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Book of Numbers - Chapter 7 - Verse 15

7:15
One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

Meaning

In this verse, the instruction is given for the offerings that are to be made as a burnt offering to the Lord. The specificity of the offerings -- one young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year -- is significant in the context of the ancient Israelite religious practices. Each animal represents a different level of importance and value in the sacrificial system. The young bullock symbolizes strength and power, the ram symbolizes leadership and sacrifice, and the lamb symbolizes innocence and purity. By offering these specific animals, the Israelites were demonstrating their reverence and obedience to God. The burnt offering itself was a way for the people to seek forgiveness, atonement, and purification for their sins through the act of sacrificing something valuable to them. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrifice and offering in the worship of God in ancient Israel.

Theological Overview

One common theological interpretation of the verse "One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:" is that it underscores the importance of sacrifice in the context of worship. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were a central part of the worship practices of the Israelites, serving as a way for individuals to seek forgiveness and express gratitude to God. The specific animals mentioned in this verse - a bullock, ram, and lamb - were commonly used in burnt offerings as prescribed by God in the Mosaic Law. Each animal held symbolic significance, representing different aspects of devotion and atonement. Additionally, the act of offering these animals as burnt sacrifices was seen as a way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to God and their desire to maintain a close relationship with Him. Through studying the original Hebrew words used in this verse, scholars can gain further insight into the cultural and religious significance of these sacrifices, deepening our understanding of the spiritual practices of the ancient Israelites.

American Standard Version

one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb a year old, for a burnt-offering;
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