What is the meaning of Numbers 29:20? On the third day • Numbers 29 sets out a seven-day pattern for the Feast of Tabernacles; the third day marks the midpoint where the number of bulls offered continues its daily decrease (13 → 12 → 11), showing the LORD’s precise ordering (Leviticus 23:34; Numbers 29:12-22). • “Third day” language threads through Scripture as a signal of divine action and fulfillment—Exodus 19:16 (Sinai), Jonah 1:17, Hosea 6:2, and ultimately Luke 24:7—reminding worshipers that God brings life and covenant renewal right on schedule. you are to present • This is not a suggestion but a covenant command. Israel’s priests must actively “bring” or “present” the offerings, echoing Psalm 96:8, “Bring an offering and enter His courts,” and Romans 12:1, which calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices. • Presentation underscores relationship: the worshiper draws near (Hebrews 10:22) while God receives, forgives, and blesses. Obedience in sacrifice equals fellowship with the Holy One. eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old • The count matters: – Bulls (strength, leadership) drop by one each day, picturing a week-long, measured outpouring of devotion (compare Numbers 29:13-19). – Rams represent consecration; two mirror the daily morning-evening rhythm (Exodus 29:38-39). – Fourteen lambs (two each for every tribe) stress completeness and shared blessing. John 1:29 reminds us the ultimate Lamb takes away sin for all who believe. • God ordains both variety and number, teaching that every dimension of life—strength, direction, innocence—must be surrendered to Him. all unblemished • Perfection was non-negotiable (Leviticus 22:20-21). The offerer brought the best because the LORD is holy. • Unblemished animals foreshadow the flawless, sinless Messiah—“a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 4:15). The shadow sacrifices point forward to the once-for-all sacrifice that actually removes sin (Hebrews 10:4-10). • The condition also calls believers to moral integrity. While only Christ is perfectly spotless, His people are urged to walk “blameless and innocent” (Philippians 2:15). summary Numbers 29:20 records God’s precise, day-three instruction for Tabernacles: eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen year-old lambs, each perfect. The verse teaches that worship follows God’s calendar, demands active obedience, covers every aspect of life, and requires purity—truths ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the flawless Lamb who brings us into lasting fellowship with the Father. |
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