Numbers 7:15 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:15 mean?

Numbers 7:15 lists the specific animals required for a burnt offering: one young bull, one ram, and one year-old lamb. These animals were to be offered as part of the dedication gifts from the leaders of Israel during the setting up of the tabernacle.

This verse is part of a detailed record where each tribal leader brings identical offerings for the altar’s dedication. Moses is recording the requirements given by God for these sacrifices, showing the care and orderliness expected in Israel’s worship. The animals mentioned were considered valuable and without defect, reflecting the seriousness and respect of the occasion.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:15

• בָּקָר (baqar, H1241) — "young": This word often refers to cattle in general, but here it highlights that the bull is young and suitable for sacrifice, not an old or blemished animal.
• פַּר (par, H6499) — "bullock": This is a specific term for a young bull, an animal of significant value in ancient Israel, emphasizing the importance of the offering.
• כֶּבֶשׂ (keves, H3532) — "lamb": This word refers to a male lamb, and the phrase "of the first year" (בֶּן־שָׁנָה, ben-shanah) means it is less than a year old, which was the standard for certain offerings.

Why Numbers 7:15 matters

• Numbers 7:15 clarifies that each tribe’s leader brought the same high-quality offerings, showing equality and unity among the tribes in worship.
• The verse highlights the importance of following God’s instructions exactly, down to the age and type of each animal.
• This verse connects to the larger passage by showing the careful and repeated obedience of Israel’s leaders during a foundational moment in their spiritual life.