Numbers 29:20 - “‘On the third day eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen male lambs a year old without defect;

Generated Verse: Numbers 29:20

What does "Numbers 29:20" mean?


This verse is part of a detailed list of sacrifices prescribed in the Book of Numbers for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). Let's break down what it means:

"On the third day": This refers to the third day of the seven-day festival of Sukkot. Each day of Sukkot had specific sacrificial offerings associated with it.

"eleven bulls": This indicates the number of bull offerings to be sacrificed on the third day. Bulls were considered a high-value offering.

"two rams": This indicates the number of ram offerings for the third day. Rams were a common sacrificial animal.

"fourteen male lambs a year old without defect": This specifies the number of lamb offerings. The lambs had to be male, a year old, and without any physical blemishes or imperfections. The requirement of being "without defect" was crucial for all sacrificial animals, as it symbolized offering the best possible to God.

In summary, this verse outlines the required animal sacrifices specifically for the third day of the Feast of Tabernacles. These sacrifices were a way for the Israelites to express their gratitude to God, seek atonement for their sins, and celebrate His blessings.

Why were these specific animals and numbers chosen?

The specific numbers and types of animals are a matter of interpretation. Some possible explanations include:

Symbolism: Each animal could have symbolized different aspects of worship or atonement.
Numerical Significance: Numbers often had symbolic meanings in ancient Hebrew culture.
Progression: The number of bull offerings decreased each day of the festival, possibly indicating a shift in emphasis or a gradual transition.

The exact reasons behind the specific choices remain a subject of scholarly debate. However, it's clear that these sacrifices were an integral part of the worship and celebration of Sukkot, demonstrating devotion and seeking favor from God.

What categories does "Numbers 29:20" have?