This verse reveals God’s desire that His people approach Him with costly devotion and worship that acknowledges His absolute worth.
In Numbers 28:27, the LORD commands His people, saying, “Also you shall present a burnt offering for a soothing aroma to the LORD: two bulls from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs one year old” (v.27). The context of this verse occurs in the wilderness period (circa 1440-1400 BC), where the Israelites were receiving detailed instructions on how to worship and honor God through various sacrifices. While there is no specific mention of individuals or specific locations in this verse, it is understood from the broader narrative that these offerings took place at the bronze altar in front of the Tabernacle, under the guidance of the priests (the tribe of Levi).
The phrase “burnt offering” in Hebrew is “’ōlâ,” which literally means “that which goes up,” referring to the smoke that ascends toward God, symbolizing worship and total surrender. Offering up two bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs underscores the comprehensive nature of worship, presenting the very best animals to the LORD without defect. Burnt offerings represented a way for the Israelite community to express devotion, atone for sin, and maintain covenant fellowship with their Suzerain (Ruler) God, as taught extensively in the Laws of Moses. These sacrifices reminded the people that their lives and possessions belonged fully to the LORD, and that He alone deserved their reverence.
Looking forward, the concept of animal sacrifices ultimately foreshadows the perfect atoning work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, who offered Himself as a once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:28). Just as the Israelites offered pure animals on the altar as a sweet aroma, so Christ’s sacrifice on the cross became the ultimate soothing aroma to God for the forgiveness of sins. Here in Numbers 28:27, God’s purpose is to teach His people about holiness, gratitude, and the seriousness of sin, all of which point ahead to the fullness of redemption found in Jesus.
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Numbers 28:27 meaning
In Numbers 28:27, the LORD commands His people, saying, “Also you shall present a burnt offering for a soothing aroma to the LORD: two bulls from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs one year old” (v.27). The context of this verse occurs in the wilderness period (circa 1440-1400 BC), where the Israelites were receiving detailed instructions on how to worship and honor God through various sacrifices. While there is no specific mention of individuals or specific locations in this verse, it is understood from the broader narrative that these offerings took place at the bronze altar in front of the Tabernacle, under the guidance of the priests (the tribe of Levi).
The phrase “burnt offering” in Hebrew is “’ōlâ,” which literally means “that which goes up,” referring to the smoke that ascends toward God, symbolizing worship and total surrender. Offering up two bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs underscores the comprehensive nature of worship, presenting the very best animals to the LORD without defect. Burnt offerings represented a way for the Israelite community to express devotion, atone for sin, and maintain covenant fellowship with their Suzerain (Ruler) God, as taught extensively in the Laws of Moses. These sacrifices reminded the people that their lives and possessions belonged fully to the LORD, and that He alone deserved their reverence.
Looking forward, the concept of animal sacrifices ultimately foreshadows the perfect atoning work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, who offered Himself as a once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:28). Just as the Israelites offered pure animals on the altar as a sweet aroma, so Christ’s sacrifice on the cross became the ultimate soothing aroma to God for the forgiveness of sins. Here in Numbers 28:27, God’s purpose is to teach His people about holiness, gratitude, and the seriousness of sin, all of which point ahead to the fullness of redemption found in Jesus.