What is the meaning of Numbers 29:14? Three-tenths of an ephah with each of the thirteen bulls “along with their grain offerings of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for each of the thirteen bulls” (Numbers 29:14) • Thirteen bulls opened the sacrifices of the Feast of Tabernacles (Numbers 29:12-13). Thirteen is the largest daily number, showing an abundant, all-embracing provision for sin (cp. Leviticus 4:20; Hebrews 10:11-12). • Three-tenths of an ephah—about six quarts—matched the greater size of the bull (see Leviticus 2:1-3 for the grain offering’s ingredients). The generous measure stressed the worshiper’s wholehearted devotion (Romans 12:1). • Fine flour points to purity; the oil pictures the Spirit’s anointing (Leviticus 2:4-5; 1 John 2:20). Bull and grain together teach that forgiveness (the blood) and fellowship (the food) are inseparable blessings secured in Christ (Colossians 1:20-22). • The first-day sequence of thirteen bulls anticipates the fullness of Gentile inclusion during the Messianic reign (Isaiah 2:2-3; Zechariah 14:16-17), while the attached grain offering prefigures the worldwide harvest gathered through the gospel (Matthew 13:38). Two-tenths with each of the two rams “two-tenths for each of the two rams” (Numbers 29:14) • Rams evoke the idea of substitutionary atonement; the ram caught in the thicket for Isaac (Genesis 22:13) foreshadows Christ, our substitute (1 Peter 3:18). • Two-tenths—about four quarts—reflect a medium portion, fitting the ram’s size between bull and lamb. God specifies every detail, underscoring that worship is not left to human whim (1 Chronicles 15:13-15; John 4:24). • The pair of rams mirrors the testimony of two witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6; Revelation 11:3) affirming the certainty of redemption. Their accompanying grain points to the nourishing fellowship that flows from that certainty (John 6:35). • Oil-mixed flour with the rams reminds believers that the Spirit applies Christ’s work to the church, joining sacrifice and sanctification (Romans 8:3-4). One-tenth with each of the fourteen lambs “and one-tenth for each of the fourteen lambs” (Numbers 29:14) • Fourteen lambs—two complete sets of seven—emphasize perfection and completeness (Genesis 2:2-3; Revelation 1:20). • One-tenth—about two quarts—matches the smaller offering, yet every lamb still receives its portion. God values the seemingly small acts of worship (Mark 12:41-44). • Lambs spotlight innocence and point directly to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7). By attaching grain, the text links cleansing with communion (1 John 1:7). • The daily repetition of fourteen lambs throughout the feast (Numbers 29:15, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32) kept Israel’s focus on continual dependence upon divine grace, just as believers are called to present themselves daily (Luke 9:23; Hebrews 13:15). summary Numbers 29:14 lays out precise grain-offering portions for bulls, rams, and lambs during the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles. The ascending and descending measures match the size of each animal, highlighting God’s orderly pattern. Grain mixed with oil celebrates fellowship with Him, achievable only through blood atonement. Altogether, the verse teaches that worship must follow God’s revealed pattern, that atonement and fellowship are inseparable, and that Christ—the true Bull, Ram, and Lamb—fully satisfies every requirement, inviting His people into abundant, Spirit-filled communion. |
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