Numbers 29
-God continues to give instruction by way of reminder to His
servant Moses in this chapter. The seventh month, or Tishrei, is detailed with
three important convocations in the Hebrew calendar. The first is Rosh Hashanah,
or the Feast of Trumpets. It occurs on the first day of the month with the
blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation, and no laborious work in the camp.
Burnt offerings are to be offered as a soothing aroma unto the LORD of one
bull, one ram, and seven male lambs one year old and without defect. The grain
offering of fine flour mixed with oil according to the ordinance per animal is
given, and one male goat is to be offered for a sin atonement. This is in
addition to the normal and continual burnt offering of the new moon and its
grain offering and drink offering by way of fire to the LORD as a soothing
aroma (Numbers 29:1-6). This is the head of the year in the Hebrew civil calendar,
and is sometimes called the “Day of Judgment.” It is the day when God is
crowned as King in acknowledgement of His rule and power (Leviticus 23:24-25).
-The next holy convocation is a time for humbling again
without any work. This is the time of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which
begins on the tenth of the month. A burnt offering is again presented unto the
LORD for a soothing aroma: one bull, one ram, seven male lambs one year old and
having no defect along with their grain offering per animal and one male goat
for a sin offering. The other sacrifices that are continual also are commanded
during this time (Leviticus 23:26-32, Numbers 29:7-11).
-The final holy convocation begins on fifteenth day of the
month and is again accompanied by the command to “do no laborious work.” This
is a time of feasting for seven days known as Sukkot in Hebrew, or the Feast of
Tabernacles or Booths (Leviticus 23:33-44, Deuteronomy 16:13-17). This is a
time of abundant remembrance and celebration before the LORD with extensive
sacrifices and daily rituals culminated with a solemn assembly on the eighth
day with a final offering exactly like on Yom Kippur (Numbers 29:12-38). The
LORD’s final admonition in this chapter is thus, “You shall present these to
the LORD at your appointed times, besides your votive offerings and your
freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings and for your grain offerings and
for your drink offerings and for your peace offerings.” Then Moses spoke to the
people of Israel in accordance with all that the LORD had commanded him
(Numbers 29:39-40).
-*Application* These holy convocations point us to the
Messiah, whom we now know as Jesus Christ. He is the reason for these
pointings, types, references, and foreshadowings. He is the real atonement for
sin and the reason for our continual celebration. Let us offer our lives with
genuine and meaningful service because He lives (Hebrews 7:25). There are some
further principles for us to meditate on here as well. Gathering together to
worship produces an extra benefit in the presence of God. Suspending normal
routines to take “time off” is essential and commanded by the LORD. He lets us
rest from our works, and this has everything to do with relying on faith for
our salvation rather than deeds of goodness. This should give us time to repose
and reflect on the righteousness of our Savior and King. Finally, give the LORD
your very best gifts with an uncorrupted heart as an offering of servitude. He
deserves it for all He’s done for us.
Verses to Memorize:
Numbers 29:1, 7, 12
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