Numbers 29:20

On the third day you are to present eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished,

Study Bible

On the third day
The third day of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, is part of a seven-day festival that follows the Day of Atonement. This feast is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest. The number three often signifies completeness or divine perfection in the Bible, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus on the third day, symbolizing new life and fulfillment.

you are to present
The act of presenting offerings is a form of worship and obedience to God's commands. It reflects the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty. This practice is rooted in the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

eleven bulls
Bulls were considered valuable and significant offerings due to their size and strength. The number eleven, while not as symbolically prominent as other numbers, indicates a substantial offering, reflecting the importance of the feast. Bulls are often associated with leadership and strength, and their sacrifice points to the need for atonement and reconciliation with God.

two rams
Rams are often associated with substitutionary sacrifice, as seen in the story of Abraham and Isaac, where a ram was provided as a substitute for Isaac. The number two can signify witness or testimony, suggesting that these offerings bear witness to God's covenant with His people.

and fourteen male lambs a year old
Lambs are frequently used in sacrificial offerings due to their innocence and purity, symbolizing the sinless nature of Christ, the Lamb of God. The number fourteen, being a multiple of seven, signifies completeness and perfection. The age of one year indicates the lambs are in their prime, representing the best of what the Israelites could offer.

all unblemished
The requirement for offerings to be unblemished underscores the need for purity and perfection in sacrifices, pointing to the sinless nature of Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice. This requirement emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for His people to approach Him with integrity and sincerity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The people of God who are receiving these instructions for offerings during the Feast of Tabernacles.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who conveyed God's laws and instructions to the people.

3. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' journey in the wilderness and God's provision.

4. Offerings
Specific sacrifices commanded by God, including bulls, rams, and lambs, which were to be without blemish.

5. Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where these offerings were to be presented.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were required to follow God's instructions precisely, highlighting the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Symbolism of Sacrifices
The unblemished animals symbolize purity and point to Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

God's Provision and Faithfulness
The Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of God's provision and faithfulness during the Israelites' journey, encouraging us to trust in His provision today.

Worship and Reverence
The detailed instructions for offerings teach us about approaching God with reverence and the seriousness of worship.

Community and Celebration
The communal aspect of the Feast of Tabernacles encourages us to celebrate God's goodness together as a community of believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for offerings to be "without blemish" in Numbers 29:20 relate to the concept of holiness in our lives today?

2. In what ways does the Feast of Tabernacles serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision in your own life?

3. How can the principle of obedience seen in the Israelites' sacrifices be applied to modern Christian living?

4. What are some practical ways we can incorporate the themes of worship and reverence from this passage into our daily routines?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice as described in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 23
Provides a broader context for the Feast of Tabernacles, detailing its significance and the required offerings.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice.

Exodus 12
Describes the Passover lamb, which parallels the requirement for offerings to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and foreshadowing Christ.

John 1
Refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.