Numbers 29:39 - “‘You shall offer these to Yahweh in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meal offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.’”

Generated Verse: Numbers 29:39

What does "Numbers 29:39" mean?


Numbers 29:39 summarizes the offerings made during the various appointed feasts (set feasts) of the Hebrew calendar. Let's break it down:

"You shall offer these to Yahweh in your set feasts..." This emphasizes that the offerings being described in the entire chapter (Numbers 29) are specifically linked to the Moedim (appointed times or set feasts). These feasts, as outlined elsewhere in Leviticus and Numbers, included specific days of celebration like Passover, the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot/Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).

"...besides your vows, and your freewill offerings..." This clarifies that the prescribed offerings for the feasts were in addition to any individual vows (promises made to God, sometimes involving offerings) or freewill offerings (gifts willingly given to God, not required by law). This means the people had the obligation to bring certain offerings during the Feasts, and they were welcome to give extra offerings beyond that.

"...for your burnt offerings, and for your meal offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings." This lists the different types of offerings that would be made during the feasts. Each type had a different purpose and ritual:

Burnt offerings (olah): The entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar (except for the hide, which went to the priests). This was a symbol of complete dedication and atonement. It was a sacrifice of complete surrender to God.

Meal offerings (minchah): Made of fine flour, oil, and incense, and sometimes baked into cakes or wafers. A portion was burned on the altar as a memorial offering, and the rest was eaten by the priests. It symbolized thanksgiving, devotion, and acknowledgment of God's provision.

Drink offerings (nesech): Wine poured out on the altar. It accompanied the burnt and peace offerings. It signified joy and celebration, and was a symbolic libation to God.

Peace offerings (shelamim): A portion was burned on the altar, a portion was eaten by the priests, and a portion was eaten by the person making the offering and their family and friends. This offering symbolized fellowship, gratitude, and reconciliation with God. They were often celebratory meals.

In summary, the verse emphasizes that:

1. Specific sacrifices were required during the annual appointed feasts.
2. These mandated sacrifices were distinct from any personal vows or freewill offerings an individual might choose to make.
3. The sacrifices comprised different types of offerings (burnt, meal, drink, and peace offerings), each with its unique significance and purpose.

Essentially, this verse serves as a concluding remark to Numbers 29, reminding the Israelites of their responsibilities to offer these specific sacrifices during the designated festivals, demonstrating their obedience, gratitude, and commitment to Yahweh.

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