What is the meaning of Numbers 28:27? Present a burnt offering “Present a burnt offering …” (Numbers 28:27a). • A burnt offering is completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total surrender of the worshiper to God. • In Leviticus 1:9 the whole animal is laid on the fire, and “the priest shall burn it all on the altar. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” • This continual call to whole-hearted devotion foreshadows what Romans 12:1 urges: “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” two young bulls “… of two young bulls …” (Numbers 28:27b). • Bulls were the costliest herd animals, expressing weighty gratitude and serious atonement (Leviticus 4:3-12). • Their youth points to vigor and freedom from blemish—suitable for the Holy One (Leviticus 22:21). • When Israel celebrated the Feast of Weeks, the same number of bulls was required (Leviticus 23:18), reinforcing consistency in worship year after year. one ram “… one ram …” (Numbers 28:27c). • The ram evokes substitution: God provided a ram for Abraham in place of Isaac (Genesis 22:13). • Rams were used in ordination of priests (Exodus 29:18), linking this sacrifice to consecrated service. • In corporate settings—such as Hezekiah’s revival—one ram accompanied the bulls (2 Chronicles 29:21), showing balanced representation of the community. seven male lambs a year old “… and seven male lambs a year old …” (Numbers 28:27d). • The number seven signifies completeness (Genesis 2:1-3). • Lambs one year old are in prime condition, untainted by long exposure or age (Exodus 12:5). • The cumulative offering—bulls, ram, lambs—covers every tier of livestock, mirroring the thorough atonement Christ, “the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:6), provides. as a pleasing aroma to the LORD “… as a pleasing aroma to the LORD” (Numbers 28:27e). • “Pleasing aroma” speaks of God’s acceptance; after the Flood, Noah’s burnt offering moved the LORD to promise mercy (Genesis 8:21). • Ultimately the phrase anticipates Jesus, whose self-offering was “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). • Because Christ fulfilled every shadow (Hebrews 10:10), our spiritual sacrifices—praise, thanksgiving, obedience—rise today as that same pleasing aroma (1 Peter 2:5). summary Numbers 28:27 commands Israel to bring a costly, varied, flawless burnt offering so God’s people can express total devotion and receive assured acceptance. Two young bulls display strength and seriousness, one ram recalls substitution and consecration, seven year-old lambs round out a complete, perfect gift, and the resulting aroma signals God’s favor. The verse, like all sacrificial law, points forward to Jesus Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice secures our standing and invites us to live daily as wholehearted, fragrant offerings to the LORD. |
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