Numbers Chapter 29
Numbers 29:1 “And in the seventh month, on the first [day] of the month, ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.”
The month Tisri, as the Targum of Jonathan, which answers to part of our September and October. A month famous for days to be religiously observed. Having more of them in it than any other month in the year.
“On the first day of the month, ye shall have a holy convocation (see Lev. 23:24).
“Ye shall do no servile work”: Therefore, in the place referred to, is called a Sabbath.
“It is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you”: Of which (see notes on Lev. 23:24).
This is a continuation of the various sacrifices and offerings of the last lesson. The seventh month, Ethanim, was approximately the same as October for us. Sometimes, this fell at the last of our September. This is the gathering together of the feast of trumpets. Many people believe this to symbolize the blowing of the trumpet in the sky, when the Lord gathers us home to be with Him.
Numbers 29:2 “And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savor unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, [and] seven lambs of the first year without blemish:”
Which was as follows.
“One young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish”: Which was the same, only one bullock less, with the offerings on the first day of the month. The seven days of Unleavened Bread, and the day of the Firstfruits (Num. 8:11; 28:19; 28:27).
The offering is very similar to the offerings, we read about in the previous lesson. The elements offered symbolize the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This offering is to be made, because it is celebrating the harvest. The crops are in, and it is time to rejoice. Certainly, there will be a harvest of believers someday, from the earth.
Numbers 29:3 “And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, [and] two tenth deals for a ram,”
Which went along with the creatures offered for a burnt offering. The quantity of flour and oil used in it was the same. For a bullock, a ram, and each lamb. As in the offerings at the New Moons, Feast of Unleavened Bread and the day of Firstfruits (Num. 28:10). And a kid of the goats was also offered for a sin offering at this time. As in those seasons, and for the same purpose, to make atonement for the sins of their holy things.
Numbers 29:4-5 “And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:” “And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:”
Which went along with the creatures offered for a burnt offering. The quantity of flour and oil used in it was the same, for a bullock, a ram, and each lamb. As in the offerings at the new moons, feast of unleavened bread and the day of firstfruits (Num. 28:10). And a kid of the goats was also offered for a sin offering at this time, as in those seasons, and for the same purpose. To make atonement for the sins of their holy things.
Seven means spiritually complete. The lamb was used in offering to symbolize the innocence of the one offered. It is the blood of the precious Lamb of God that saves us all.
The word “atonement” means cover, or cancel. This offering is to cover the sin. Only Jesus (our atonement), can cancel our sin.
Numbers 29:6 “Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.”
“The bullock, ram, and seven lambs, were offered on this day. Besides the two bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs, which were offered on it. On account of its being the first day of the month and besides the meat offering that went along with them. These were not omitted on account of those additional sacrifices.
“And the daily burnt offering”: The two lambs of the daily sacrifice. These also were offered as usual, so that there were offered on this day three bullocks, two rams, and sixteen lambs.
“And his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner”: These also were offered with the daily sacrifice, according to the law and rule prescribed for the making of them, and all were:
“For a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD”: For they were burnt sacrifices, and very acceptable to the LORD. As they were types of the better sacrifice, with which he is infinitely well pleased. And it is with respect to that that such a number of sacrifices were appointed.
This offering is in addition to the others.
Numbers 29:7 “And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month a holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work [therein]:”
The month Tisri, as before; so the Targum of Jonathan.
“And ye shall afflict your souls”: Or persons. Their bodies by fasting, and their souls by repentance and humiliation. For this was a grand fast, as it is called (Acts 27:9).
“Ye shall not do any work therein” (see Lev. 23:28).
At this time of year, the High Priest would go into the Holy of Holies and put blood on the mercy seat for his own sins, and the sins of the people. This is Day of Atonement.
Numbers 29:8 “But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD [for] a sweet savor; one young bullock, one ram, [and] seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish:”
Which is the same as ordered to be offered on the first day (Num. 29:2). Aben Ezra is of opinion that the ram here is different from those (in Lev. 16:3).
The burnt offering symbolized the man’s body being purified from his sins. This symbolized the justification that we receive through the great sacrifice of Jesus.
Numbers 29:9 “And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, [and] two tenth deals to one ram,”
Which was of the same quantity of flour and oil, for a bullock, a ram, and a lamb. As for the meat offering on the first day of the month.
We see the perfect system of sacrifice. It does not vary at all.
Numbers 29:10 “A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:”
Which was of the same quantity of flour and oil, for a bullock, a ram, and a lamb, as for the meat offering on the first day of the month.
Numbers 29:11 “One kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.”
This also, as it was different from that which was offered for the service of the day, so it was offered after it. As is observed by the Jewish writers, that the goat, which was offered without, though of the short prayers, or additions. Could not go before the service of the day for it is said as follows.
“Beside the sin offering of atonement”: Hence, say they, we learn, that the goat within, which was of the service of the day, went before it. After that the ram of Aaron, and the ram of the people, and after that the fat of the sin offering.
“And the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings”: Which were never omitted on account of the service of any day. Though ever so solemn, as this was. Hence it appears that there were offered on this day of atonement two bullocks, three rams, three goats, and two lambs.
Somehow, the repetition of these offerings were to sink into their memory, so there would be no excuse not to keep them.
Numbers 29:12 “And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:”
Of the same month Tisri, which was the seventh from Nisan or Abib. Though it was formerly the first month of the year.
“Ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days”: The Feast of Tabernacles, which began on the fifteenth day of this month.
This is the Feast of the Tabernacles; which many believe to symbolize the time the Christians will be in heaven during the wrath of God. This is when they made the little booths and stayed in them. They were away from their homes. This is a time of holy separation.
Numbers 29:13-34 “And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:” “And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,” “And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:” “And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the second day [ye shall offer] twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings.” “And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:” “Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.”
That is, on the first of the seven days, which was as follows.
“Thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year, they shall be without blemish”: A very large sacrifice indeed, for these were offered besides one kid of the goats, for a sin offering, and the two lambs of the daily sacrifice. Which were not omitted on account of this extraordinary offering. So that there were no less than thirty-two animals sacrificed on this day.
The meat and drink offerings for each, according to the kind of them, were as usual, and as before frequently observed. And the same sacrifices, meat offerings, and drink offerings, were offered on the six following days of the feast. Only with this difference, that there was one bullock less every day.
Which it is thought may denote the decrease of sin in the people. And so an increase of holiness, or rather the gradual waxing old and vanishing away of the ceremonial law. And the sacrifices of it. And these bullocks ending in the number seven, which is a number may lead us to think of the great sacrifice these all typified. Whereby Christ has perfected them that are sanctified.
This also was ordered in Leviticus, but not prescribed. This is the time at the end of harvest, when the wheat is gathered into the barn. This started off with the most bullocks offered. These animals offered would be a smaller number each day, and altogether would amount to 70, which is thought to be a sacred number.
We can easily see that the amount of the flour and oil varied, to match the number of animals sacrificed.
The fourteen lambs were each accompanied by several tenth deals.
I will gather all of the offerings under each day from this point on, to show the decline each day.
We will take note that it is the young bullocks that decline with every day’s offerings.
This makes me more and more thankful that we are not under the law anymore. Jesus fulfilled all of these sacrifices and offerings for us in the one offering of Himself. It would have been next to impossible, just to remember them.
The sacrifice that the Christian gives is in the next verse.
Hebrews 13:15 “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.”
The only thing I can see in the declining number of bullocks each day, is the fact that Jesus was one sacrifice that took care of all of this.
Numbers 29:35 “On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work [therein]:”
The day after the seven days of the feast of tabernacles were ended. For this was not properly a part of that feast, but was a sort of appendage to it.
“Ye shall do no servile work therein” (see notes on Lev. 23:36).
This would be the 22nd day of Ethanim. Eight, in the Bible, symbolizes new beginnings. This would be symbolic of the new beginning for the followers of God. This is a holy day, and no work is to be done on this day.
Numbers 29:36-38 “But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:” “Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.”
Which was the same that was offered on the first and tenth days of this month (Num. 29:2). And the meat and drink offerings for each of the creatures were the same, as often expressed. And on this day a goat for a sin offering was also offered. Besides the daily sacrifice, and what went along with that.
This has gone back to the offerings that were made, before the feast of tabernacles. The offerings, above, are the same as the offerings on the first day and on the tenth day of Ethanim.
Numbers 29:39 “These [things] ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.”
Or rather in the times set and appointed to you, as the Jewish writers interpret it. And so Jarchi interprets it of a fixed time, which seems better. Since these were not all feast days, on which the above sacrifices were to be offered. For one of them was a fast, even the day of atonement.
“Besides your vows, and your freewill offerings”: Which might be offered up at any time. Notwithstanding the above sacrifices, which were necessary and obligatory. But these were at their own option.
“For your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and your drink offerings. And for your peace offerings”: Of which (see Lev. 7:11).
Vows and freewill offerings were over and above the offerings we have been reading about here. These are of obligation. Perhaps, these dwindling sacrifices symbolize the fact that the law itself, will dwindle away, and be replaced by the grace of God. Christians should give praise to God every day, that we are not required to keep up with all of these laws and ordinances.
Numbers 29:40 “And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.”
All these things. Repeated the several laws unto them concerning the above sacrifices, with the additions unto them, and explanations of them.
“According to all that the LORD commanded Moses”: Being a faithful servant to the LORD in all His house, and in all things appertaining to it.
We must remember that the laws and ordinances we studied in Leviticus, were given at the beginning of the journey across the wilderness. They had to be repeated, so that people could remember them. It was especially important for Joshua to understand them fully, since he was to take Moses’ place.
Numbers Chapter 29 Questions
1. What day and month is the beginning of day of trumpets?
2. What is the name of their 7th month?
3. Approximately, what month is that on our calendar?
4. Many people believe the blowing of trumpets symbolize what?
5. Why is this celebration held?
6. _________ means spiritually complete.
7. It is the __________ of the precious Lamb that saves us all.
8. What does the word “atonement” mean?
9. What day is day of atonement?
10. What special thing does the High Priest do on this day?
11. The burnt offering symbolizes what is happening to the man?
12. The 15th day of the seven month is feast of ____________.
13. What do many believe this to symbolize?
14. This is a time of holy ______________.
15. What is harvested at this time?
16. How many bullocks (altogether) would be offered?
17. What is the sacrifice the Christian gives?
18. On the eighth day, we have a ___________ ______________.
19. This would be the _________day of Ethanim.
20. Eight means ________ ______________.
21. The offering on the eighth day is the same as on what days?
22. Why was it necessary to give the laws and ordinances again here?
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Numbers Chapter 29
Numbers 29:1 “And in the seventh month, on the first [day] of the month, ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you.”
The month Tisri, as the Targum of Jonathan, which answers to part of our September and October. A month famous for days to be religiously observed. Having more of them in it than any other month in the year.
“On the first day of the month, ye shall have a holy convocation (see Lev. 23:24).
“Ye shall do no servile work”: Therefore, in the place referred to, is called a Sabbath.
“It is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you”: Of which (see notes on Lev. 23:24).
This is a continuation of the various sacrifices and offerings of the last lesson. The seventh month, Ethanim, was approximately the same as October for us. Sometimes, this fell at the last of our September. This is the gathering together of the feast of trumpets. Many people believe this to symbolize the blowing of the trumpet in the sky, when the LORD gathers us home to be with Him.
Numbers 29:2 “And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savor unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, [and] seven lambs of the first year without blemish:”
Which was as follows.
“One young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish”: Which was the same, only one bullock less, with the offerings on the first day of the month. The seven days of Unleavened Bread, and the day of the Firstfruits (Num. 8:11; 28:19; 28:27).
The offering is very similar to the offerings, we read about in the previous lesson. The elements offered symbolize the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This offering is to be made, because it is celebrating the harvest. The crops are in, and it is time to rejoice. Certainly, there will be a harvest of believers someday, from the earth.
Numbers 29:3 “And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, [and] two tenth deals for a ram,”
Which went along with the creatures offered for a burnt offering. The quantity of flour and oil used in it was the same. For a bullock, a ram, and each lamb. As in the offerings at the New Moons, Feast of Unleavened Bread and the day of Firstfruits (Num. 28:10). And a kid of the goats was also offered for a sin offering at this time. As in those seasons, and for the same purpose, to make atonement for the sins of their holy things.
Numbers 29:4-5 “And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:” “And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering, to make an atonement for you:”
Which went along with the creatures offered for a burnt offering. The quantity of flour and oil used in it was the same, for a bullock, a ram, and each lamb. As in the offerings at the new moons, feast of unleavened bread and the day of firstfruits (Num. 28:10). And a kid of the goats was also offered for a sin offering at this time, as in those seasons, and for the same purpose. To make atonement for the sins of their holy things.
Seven means spiritually complete. The lamb was used in offering to symbolize the innocence of the one offered. It is the blood of the precious Lamb of God that saves us all.
The word “atonement” means cover, or cancel. This offering is to cover the sin. Only Jesus (our atonement), can cancel our sin.
Numbers 29:6 “Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.”
“The bullock, ram, and seven lambs, were offered on this day. Besides the two bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs, which were offered on it. On account of its being the first day of the month and besides the meat offering that went along with them. These were not omitted on account of those additional sacrifices.
“And the daily burnt offering”: The two lambs of the daily sacrifice. These also were offered as usual, so that there were offered on this day three bullocks, two rams, and sixteen lambs.
“And his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner”: These also were offered with the daily sacrifice, according to the law and rule prescribed for the making of them, and all were:
“For a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord”: For they were burnt sacrifices, and very acceptable to the Lord. As they were types of the better sacrifice, with which he is infinitely well pleased. And it is with respect to that that such a number of sacrifices were appointed.
This offering is in addition to the others.
Numbers 29:7 “And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month a holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work [therein]:”
The month Tisri, as before; so the Targum of Jonathan.
“And ye shall afflict your souls”: Or persons. Their bodies by fasting, and their souls by repentance and humiliation. For this was a grand fast, as it is called (Acts 27:9).
“Ye shall not do any work therein” (see Lev. 23:28).
At this time of year, the high priest would go into the holy of holies and put blood on the mercy seat for his own sins, and the sins of the people. This is Day of Atonement.
Numbers 29:8 “But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD [for] a sweet savor; one young bullock, one ram, [and] seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish:”
Which is the same as ordered to be offered on the first day (Num. 29:2). Aben Ezra is of opinion that the ram here is different from those (in Lev. 16:3).
The burnt offering symbolized the man’s body being purified from his sins. This symbolized the justification that we receive through the great sacrifice of Jesus.
Numbers 29:9 “And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, [and] two tenth deals to one ram,”
Which was of the same quantity of flour and oil, for a bullock, a ram, and a lamb. As for the meat offering on the first day of the month.
We see the perfect system of sacrifice. It does not vary at all.
Numbers 29:10 “A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:”
Which was of the same quantity of flour and oil, for a bullock, a ram, and a lamb, as for the meat offering on the first day of the month.
Numbers 29:11 “One kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.”
This also, as it was different from that which was offered for the service of the day, so it was offered after it. As is observed by the Jewish writers, that the goat, which was offered without, though of the short prayers, or additions. Could not go before the service of the day for it is said as follows.
“Beside the sin offering of atonement”: Hence, say they, we learn, that the goat within, which was of the service of the day, went before it. After that the ram of Aaron, and the ram of the people, and after that the fat of the sin offering.
“And the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings”: Which were never omitted on account of the service of any day. Though ever so solemn, as this was. Hence it appears that there were offered on this day of atonement two bullocks, three rams, three goats, and two lambs.
Somehow, the repetition of these offerings were to sink into their memory, so there would be no excuse not to keep them.
Numbers 29:12 “And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days:”
Of the same month Tisri, which was the seventh from Nisan or Abib. Though it was formerly the first month of the year.
“Ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days”: The Feast of Tabernacles, which began on the fifteenth day of this month.
This is the Feast of the Tabernacles; which many believe to symbolize the time the Christians will be in heaven during the wrath of God. This is when they made the little booths and stayed in them. They were away from their homes. This is a time of holy separation.
Numbers 29:13-34 “And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:” “And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,” “And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:” “And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the second day [ye shall offer] twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings.” “And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish;” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:” “Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.” “And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, [and] fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:” “And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.”
That is, on the first of the seven days, which was as follows.
“Thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year, they shall be without blemish”: A very large sacrifice indeed, for these were offered besides one kid of the goats, for a sin offering, and the two lambs of the daily sacrifice. Which were not omitted on account of this extraordinary offering. So that there were no less than thirty-two animals sacrificed on this day. The meat and drink offerings for each, according to the kind of them, were as usual, and as before frequently observed. And the same sacrifices, meat offerings, and drink offerings, were offered on the six following days of the feast. Only with this difference, that there was one bullock less every day. Which it is thought may denote the decrease of sin in the people. And so an increase of holiness, or rather the gradual waxing old and vanishing away of the ceremonial law. And the sacrifices of it. And these bullocks ending in the number seven, which is a number may lead us to think of the great sacrifice these all typified. Whereby Christ has perfected them that are sanctified.
This also was ordered in Leviticus, but not prescribed. This is the time at the end of harvest, when the wheat is gathered into the barn. This started off with the most bullocks offered. These animals offered would be a smaller number each day, and altogether would amount to 70, which is thought to be a sacred number.
We can easily see that the amount of the flour and oil varied, to match the number of animals sacrificed.
The fourteen lambs were each accompanied by several tenth deals.
I will gather all of the offerings under each day from this point on, to show the decline each day.
We will take note that it is the young bullocks that decline with every day’s offerings.
This makes me more and more thankful that we are not under the law anymore. Jesus fulfilled all of these sacrifices and offerings for us in the one offering of Himself. It would have been next to impossible, just to remember them.
The sacrifice that the Christian gives is in the next verse.
Hebrews 13:15 “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.”
The only thing I can see in the declining number of bullocks each day, is the fact that Jesus was one sacrifice that took care of all of this.
Numbers 29:35 “On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work [therein]:”
The day after the seven days of the feast of tabernacles were ended. For this was not properly a part of that feast, but was a sort of appendage to it.
“Ye shall do no servile work therein” (see notes on Lev. 23:36).
This would be the 22nd day of Ethanim. Eight, in the Bible, symbolizes new beginnings. This would be symbolic of the new beginning for the followers of God. This is a holy day, and no work is to be done on this day.
Numbers 29:36-38 “But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:” “Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, [shall be] according to their number, after the manner:” “And one goat [for] a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.”
Which was the same that was offered on the first and tenth days of this month (Num. 29:2). And the meat and drink offerings for each of the creatures were the same, as often expressed. And on this day a goat for a sin offering was also offered. Besides the daily sacrifice, and what went along with that.
This has gone back to the offerings that were made, before the feast of tabernacles. The offerings, above, are the same as the offerings on the first day and on the tenth day of Ethanim.
Numbers 29:39 “These [things] ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.”
Or rather in the times set and appointed to you, as the Jewish writers interpret it. And so Jarchi interprets it of a fixed time, which seems better. Since these were not all feast days, on which the above sacrifices were to be offered. For one of them was a fast, even the day of atonement.
“Besides your vows, and your freewill offerings”: Which might be offered up at any time. Notwithstanding the above sacrifices, which were necessary and obligatory. But these were at their own option.
“For your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and your drink offerings. And for your peace offerings”: Of which (see Lev. 7:11).
Vows and freewill offerings were over and above the offerings we have been reading about here. These are of obligation. Perhaps, these dwindling sacrifices symbolize the fact that the law itself, will dwindle away, and be replaced by the grace of God. Christians should give praise to God every day, that we are not required to keep up with all of these laws and ordinances.
Numbers 29:40 “And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.”
All these things. Repeated the several laws unto them concerning the above sacrifices, with the additions unto them, and explanations of them.
“According to all that the Lord commanded Moses”: Being a faithful servant to the Lord in all his house, and in all things appertaining to it.
We must remember that the laws and ordinances we studied in Leviticus, were given at the beginning of the journey across the wilderness. They had to be repeated, so that people could remember them. It was especially important for Joshua to understand them fully, since he was to take Moses’ place.
Numbers Chapter 29 Questions
1. What day and month is the beginning of day of trumpets?
2. What is the name of their 7th month?
3. Approximately, what month is that on our calendar?
4. Many people believe the blowing of trumpets symbolize what?
5. Why is this celebration held?
6. _________ means spiritually complete.
7. It is the __________ of the precious Lamb that saves us all.
8. What does the word “atonement” mean?
9. What day is day of atonement?
10. What special thing does the high priest do on this day?
11. The burnt offering symbolizes what is happening to the man?
12. The 15th day of the seven month is feast of ____________.
13. What do many believe this to symbolize?
14. This is a time of holy ______________.
15. What is harvested at this time?
16. How many bullocks (altogether) would be offered?
17. What is the sacrifice the Christian gives?
18. On the eighth day, we have a ___________ ______________.
19. This would be the _________day of Ethanim.
20. Eight means ________ ______________.
21. The offering on the eighth day is the same as on what days?
22. Why was it necessary to give the laws and ordinances again here?
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