And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

NUMBERS 29:32KJV
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Numbers 29:32 (KJV)

What does Numbers 29:32 mean?

Numbers 29:32 gives instructions for the offerings to be made on the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, specifying that seven young bulls, two rams, and fourteen year-old lambs without blemish are to be sacrificed. This verse is part of a detailed list of sacrifices required for each day of this festival.

In context, God is speaking to Moses, who is to relay these commands to the Israelites as part of their worship practices. The verse highlights the specific number and type of animals, as well as the requirement that the lambs be without blemish, showing the care and precision expected in Israel’s offerings during this important annual celebration.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:32

  • "Seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva): The use of the number seven here, both for the day and the number of bulls, often symbolizes completeness or wholeness in Hebrew thought, emphasizing the fullness of the festival week.
  • "Bullocks" (פַּר, par): This word refers to young bulls, which were considered valuable offerings, signifying the importance of the occasion.
  • "Without blemish" (תָּמִים, tamim): This term means the animals had to be physically perfect, reflecting the idea that offerings to God should be the best and without defect.

Why Numbers 29:32 matters

  • Numbers 29:32 clarifies that the sacrifices for each day of the Feast of Tabernacles were not identical; the number of bulls decreases each day, showing a deliberate pattern in the ritual.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of offering animals "without blemish," underlining the standard of purity and dedication expected in worship.
  • This instruction connects to the broader passage by showing the structured, communal nature of Israel’s worship and the careful attention to detail in their relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“blemish” Hebrew H8549 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 28:9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
  • Psalms 18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.

“seventh” Hebrew H7637 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Leviticus 23:16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
  • 1 Kings 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

“lambs” Hebrew H3532 · used in 100 verses

  • Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
  • Numbers 7:53 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  • Numbers 29:17 And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:

“bullocks” Hebrew H6499 · used in 119 verses

  • Genesis 32:15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
  • Numbers 7:57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
  • Numbers 29:33 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: