King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:15 Mean?
“And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:”
Numbers 29:15 · KJV
Context
13
And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish:
14
And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams,
15
And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:
16
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
17
And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryA several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs—Again issaron la-keves ha-echad stresses individual allocation. Fourteen lambs (double seven) amplified the covenant fullness symbolized by seven, befitting the grandest festival. The repetition across verses 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 underscores the unchanging pattern.
This regularity taught dependability in worship. God's commands weren't arbitrary mood-based preferences but covenant stipulations demanding faithful adherence. The lambs' consistency (always fourteen, always one issaron each) mirrored God's faithfulness—'the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever' (Hebrews 13:8).
This regularity taught dependability in worship. God's commands weren't arbitrary mood-based preferences but covenant stipulations demanding faithful adherence. The lambs' consistency (always fourteen, always one issaron each) mirrored God's faithfulness—'the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever' (Hebrews 13:8).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Lamb sacrifice permeated Israelite worship from Passover's origin (Exodus 12) through daily tamid offerings. The fourteen lambs on each of seven Sukkot days (98 total) plus rams and descending bullocks created the festival calendar's most elaborate sacrificial sequence, distinguishing it from Passover and Pentecost.
Reflection Questions
- How does the precision and repetition in these sacrificial laws combat the modern notion that worship style is merely preferential?
- What does the fourteen-lamb pattern (double perfection) suggest about abundance in Christ who fulfills all festivals?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsStudy Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 29:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.