored humanity's constant need for reconciliation with a holy God. This points forward to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all to atone for sins, making direct access to God possible.
  • Unity in Worship: The identical offerings from all tribes illustrate the beauty and strength of unified worship within the community of faith.
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Cross-References

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