King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:24 Mean?
“Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:”
Numbers 29:24 · KJV
Context
22
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
23
And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:
24
Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner:
25
And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
26
And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTheir meat offering and their drink offerings... according to their number, after the manner—Day four's refrain emphasizes the grain (minchah) and wine (nesek) offerings' unchanging proportions. The repetition across seven days (verses 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 37) creates liturgical cadence like Psalms' refrains.
This verbal repetition aided memorization in oral culture while underscoring theological truth: worship standards don't shift with circumstances. Whether day one's enthusiasm or day four's midpoint, God's 'manner' remained fixed. New covenant believers likewise worship 'in spirit and truth' (John 4:24) consistently.
This verbal repetition aided memorization in oral culture while underscoring theological truth: worship standards don't shift with circumstances. Whether day one's enthusiasm or day four's midpoint, God's 'manner' remained fixed. New covenant believers likewise worship 'in spirit and truth' (John 4:24) consistently.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Priestly education heavily emphasized rote learning. Young Levites memorized Torah portions, sacrificial procedures, and festival calendars before age thirteen (modern bar mitzvah's origin). The repetitive phrasing in Numbers 28-29 facilitated this pedagogical method.
Reflection Questions
- How does the unchanging 'manner' of offerings challenge contemporary worship's emphasis on novelty and innovation?
- What does grain-and-wine's pairing in offerings teach about Christ's body and blood as sustenance for believers (John 6:53-56)?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsמִנְחָתָ֣ם1 of 7
“Their meat offering”
H4503a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
לַ֠פָּרִים3 of 7
“for the bullocks”
H6499a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
לָֽאֵילִ֧ם4 of 7
“for the rams”
H352properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
בְּמִסְפָּרָ֖ם6 of 7
“shall be according to their number”
H4557a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃7 of 7
“after the manner”
H4941properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
Study 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 29:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.