But ye shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year;

NUMBERS 28:27KJV
truelightbible.com

Numbers 28:27 (KJV)

What does Numbers 28:27 mean?

Numbers 28:27 instructs the Israelites to present a specific burnt offering to the LORD: two young bulls, one ram, and seven year-old lambs, as a pleasing aroma. This command is part of the directions for offerings during the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost.

In this verse, Moses is relaying God’s instructions to the people of Israel about what sacrifices to bring during a special festival. The focus is on the exact animals and numbers required, showing the importance of following God’s directions closely in worship. The phrase "a sweet savour unto the LORD" highlights that these offerings are meant to be pleasing to God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:27

  • "Burnt offering" (עֹלָה, ʿolah): This word refers to an offering that is completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God.
  • "Sweet" (נִיחוֹחַ, nîḥōaḥ) and "savour" (רֵיחַ, rēaḥ): Together, these words describe the offering as a "pleasing aroma," a phrase often used in the Old Testament to show that the sacrifice is accepted by God.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that the offering is directed specifically to Him.
  • "Two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim), "young" (בָּקָר, baqar), "bullocks" (פַּר, par), "one" (אֶחָד, eḥad), "ram" (אַיִל, ayil), "seven" (שִׁבְעָה, shivʿah), "lambs" (כֶּבֶשׂ, keves), "first" (בֵּן, ben), "year" (שָׁנָה, shanah): These words specify the exact animals and their ages, underlining the precision expected in worship.

Why Numbers 28:27 matters

  • Numbers 28:27 clarifies that the offerings for the Feast of Weeks are not random but carefully prescribed, showing the seriousness with which God’s instructions were to be followed.
  • The verse connects the act of sacrifice to the idea of pleasing God, not just through the act itself, but through obedience to His specific commands.
  • This verse is part of a larger section detailing Israel’s worship calendar, helping the reader see how structured and communal Israel’s relationship with God was meant to be.