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Book of Numbers - Chapter 7 - Verse 57

7:57
One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

Meaning

In this verse, we see the prescription for making a burnt offering to the Lord. The offering consisted of one young bullock, one ram, and one lamb of the first year. The burnt offering was a sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire as an act of atonement or dedication to God. The bullock symbolized strength, the ram symbolized leadership, and the lamb symbolized innocence. Each of these animals had significance in ancient Israelite culture and represented different aspects of the relationship between the people and God. The burnt offering was meant to be a solemn and earnest expression of devotion and obedience to the Lord. By offering these animals, the worshiper was acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking forgiveness for sins. It was a ritual that required careful preparation and execution, and it was considered a sacred act of worship.

Theological Overview

In the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Leviticus, animal sacrifices were a common practice. These sacrifices were essential in the atonement for sins and seeking forgiveness from God. The verse you're inquiring about refers to the specific animals required for a burnt offering: one young bullock, one ram, and one lamb of the first year. Each of these animals held symbolic significance in ancient Jewish tradition. The bullock represented strength and power, the ram symbolized leadership and sacrifice, and the lamb represented innocence and purity. The act of sacrificing these animals signified the giving of one's best to God, demonstrating obedience and reverence. Additionally, the burnt offering was meant to illustrate complete surrender to God's will and a desire to draw nearer to Him through the act of sacrificing prized possessions. This verse serves as a reminder of the faithfulness and commitment required in seeking forgiveness and redemption through the practices of the Levitical law.

American Standard Version

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