King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:26 Mean?
“And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:”
Numbers 29:26 · KJV
Context
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:
27
And 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:
28
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryOn the fifth day nine bullocks—The descending pattern of olah (עֹלָה, burnt offering) continues through the seven days of Sukkot (Tabernacles), moving from thirteen bullocks on day one to seven on day seven. This diminishing sequence totals seventy bulls, which rabbinic tradition connects to the seventy nations (Genesis 10), symbolizing Israel interceding for the whole world through sacrificial worship.
The precision of without spot (תָּמִים, tamim, unblemished) underscores the perfection required in offerings pointing to Christ, "a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19). Each day's elaborate ritual reinforced Israel's dependence on substitutionary atonement.
The precision of without spot (תָּמִים, tamim, unblemished) underscores the perfection required in offerings pointing to Christ, "a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:19). Each day's elaborate ritual reinforced Israel's dependence on substitutionary atonement.
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Historical & Cultural Context
These Feast of Tabernacles regulations (Leviticus 23:33-43) were given at Sinai but fully implemented after entering Canaan. The massive number of sacrifices—totaling 71 bulls, 15 rams, 105 lambs, and 8 goats over eight days—required extensive priestly coordination and demonstrated Israel's covenant commitment through costly worship.
Reflection Questions
- How does the descending pattern of seventy bulls for seventy nations challenge Israel's (and the church's) call to bless all peoples?
- What does the costliness of these festival sacrifices reveal about worthy worship versus convenience?
- How does the requirement for unblemished animals deepen your appreciation for Christ's perfect sacrifice?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsוּבַיּ֧וֹם1 of 12
“day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
פָּרִ֥ים3 of 12
“bullocks”
H6499a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
אֵילִ֣ם5 of 12
“rams”
H352properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
בְּנֵֽי8 of 12
“of the first”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תְּמִימִֽם׃12 of 12
“without spot”
H8549entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
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 29:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.