Compare Numbers 29:31 with Leviticus 23:36; what similarities in offerings do you find? Setting the Context The two verses sit within the instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths), a joyous, week-long celebration in the seventh month when Israel remembered God’s provision in the wilderness (Leviticus 23:33-44; Numbers 29:12-40). Each passage zooms in on a specific day of that feast, yet both highlight recurring themes in Israel’s sacrificial worship. The Texts Side by Side • Numbers 29:31: “Also include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain and drink offerings.” • Leviticus 23:36: “For seven days you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work.” Shared Elements in the Offerings • Offerings “made by fire” — Both verses emphasize sacrifice consumed on the altar, a picture of complete consecration (cf. Leviticus 1:9). • Additional to the daily burnt offering — Numbers explicitly says “in addition to the regular burnt offering,” and Leviticus assumes the same pattern by calling for offerings throughout the seven days. • Part of a larger, ordered sequence — Each day of Tabernacles carried its own set of prescribed sacrifices (Numbers 29:13-34). Leviticus sums it up (“For seven days…”) and then points to an eighth-day assembly. • Connection with rest and worship — Leviticus stresses “you must not do any regular work,” and Numbers relies on the same festival framework (see Numbers 29:12, 35). God’s people laid aside ordinary labor to focus on Him. • Sin and atonement are in view — Numbers mentions the male goat for sin, while Leviticus highlights the burnt offering; together they reflect both atonement and wholehearted devotion (Hebrews 9:22; Romans 12:1). Why the Repetition Matters • Reinforces holiness — Daily repetition engraved on Israel the need for continual cleansing and dedication. • Foreshadows Christ — Every burnt and sin offering pointed ahead to the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 10:1-14). • Shapes community rhythm — The pattern of “no ordinary work” plus shared worship nurtured unity and joyful remembrance of God’s faithfulness (Deuteronomy 16:13-15). Living the Message Today • Regular devotion still matters — While the sacrificial system is fulfilled in Christ, believers echo the rhythm through daily surrender and weekly corporate worship (1 Peter 2:5). • Holiness and joy go hand in hand — The Feast of Tabernacles blended solemn sacrifice with celebration. Our lives, too, are marked by both reverence and rejoicing (Philippians 4:4-7). |
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