But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:
NUMBERS 29:36KJVWhat does Numbers 29:36 mean?
Numbers 29:36 describes a specific burnt offering that the Israelites were commanded to bring to the LORD: one young bull, one ram, and seven year-old lambs without blemish, all to be completely burned as a pleasing aroma. This offering was to be made by fire as part of Israel’s worship during a festival.
In this verse, God is giving Moses instructions for the sacrifices to be offered on the eighth day of the festival known as the Feast of Tabernacles. The details—such as the number and type of animals, and that they must be without blemish—show the care and reverence expected in worship. The phrase “a sweet savour unto the LORD” means the offering was considered pleasing to God.
The Hebrew behind Numbers 29:36
- “Burnt offering” is עֹלָה (olah), which refers to an offering that is entirely burned on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
- “Sweet savour” uses two words: נִיחוֹחַ (nihoach, “soothing” or “pleasing”) and רֵיחַ (reach, “aroma” or “scent”), together meaning an aroma that is pleasing or acceptable to the LORD.
- “Without blemish” is תָּמִים (tamim), meaning the animals had to be perfect, without any defect, emphasizing the importance of giving the best to God.
Why Numbers 29:36 matters
- This verse clarifies that worship in ancient Israel involved specific, detailed instructions, not just general good intentions.
- The emphasis on animals “without blemish” highlights the importance of purity and wholeheartedness in approaching God.
- Numbers 29:36 is part of a larger section outlining festival offerings, showing how structured and communal Israel’s worship life was meant to be.