Numbers 28:27
Present a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old as a pleasing aroma to the LORD,
Present a burnt offering
The phrase "present a burnt offering" refers to the act of offering a sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire on the altar. In Hebrew, the word for burnt offering is "olah," which means "that which goes up," signifying the smoke rising to God. This offering symbolizes complete surrender and dedication to God, as the entire animal is given over to Him. Historically, burnt offerings were a central part of Israelite worship, representing atonement and the worshiper's desire to be in right standing with God.

Two young bulls
The "two young bulls" were significant in ancient Israelite sacrifices due to their value and strength. Bulls were often used in significant offerings because they represented wealth and power. In the context of Numbers 28, the use of two bulls underscores the importance of the occasion and the magnitude of the offering. The bulls' strength and vitality symbolize the worshiper's earnestness and the community's collective devotion to God.

One ram
The "one ram" in the offering is notable for its symbolism of leadership and substitution. Rams were often used in sacrifices for leaders or as a substitute for a person, as seen in the account of Abraham and Isaac. The inclusion of a ram in this offering highlights the need for leadership and guidance in the community's spiritual journey, as well as the concept of substitutionary atonement, where the ram takes the place of the worshiper.

Seven male lambs a year old
The "seven male lambs a year old" are significant for several reasons. The number seven in the Bible often represents completeness or perfection, indicating the thoroughness of the offering. Lambs, being young and pure, symbolize innocence and purity. The requirement that they be "a year old" ensures they are in their prime, representing the best of what the worshiper has to offer. This part of the offering emphasizes the need for purity and wholehearted devotion in worship.

All unblemished
The requirement that the animals be "all unblemished" underscores the importance of offering God the best and most perfect sacrifices. In Hebrew, the word for unblemished is "tamim," meaning complete or whole. This requirement reflects God's holiness and the need for the worshiper to approach Him with integrity and sincerity. It also foreshadows the ultimate unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin and offered Himself for the atonement of humanity's sins.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the laws and instructions from God, including the sacrificial system outlined in Numbers.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were given specific instructions on how to worship and offer sacrifices.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence, where sacrifices were made.

4. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire offering is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God.

5. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
The context of this offering, a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and a reminder of God's provision.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were given specific instructions for worship, highlighting the importance of obedience in our relationship with God.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The unblemished animals represent purity and the need for a perfect sacrifice, pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

Worship as a Lifestyle
Just as the Israelites were to offer sacrifices regularly, we are called to live lives of continual worship and dedication to God.

God's Provision and Our Response
The offerings during the Feast of Weeks remind us of God's provision and our responsibility to respond with gratitude and worship.

Community Worship
The communal aspect of these offerings underscores the importance of gathering together in worship and supporting one another in faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the requirement for unblemished animals in Numbers 28:27 reflect God's standards for worship and sacrifice?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of complete dedication, as symbolized by the burnt offering, in our daily lives?

3. How does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can express gratitude for God's provision, similar to the offerings during the Feast of Weeks?

5. How can we foster a sense of community worship in our local church, drawing from the communal nature of the Israelite offerings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 23
Provides additional details on the Feast of Weeks, emphasizing the importance of offerings and worship during this time.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Covenant.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication symbolized by burnt offerings.
Of the Daily SacrificesW. Attersoll.Numbers 28:1-31
The New Moon FestivalW. Seaton.Numbers 28:1-31
The Feast of the First-FruitsD. Young Numbers 28:26-31
People
Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Jericho, Mount Sinai
Topics
Aroma, Bullocks, Bulls, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Fragrance, He-lambs, Herd, Lambs, Male, Odor, Odour, Offer, Offering, Oxen, Pleasant, Pleasing, Present, Ram, Savor, Savour, Seven, Sheep, Smell, Sons, Soothing, Sweet, Yearling
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 28:27

     7322   burnt offering

Numbers 28:26-30

     7361   Feast of Weeks

Numbers 28:26-31

     4506   seed
     4975   week
     7408   Pentecost
     8644   commemoration

Library
Whether the Third Precept of the Decalogue, Concerning the Hallowing of the Sabbath, is Fittingly Expressed?
Objection 1: It seems that the third precept of the decalogue, concerning the hallowing of the Sabbath, is unfittingly expressed. For this, understood spiritually, is a general precept: since Bede in commenting on Lk. 13:14, "The ruler of the synagogue being angry that He had healed on the Sabbath," says (Comment. iv): "The Law forbids, not to heal man on the Sabbath, but to do servile works," i.e. "to burden oneself with sin." Taken literally it is a ceremonial precept, for it is written (Ex. 31:13):
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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