Numbers 7:57 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:57 mean?

Numbers 7:57 lists the specific animals—one young bull, one ram, and one year-old lamb—that were offered as a burnt offering. This verse is part of a detailed record of the offerings brought by the leaders of Israel during the dedication of the altar.

The verse is found in a section where each tribal leader brings the same set of offerings to God as part of a ceremonial dedication. The animals mentioned were typical for burnt offerings, which were completely burned on the altar as a symbol of devotion and surrender to God. This careful listing shows the orderliness and shared participation of all the tribes in this important event.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:57

• בָּקָר (baqar, "young bullock"): This word refers to a young bull, often used in sacrificial contexts as a valuable and significant offering.
• כֶּבֶשׂ (keves, "lamb"): This word specifically means a male lamb, and the phrase "of the first year" (בֶּן־שָׁנָה, ben-shanah) means it was less than a year old, which was considered the best age for such offerings.
• עֹלָה (olah, "burnt offering"): This term means a sacrifice that is wholly burned, emphasizing complete dedication to God.

Why Numbers 7:57 matters

• Numbers 7:57 shows the uniformity and equality among the tribes, as each leader brings the same offerings, highlighting unity in worship.
• The verse helps clarify the types and ages of animals required for burnt offerings, which were important details in Israel’s sacrificial system.
• This verse, as part of the larger passage, underscores the careful record-keeping and reverence shown in Israel’s approach to worship and dedication.