Numbers 7:69 (KJV)

What does Numbers 7:69 mean?

Numbers 7:69 lists the specific animals—one young bull, one ram, and one year-old lamb—that were to be offered as a burnt offering. This verse gives part of the detailed record of what each tribal leader brought as an offering during the dedication of the altar in the wilderness.

In the context of Numbers 7, Moses is recording the gifts brought by the leaders of Israel’s tribes for the altar’s dedication. Each leader brought the same set of offerings, and this verse describes the burnt offering portion from one tribe’s leader. The burnt offering was a sacrifice completely consumed by fire, symbolizing dedication to God.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 7:69

• "Bullock" is פַּר (par, H6499), meaning a young bull. Specifying a young bull highlights the value and strength of the animal, showing the importance of the offering.
• "Lamb" is כֶּבֶשׂ (keves, H3532), meaning a male lamb. The phrase "of the first year" uses בֶּן־שָׁנָה (ben-shanah, H1121 + H8141), meaning a lamb that is one year old, which was considered the prime age for sacrificial animals.
• "Burnt offering" is עֹלָה (olah, H5930), meaning a sacrifice that is wholly burned on the altar. This term emphasizes that nothing was kept back; the entire animal was given up to God.

Why Numbers 7:69 matters

• Numbers 7:69 helps clarify that the offerings were not random but carefully prescribed, showing order and equality among the tribes.
• The verse emphasizes the seriousness and value of the dedication ceremony by listing high-quality animals, each with symbolic meaning in Israel’s worship.
• This verse connects to the larger pattern in Numbers 7, where each tribal leader brings the same offerings, highlighting unity and shared commitment among the people of Israel.