King James Version
What Does Numbers 29:40 Mean?
“And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.”
Numbers 29:40 · KJV
Context
38
And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
39
These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings. do: or, offer
40
And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD commanded Moses—This formulaic conclusion (וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה... כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה vayomer Moshe... kekhol asher-tzivah YHWH, 'Moses spoke... according to all that the LORD commanded') closes the extensive festival calendar (Numbers 28-29) by emphasizing Moses' faithful transmission of divine instruction. The phrase according to all (כְּכֹל kekhol) stresses complete, unedited communication.
This verse demonstrates the prophetic office's core function: receiving and delivering God's word without addition, subtraction, or distortion (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). Moses' consistent faithfulness in transmitting complex liturgical details (dozens of specific animal quantities, grain measurements, timing regulations) models pastoral responsibility to teach 'the whole counsel of God' (Acts 20:27), not selective emphases based on personal preference.
This verse demonstrates the prophetic office's core function: receiving and delivering God's word without addition, subtraction, or distortion (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). Moses' consistent faithfulness in transmitting complex liturgical details (dozens of specific animal quantities, grain measurements, timing regulations) models pastoral responsibility to teach 'the whole counsel of God' (Acts 20:27), not selective emphases based on personal preference.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Numbers 28-29 details daily, weekly, monthly, and annual sacrifices—hundreds of animals yearly. Moses faithfully communicated this massive ritual calendar despite personal preference for spiritual simplicity (see his Midianite years as shepherd, Exodus 3). Faithful leadership transmits God's revealed will regardless of personal inclination.
Reflection Questions
- How does Moses' formula obedience ('according to all that the LORD commanded') challenge selective teaching that emphasizes favorite doctrines while minimizing uncomfortable truths?
- What does Moses' faithful transmission of complex liturgical details teach about pastoral responsibility to communicate comprehensive biblical truth?
- How can you ensure you're receiving 'all' of God's counsel through Scripture rather than filtering for personally palatable portions?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsבְּנֵ֣י4 of 11
“the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל5 of 11
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כְּכֹ֛ל6 of 11
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר7 of 11
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה9 of 11
“according to all that the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת10 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 29:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 29:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge