Numbers 29
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

The Feast of Trumpets
(Leviticus 23:23–25)

1“On the first day of the seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly, and you must not do any regular work. This will be a day for you to sound the trumpets.

2As a pleasing aroma to the LORD, you are to present a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 3together with their grain offerings of fine flour mixed with oil—three-tenths of an ephaha with the bull, two-tenths of an ephahb with the ram, 4and a tenth of an ephahc with each of the seven male lambs.

5Include one male goat as a sin offering to make atonement for you. 6These are in addition to the monthly and daily burnt offerings with their prescribed grain offerings and drink offerings. They are a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD.

The Day of Atonement
(Leviticus 16:1–34; Leviticus 23:26–32)

7On the tenth day of this seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly, and you shall humble yourselves;d you must not do any work.

8Present as a pleasing aroma to the LORD a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 9together with their grain offerings of fine flour mixed with oil—three-tenths of an ephah with the bull, two-tenths of an ephah with the ram, 10and a tenth of an ephah with each of the seven lambs.

11Include one male goat for a sin offering, in addition to the sin offering of atonement and the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offerings.

The Feast of Tabernacles
(Deuteronomy 16:13–17)

12On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work, and you shall observe a feast to the LORD for seven days.

13As a pleasing aroma to the LORD, you are to present a food offering, a burnt offering of thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 14along with the grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil with each of the thirteen bulls, two-tenths of an ephah with each of the two rams, 15and a tenth of an ephah with each of the fourteen lambs. 16Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

17On the second day you are to present twelve young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 18along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed. 19Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

20On the third day you are to present eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 21along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed. 22Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

23On the fourth day you are to present ten bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 24along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed. 25Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

26On the fifth day you are to present nine bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 27along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed. 28Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

29On the sixth day you are to present eight bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 30along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed. 31Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

32On the seventh day you are to present seven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 33along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed. 34Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

35On the eighth day you are to hold a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work. 36As a pleasing aroma to the LORD, you are to present a food offering, a burnt offering of one bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 37along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed. 38Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

39You are to present these offerings to the LORD at your appointed times, in addition to your vow and freewill offerings, whether burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings, or peace offerings.”

40So Moses spoke all this to the Israelites just as the LORD had commanded him.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Numbers 29 Summary
The Feasts of Trumpets and Tabernacles

Verses 1–6 – Trumpets: A Day for Blowing
The first day of the seventh month is set apart by trumpet blasts, a sacred assembly, and additional offerings—one young bull, one ram, seven year-old lambs, plus grain, drink, and a male goat for sin—layered on top of the daily sacrifices.

Verses 7–11 – Day of Atonement: Humble Yourselves
On the tenth day the people fast while the priests present one bull, one ram, seven lambs, and a goat for sin. These offerings accompany, not replace, the unique rites of Leviticus 16.

Verses 12–16 – Tabernacles Day 1: Thirteen Bulls
The feast begins on the fifteenth day with the year’s largest single set of sacrifices—thirteen bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, one goat—and the nation moves into leafy shelters to remember wilderness life.

Verses 17–19 – Tabernacles Day 2: Twelve Bulls
Twelve bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, one goat. Worship and harvest joy continue.

Verses 20–22 – Tabernacles Day 3: Eleven Bulls
Eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, one goat. A daily rhythm of costly praise.

Verses 23–25 – Tabernacles Day 4: Ten Bulls
Ten bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, one goat. Living reminders of God’s shelter.

Verses 26–28 – Tabernacles Day 5: Nine Bulls
Nine bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, one goat. The offerings wind down while celebration rises.

Verses 29–31 – Tabernacles Day 6: Eight Bulls
Eight bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, one goat. Fellowship deepens.

Verses 32–34 – Tabernacles Day 7: Seven Bulls
Seven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, one goat. Completion signaled by the perfect number seven.

Verses 35–38 – Eighth Day Assembly: One Bull
A final gathering with one bull, one ram, seven lambs, and a goat, emphasizing rest and intimacy with God.

Verses 39–40 – Final Reminder
All these are “in addition” to daily, Sabbath, vow, and freewill offerings. Moses relays every command in full.


Numbers 29, part of the fifth book in the Old Testament, continues the detailed account of the religious festivals and offerings that the Israelites are commanded by God to observe. This chapter specifically outlines the rituals and sacrifices for the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Through obedience and ritual, the Israelites reaffirm their faith and connection with God, and it serves as a reminder of their unique covenant.

Historical Setting and Wilderness Context

Israel camps on Moab’s plains, poised to enter Canaan (Numbers 26:63). A new generation needs precise festival instructions so that worship thrives once they settle (cf. Leviticus 23). Numbers 29 supplies the exact animal counts, ensuring no priest can claim ignorance.

The Seventh Month: Crown of the Sacred Calendar

• Trumpets (1st) – announcement and self-examination (Psalm 81:3; Nehemiah 8).

• Atonement (10th) – sins covered, fellowship restored (Leviticus 16).

• Tabernacles (15th–22nd) – harvest joy and historical reenactment (Leviticus 23:43).

Zechariah 14:16 points to nations joining Israel for this feast.

Why So Many Animals? Purposes of the Offerings

• Burnt offerings = total surrender (Genesis 22:13).

• Sin offerings = cleansing from wrong (Numbers 29:5, 16).

• Grain/drink offerings = gratitude for provision (Deuteronomy 8:10).

Hebrews 9:22 affirms the lesson: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

The Decreasing Bulls: A Built-In Countdown

Thirteen down to seven bulls totals seventy, matching the nations in Genesis 10. Israel’s worship has worldwide implications (Genesis 12:3). The single bull on the eighth day turns focus back to intimate fellowship with God.

Connections to Earlier Commands

Numbers 28 covered daily, Sabbath, monthly, and Passover sacrifices; chapter 29 finishes the calendar. The offerings supplement, never replace, the regular morning and evening lambs (Exodus 29:38-42).

Echoes in the Prophets

Isaiah 27:13 speaks of a great trumpet for regathering exiles. Joel 2:15 links trumpets and repentance. Haggai 2 addresses the people during Tabernacles, promising future glory.

Fulfillment Threads in the New Testament

Luke 1:9-11—Zechariah serves during the daily offering.

John 7—Jesus teaches “on the last and greatest day of the feast,” inviting the thirsty to come to Him.

Hebrews 9–10—Jesus’ single sacrifice accomplishes what these many offerings foreshadowed.

Revelation 21:3—God will “tabernacle” with humanity forever.

Archaeological Insights

• Trumpets: Long metal horns appear on Late Bronze Age reliefs and burial finds, matching Numbers 10.

• Booths: Stone circles on ancient hillsides once supported leafy shelters used during harvest.

• Altars: Ash layers rich with animal bones at Tel Arad show the scale of communal sacrifice.

Practical Lessons for Today

1. Built-in rhythms keep relationships healthy with God.

2. True worship costs something valuable.

3. Remembering past deliverance fuels present trust (2 Peter 1:13).

4. Joy follows forgiveness—trumpet call, atonement, then festival.

Intertextual Links

Jacob’s Succoth (Genesis 33:17), Solomon’s temple dedication (1 Kings 8), and Ezra’s restoration of offerings (Ezra 3) all echo Numbers 29’s instructions.

Messianic Foreshadows

Jesus, the final sin offering (Hebrews 9:26), “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). The countdown of bulls anticipates the single perfect sacrifice that ends the need for others.

Numbers 29 and the Heart of the Torah

Obedience, memory, and expectancy blend: detailed commands, living history in booths, and the forward look of trumpet blasts and the closing assembly. Together they move the account from wilderness to promised land, from shadow to Savior.

Connections to Additional Scriptures
Leviticus 23
Provides additional context on the festivals and their significance.

Hebrews 10:1-18
Discusses how Christ fulfills the sacrificial system and offers a once-for-all atonement.

Colossians 2:16-17
Reminds us that the festivals are a shadow of things to come, with the substance found in Christ.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Sacred Times
Numbers 29 outlines the offerings for the seventh month, emphasizing the sacredness of time set apart for God. This includes the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Detailed Instructions
The chapter provides specific instructions for each offering, highlighting the importance of obedience and precision in worship. Each offering is a reminder of the need for atonement and dedication to God.

Symbolism of Sacrifices
The various offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings, symbolize different aspects of worship and relationship with God. They point to the need for purification and dedication.

Community Worship
The communal aspect of these festivals underscores the importance of corporate worship and unity among God's people.

Foreshadowing Christ
The sacrifices and festivals foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers eternal atonement for sin.
Practical Applications
Prioritize Worship
Just as the Israelites set aside specific times for worship, we should prioritize regular, intentional worship in our lives.

Obedience in Details
Pay attention to the details of your spiritual life, ensuring that your actions align with God's commands.

Seek Atonement
Regularly seek forgiveness and purification through Christ, recognizing our need for His atoning sacrifice.

Value Community
Engage in corporate worship and fellowship, understanding the strength and encouragement found in the body of Christ.

Reflect on Christ's Sacrifice
Meditate on how the Old Testament sacrifices point to Jesus, deepening your appreciation for His work on the cross.
People
1. Moses
As the leader of the Israelites, Moses is the one who receives and communicates God's instructions regarding the offerings and feasts. His role is pivotal as the mediator between God and the people.

2. Priests
The priests, primarily from the tribe of Levi, are responsible for performing the sacrifices and offerings as outlined in the chapter. They serve as intermediaries, conducting the rituals on behalf of the people.

3. Israelites
The entire community of Israel is involved in these feasts and offerings. They are the ones who bring the sacrifices and participate in the observance of these holy days.

4. Levites
As a subset of the Israelites, the Levites have specific duties related to the tabernacle and the offerings. They assist the priests and ensure that the rituals are conducted according to God's commands.

In the original Hebrew text, terms like "Moses" (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh) and "priests" (כֹּהֲנִים, kohanim) are used, emphasizing their roles and responsibilities in the religious life of Israel. The chapter underscores the communal and covenantal aspects of worship, with each group playing a vital role in maintaining the spiritual and ritual purity of the nation.
Places
Numbers 29 in the Berean Standard Bible primarily details the offerings and sacrifices to be made during various feasts and holy days, rather than focusing on specific geographical locations. Therefore, there are no specific "places" mentioned in this chapter that can be listed in a numbered format. The chapter is more concerned with the rituals and offerings associated with these sacred times.

If you are looking for a deeper understanding of the text, it might be helpful to explore the context of these feasts and their significance in ancient Israelite worship, as well as their Hebrew roots. However, for a list of places, Numbers 29 does not provide such content.
Events
1. Offerings on the First Day of the Seventh Month (Numbers 29:1-6)
The chapter begins with instructions for the offerings on the first day of the seventh month, which is a day of rest and a sacred assembly. This day is known as the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah). The offerings include a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect, along with their grain offerings and drink offerings. Additionally, a male goat is offered as a sin offering. The Hebrew term for "trumpets" (teruah) signifies a loud noise or shout, emphasizing the celebratory and sacred nature of the day.

2. Offerings on the Day of Atonement (Numbers 29:7-11)
On the tenth day of the seventh month, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is observed. It is a day of fasting and humility. The offerings include one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect, with their grain and drink offerings. A male goat is also offered as a sin offering. The Hebrew word "kippur" relates to atonement or covering, highlighting the day's focus on reconciliation with God.

3. Offerings during the Feast of Tabernacles (Numbers 29:12-34)
Starting on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is celebrated for seven days. Each day has specific offerings
First Day (Numbers 29:13-16)
Thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect, with their grain and drink offerings, and one male goat as a sin offering.
Second Day (Numbers 29:17-19)
Twelve young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, with their grain and drink offerings, and one male goat as a sin offering.
Third Day (Numbers 29:20-22)
Eleven young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, with their grain and drink offerings, and one male goat as a sin offering.
Fourth Day (Numbers 29:23-25)
Ten young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, with their grain and drink offerings, and one male goat as a sin offering.
Fifth Day (Numbers 29:26-28)
Nine young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, with their grain and drink offerings, and one male goat as a sin offering.
Sixth Day (Numbers 29:29-31)
Eight young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, with their grain and drink offerings, and one male goat as a sin offering.
Seventh Day (Numbers 29:32-34)
Seven young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, with their grain and drink offerings, and one male goat as a sin offering.

4. Offerings on the Eighth Day (Numbers 29:35-38)
The eighth day is a closing assembly, also known as Shemini Atzeret. The offerings include one bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect, with their grain and drink offerings, and one male goat as a sin offering. The Hebrew term "atzeret" implies a solemn assembly or gathering, marking the conclusion of the festival period.

5. Summary of Offerings (Numbers 29:39-40)
The chapter concludes with a reminder that these offerings are in addition to the regular burnt offerings, vows, and freewill offerings. The emphasis is on the comprehensive nature of worship and dedication to God through these prescribed rituals.
Topics
1. Offerings for the Feast of Trumpets (Numbers 29:1-6)
This section outlines the specific offerings to be made on the first day of the seventh month, known as the Feast of Trumpets. The Hebrew term for "trumpets" is "teruah," which signifies a loud noise or shout, often associated with the blowing of the shofar. The offerings include burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings, emphasizing the need for atonement and dedication to God.

2. Offerings for the Day of Atonement (Numbers 29:7-11)
The Day of Atonement, or "Yom Kippur" in Hebrew, is a solemn day of fasting and repentance. This section details the offerings required on the tenth day of the seventh month. The focus is on purification and reconciliation with God, highlighted by the sin offering, which in Hebrew is "chatat," meaning to cleanse or purify.

3. Offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles (Numbers 29:12-38)
This extensive section covers the offerings for the Feast of Tabernacles, or "Sukkot," which begins on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and lasts for seven days. Each day has specific offerings, with a decreasing number of bulls offered each day, symbolizing a progression towards spiritual completeness. The Hebrew word "sukkot" refers to temporary shelters or booths, reminding the Israelites of their dependence on God during their wilderness journey.

4. Summary of Offerings (Numbers 29:39-40)
The chapter concludes with a summary statement, emphasizing that these offerings are in addition to the regular vows and freewill offerings made by the Israelites. The Hebrew root "neder" for vows and "nedavah" for freewill offerings highlight the voluntary and committed nature of these acts of worship.

Each of these topics reflects the structured and intentional approach to worship and atonement in the Israelite community, as prescribed by God through Moses. The offerings serve as a means of maintaining a right relationship with God, underscoring themes of repentance, dedication, and divine provision.
Themes
1. Prescribed Offerings for the Seventh Month
Numbers 29 outlines the specific offerings required during the seventh month, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Hebrew word for "offering" (קָרְבָּן, korban) signifies something brought near to God, highlighting the act of drawing closer to Him through sacrifice.

2. The Feast of Trumpets
The chapter begins with instructions for the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of the seventh month (Numbers 29:1). This feast is marked by the blowing of trumpets, symbolizing a call to worship and repentance. The Hebrew term for trumpet (שׁוֹפָר, shofar) is often associated with divine announcements.

3. Day of Atonement
Numbers 29:7-11 details the offerings for the Day of Atonement, a solemn day of repentance and reconciliation with God. The Hebrew word for atonement (כִּפֻּרִים, kippurim) conveys the idea of covering or purging sin, underscoring the theme of spiritual cleansing.

4. Feast of Tabernacles
The chapter provides extensive instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), celebrated from the fifteenth to the twenty-second day of the month (Numbers 29:12-34). This feast commemorates God's provision and protection during the Israelites' wilderness journey. The Hebrew word for tabernacle (סֻכּוֹת, sukkot) refers to temporary shelters, symbolizing reliance on God.

5. Daily Offerings During the Feast
Each day of the Feast of Tabernacles involves specific offerings, with a decreasing number of bulls sacrificed each day (Numbers 29:13-34). This progression highlights the theme of continual dedication and worship throughout the feast.

6. Sabbath Rest and Holy Convocation
The chapter emphasizes the importance of Sabbath rest and holy convocations during these feasts (Numbers 29:1, 7, 12, 35). The Hebrew word for convocation (מִקְרָא, miqra) indicates a sacred assembly, reinforcing the communal aspect of worship and rest.

7. Completeness and Perfection in Worship
The detailed and repetitive nature of the offerings underscores the theme of completeness and perfection in worship. The precise instructions reflect God's desire for order and holiness in the Israelites' relationship with Him.
Answering Tough Questions
1. How could the Israelites realistically supply the large number of animals required for the consecutive sacrifices in Numbers 29?

2. What evidence exists that these extensive rituals, detailed in Numbers 29, were historically observed or feasible at that scale?

3. How do the repeated animal offerings in Numbers 29 align or conflict with the later prophetic criticism of sacrifices (e.g., Isaiah 1:11)?

4. Why would a supposedly omniscient deity continue to demand repetitive sacrifices in Numbers 29 if the people’s hearts were often wayward?

5. Is there any archaeological record corroborating the elaborate sacrificial system described in Numbers 29?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. How does the repetitive nature of the offerings highlight the themes of obedience and dedication in this chapter?

2. What do the differences between the offerings for each feast signify?

3. How do the rituals and sacrifices outlined in Numbers 29 mirror or contrast with modern practices of worship and celebration in your faith community?

4. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of these feasts enhance your understanding of this chapter?

5. In what ways do the Feasts of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles symbolize different aspects of God's relationship with His people?

6. How do the commands given in Numbers 29 underscore the sanctity and seriousness of atonement?

7. What spiritual lessons can you glean from the detailed instructions and the Israelites' commitment to follow them?

8. How might the rituals of sacrifice and celebration bring the community together? What parallels can you draw with your own community?

9. In what ways do these religious festivals promote a sense of identity among the Israelites?

10. How might the concept of self-denial, as practiced on the Day of Atonement, be applicable in your life today?

11. How can you personally commemorate God's deliverance and provision, as the Israelites did during these feasts?

12. How do the prescribed rituals and sacrifices reflect the holiness and otherness of God?

13. How does the concept of "rest" manifest in the observances detailed in Numbers 29, and how does that resonate with your understanding of rest in the modern context?

14. How might these rituals have helped the Israelites understand and appreciate the enormity of their covenant with God?

15. How can the rituals of the Feast of Tabernacles inspire gratitude in your own life?

16. How does the solemn assembly on the eighth day after the Feast of Tabernacles underscore the importance of reflection in religious practice?

17. How could you cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God, as exemplified by the Israelites in their observance of these feasts?

18. Considering the communal aspects of these celebrations, how could you foster a stronger sense of community within your own faith group?

19. What aspects of modern day living make it difficult to practice the concepts of rest, self-denial, and communal celebration? How might you navigate these challenges?

20. How could these ancient rituals shape or influence your current spiritual practices or observances?



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Numbers 28
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