Numbers 29:26 (KJV)

What does Numbers 29:26 mean?

Numbers 29:26 gives instructions for the offerings to be made on the fifth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, specifying that nine young bulls, two rams, and fourteen year-old lambs without blemish are to be sacrificed. This verse is part of a detailed list of daily sacrifices required during this festival.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, who is to relay these instructions to the Israelites. The context is the wilderness period, where God gives Moses precise directions for worship and sacrifice. The verse highlights the careful organization and increasing or decreasing number of animals offered each day, showing the importance of order and obedience in Israel’s worship practices.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:26

• "bullocks" (פָּרִים, parim): This word refers specifically to young bulls, which were considered valuable and significant offerings. The number of bulls changes each day during the festival, which is a notable pattern in this section.
• "without spot" (תָּמִים, tamim): This word means "without blemish" or "perfect," emphasizing that only animals without defects were acceptable for sacrifice. This requirement points to the idea of giving the best to God.

Why Numbers 29:26 matters

• Numbers 29:26 helps clarify that the sacrifices during the Feast of Tabernacles were not random but carefully structured, with specific numbers and types of animals each day.
• The verse shows the emphasis on offering animals "without spot," underscoring the importance of purity and wholeheartedness in worship.
• This verse connects to the broader passage by showing the progression and variation in sacrifices throughout the festival, which may symbolize Israel’s ongoing relationship and dedication to God.