Feast of tabernacles: compare Lev 23:33<\/span> ff. The offerings required at this feast were the largest of all. It was especially one of thankfulness to God for the gift of the fruits of the earth; and the quantity and the nature of the offerings (see Num 29:7-11<\/span>) were determined accordingly.<\/P> Num 29:32<\/B><\/span><\/P> Stress is laid on the number seven, the holy symbolic covenant number, by way of intimation that the mercies of the harvest accrued by virtue of Gods covenant. The diminishing number of bullocks sacrificed on the preceding days of the Feast (compare Num 29:13<\/span>, Num 29:17<\/span>, etc.), is adjusted simply to obtain the coincidence before us on the seventh day; but some have thought that the gradual evanescence of the Law until the time of its absorption in the Gospel is here presignified in the Law itself.<\/P><\/p>\n Num 29:12-40<\/span><\/p>\n The fifteenth day of the seventh month.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n The Feast of Tabernacles<\/strong><\/p>\n It is called the Feast of Tabernacles because during the days of this feast they were to live in tents or tabernacles, it being a memorial of Gods preserving of them in the wilderness where was no house for them in which to rest. This was a most holy feast to remember them when they had no dwellings, and therefore Moses doth so largely dwell upon the solemnities of it ; then they were especially enjoined to read the Law at this feast, when all Israel was to appear before the Lord (Deu 31:10<\/span>; 2Ch 8:13<\/span>; Ezr 3:4<\/span>; Neh 8:14-15<\/span>; Joh 7:2<\/span>). This feast is now abrogated, and belonged not to the Gentiles that were converted to the faith, after the passion and ascension of Christ (Col 2:17<\/span>; Act 15:10<\/span>; Heb 10:1-39<\/span>). Notwithstanding we must consider the inward signification of this ceremony, and see what uses remain thereof to ourselves. And therefore the prophet Zechariah (Zec 14:16<\/span>), describing the calling of the Gentiles to the true God, and their gathering into the true Church, setteth it forth according to the manner of Gods service used in the law, that they should go up from year to year to worship the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles: alluding to the ceremony of the law, as our Saviour doth (Mat 5:23-24<\/span>), meaning that they should worship God according to His commandments, and not after their own fancies.<\/p>\n 1. <\/strong>First, we learn hereby that it is a duty belonging to all to remember the days of their troubles and afflictions, from which God in great mercy hath delivered us. We ought also to consider what we have been in regard of temporal deliverances, and <\/strong>in regard of spiritual deliverances from the bondage of sin (Eph 2:1-4<\/span>; Eph 2:11-13<\/span>), for their deliverance from the slavery of Egypt did figure out our deliverance by Christ from the bondage of sin, Satan, and hell itself.<\/p>\n 2. <\/strong>Secondly, observe from this feast that God evermore preserveth His Church, even when it is oppressed with greatest dangers and troubles, nay, then His power and mercy is made most manifest; His power shineth brightest in our weakness, and His mercy appeareth most of all in our misery.<\/p>\n 3. <\/strong>Thirdly, though the Feast of Tabernacles be not any longer in use, that we should be bound to the keeping of it, yet the doctrine arising from it concerneth us as much as ever it did the Jews. Our keeping of this feast must not be for a week or twain, but all our life, so long as we live upon the earth. We must acknowledge that we are pilgrims in this world (Heb 11:16<\/span>), and if we be not strangers in this present world we have no part in the kingdom of heaven. If, then, we will have God to accept us for His children, we must assure ourselves that this life is nothing to us but a way, or rather, indeed, a race, toward our heavenly country. It is not enough for us to go fair and softly, but we must always run apace, pressing forward with all our strength and force, holding on our way, and straining ourselves to attain to the end of our course.<\/p>\n 4. <\/strong>Lastly, we are hereby put in mind of the shortness of this life; we are here for a season, and by and by gone. And albeit we make our houses never so strong, and build them up with brick and stone to continue, yet our bodies are all as tabernacles, always decaying. Let us therefore learn the doctrine of the apostle (2Co 5:1<\/span>), If our outward man decay we have a building prepared for us in heaven. And we must say with Peter, I must shortly put off this my tabernacle, as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me (2Pe 1:14<\/span>). When this lodging of ours shall decay we shall dwell in an house incorruptible. Our bodies are but as arbours made of green leaves, which are of no continuance, one blast of wind is strong enough to blow them away (Isa 40:6<\/span>). Every man hath some disease or other about him that will not suffer him to endure long. And if he had no disease or distemper, yet wait but a while, and age itself will be a disease, and as the messenger of death unto him, that even without sickness he slideth away, as the fruit of a tree, when it is ripe, falleth down of itself, though there be no hand to pluck it, or wind to shake it, or thief to steal it, or tempest to drive it. When we diligently consider this, then we have indeed learned to keep this Feast of the Tabernacles spiritually. To conclude, therefore, let every man beware that he seek not his own ease over much. This is one rule, that we do not pamper our own flesh in the lusts thereof (Rom 13:14<\/span>). Secondly, such as are planted commodiously in this world must beware that they do not forget the world to come; and they that enjoy the earth at will must remember the kingdom of heaven, wherein they must only place the top of their happiness. If we seek heaven upon earth we shall never find it in the next life. Thirdly, let us use this world as though we used it not; rejoice as though we rejoice not, and weep as though we weep not, considering that the fashion of this world vanisheth away (1Co 7:30-31<\/span>). (W. Attersoll<\/em>.)<\/p>\n .<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Verse 12<\/span>. On the fifteenth day of the seventh month<\/B><\/I>] On this day there was to be a solemn assembly, and for seven<\/I> days sacrifices were to be offered; on the first<\/I> day thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs. On each succeeding day one bullock less<\/I>, till on the seventh day there were only seven<\/I>, making in all seventy<\/I>. What an expensive service! How should we magnify God for being delivered from it! Yet these were all the taxes they had to pay. At the public charge there were annually offered to God, independently of trespass-offerings and voluntary vows, fifteen goats, twenty-one kids, seventy-two rams, one hundred and thirty-two bullocks, and eleven hundred and one lambs! But how little is all this when compared with the lambs slain every year at the passover<\/I>, which amounted in one year to the immense number of 255,600 slain in the temple itself, which was the answer that Cestius<\/I>, the Roman general, received when he asked the priests how many persons<\/I> had come to Jerusalem at their annual festivals; the priests, numbering the people<\/I> by the lambs<\/I> that had been slain, said, “twenty-five myriads, five thousand and six hundred.” – For an account of the feast of tabernacles, See Clarke on Le 23:34<\/span>.<\/P> <\/p>\n The feast of booths; of which see Lev 23:34<\/span>,35<\/span>; Deu 16:13<\/span>. <\/P> Seven days; <\/B>not by abstaining so long from all servile works, but by offering extraordinary sacrifices each day. <\/P> <\/p>\n 12-34. on the fifteenth day<\/B>wasto be held the feast of booths or tabernacles. (See Lev 23:34<\/span>;Lev 23:35<\/span>). The feast was to lastseven days, the first and last of which were to be kept as Sabbaths,and a particular offering was prescribed for each day, the details ofwhich are given with a minuteness suited to the infant state of thechurch. Two things are deserving of notice: First, that this feastwas distinguished by a greater amount and variety of sacrifices thanany otherpartly because, occurring at the end of the year, itmight be intended to supply any past deficienciespartly because,being immediately after the ingathering of the fruits, it ought to bea liberal acknowledgmentand partly, perhaps, because God consultedthe weakness of mankind, who naturally grow weary both of the chargeand labor of such services when they are long-continued, and madethem every day less toilsome and expensive [PATRICK].Secondly, it will be remarked that the sacrifices varied in aprogressive ratio of decrease every day.<\/P><\/p>\n And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation<\/strong>,…. Of the same month Tisri, which was the seventh from Nisan or Abib, though it was formerly the first month of the year:<\/p>\n ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days<\/strong>; the feast of tabernacles, which began on the fifteenth day of this month.<\/p>\n The feast of Tabernacles<\/em>, the special regulations for the celebration of which are contained in Lev 23:34-36<\/span> and Lev 23:39-43<\/span>, was distinguished above all the other feasts of the year by the great number of burnt-offerings, which raised it into the greatest festival of joy. On the seven feast-days, the first of which was to be celebrated with sabbatical rest and a holy meeting, there were to be offered, in addition to the daily burnt-offering, every day a he-goat for a sin-offering, and seventy oxen in all for a burnt-offering during the seven days, as well as every day two rams and fourteen yearling lambs, with the requisite meat-offerings and drink-offerings. Whilst, therefore, the number of rams and lambs was double the number offered at the Passover and feast of Pentecost, the number of oxen was fivefold; for, instead of fourteen, there were seventy offered during the seven days. This multiplication of the oxen was distributed in such a way, that instead of there being ten offered every day, there were thirteen on the first day, twelve on the second, and so on, deducting one every day, so that on the seventh day there were exactly seven offered; the arrangement being probably made for the purpose of securing the holy number seven for this last day, and indicating at the same time, through the gradual diminution in the number of sacrificial oxen, the gradual decrease in the festal character of the seven festal days. The reason for this multiplication in the number of burnt-offerings is to be sought for in the nature of the feast itself. Their living in booths had already visibly represented to the people the defence and blessing of their God; and the foliage of these booths pointed out the glorious advantages of the inheritance received from the Lord. But this festival followed the completion of the ingathering of the fruits of the orchard and vineyard, and therefore was still more adapted, on account of the rich harvest of splendid and costly fruits which their inheritance had yielded, and which they were about to enjoy in peace now that the labour of agriculture was over, to fill their hearts with the greatest joy and gratitude towards the Lord and Giver of them all, and to make this festival a speaking representation of the blessedness of the people of God when resting from their labours. This blessedness which the Lord had prepared for His people, was also expressed in the numerous burnt-offerings that were sacrificed on every one of the seven days, and in which the congregation presented itself soul and body to the Lord, upon the basis of a sin-offering, as a living and holy sacrifice, to be more and more sanctified, transformed, and perfected by the fire of His holy love (see my Archol<\/em>. i. p. 416).<\/p>\n 12 And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD<\/B> seven days: 13 And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD<\/B>; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and<\/I> fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish: 14 And their meat offering shall be of<\/I> flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams, 15 And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs: 16 And one kid of the goats for<\/I> a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 17 And on the second day ye shall offer<\/I> twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 18 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be<\/I> according to their number, after the manner: 19 And one kid of the goats for<\/I> a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings. 20 And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish; 21 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be<\/I> according to their number, after the manner: 22 And one goat for<\/I> a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 23 And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and<\/I> fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 24 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be<\/I> according to their number, after the manner: 25 And one kid of the goats for<\/I> a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 26 And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and<\/I> fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 27 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be<\/I> according to their number, after the manner: 28 And one goat for<\/I> a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 29 And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and<\/I> fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 30 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be<\/I> according to their number, after the manner: 31 And one goat for<\/I> a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and<\/I> fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 33 And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be<\/I> according to their number, after the manner: 34 And one goat for<\/I> a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 35 On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein:<\/I> 36 But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD<\/B>: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish: 37 Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be<\/I> according to their number, after the manner: 38 And one goat for<\/I> a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 39 These things<\/I> ye shall do unto the LORD<\/B> in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings. 40 And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the LORD<\/B> commanded Moses.<\/P> Soon after the day of atonement, that day in which men were to afflict their souls, followed the feast of tabernacles, in which they were to rejoice before the Lord; for those that sow in tears<\/I> shall soon reap in joy.<\/I> To the former laws about this feast, which we had, Lev. xxiii. 34<\/span>, c., here are added directions about the offerings by fire,<\/I> which they were to offer unto the Lord during the seven days of that feast,<\/I> Lev. xxiii. 36<\/I><\/span>. Observe here, 1. Their days of rejoicing were to be days of sacrifices. A disposition to be cheerful does us no harm, nor is any bad symptom, when it is so far from unfitting us for the duties of God’s immediate service that it encourages and enlarges our hearts in them. 2. All the days of their dwelling in booths they must offer sacrifices. While we are here in a tabernacle-state, it is our interest as well as duty constantly to keep up communion with God nor will the unsettledness of our outward condition excuse us in our neglect of the duties of God’s worship. 3. The sacrifices for each of the seven days, though differing in nothing but the number of the bullocks, are severally and particularly appointed, which yet is no vain repetition; for God would thus teach them to be very exact in those observances, and to keep an eye of faith fixed upon the institution in every day’s work. It likewise intimates that the repetition of the same services, if performed with an upright heart, and with a continued fire of pious and devout affection, is no weariness to God, and therefore we ought not to snuff at it, or to say, Behold, what a weariness it is to us!<\/I> 4. The number of bullocks (which were the most costly part of the sacrifice) decreased every day. On the first day of the feast they were to offer thirteen, on the second day but twelve, on the third day eleven, c. So that on the seventh they offered seven and the last day, though it was the great day of the feast, and celebrated with a holy convocation, yet they were to offer but one bullock; and, whereas on all the other days they offered two rams and fourteen lambs, on this they offered but one ram and seven lambs. Such was the will of the Law-maker, and that is reason enough for the law. Some suggest that God herein considered the infirmity of the flesh, which is apt to grudge the charge and expense of religion; it is therefore ordered to grow less and less, that they might not complain as if God had made them to serve with an offering,<\/I> Isa. xliii. 23<\/I><\/span>. Or it is hereby intimated to them that the legal dispensation should wax old, and vanish away at last; and the multitude of their sacrifices should end in one great sacrifice, infinitely more worthy than all of them. It was on the last day of the feast, after all these sacrifices had been ordered, that our Lord Jesus stood and cried to those who still thirsted after righteousness (being sensible of the insufficiency of these sacrifices to justify them) to come unto him and drink,<\/I> John vii. 37<\/I><\/span>. 5. The meat-offerings and drink-offerings attended all the sacrifices, according to their number, after the manner.<\/I> Be there ever so much flesh, it is no feast without bread and drink, therefore these must never be omitted at God’s altar, which was his table. We must not think that doing much in religion will be accepted if we do not do it well, and after the manner that God has appointed. 6. Every day there must be a sin-offering presented, as we observed in the other feasts. Our burnt-offerings of praise cannot be accepted of God unless we have an interest in the great sacrifice of propitiation which Christ offered when for us he made himself a sin-offering. 7. Even when all these sacrifices were offered, yet the continual burnt-offering must not be omitted either morning or evening, but each day this must be offered first in the morning and last in the evening. No extraordinary services should jostle out our stated devotions. 8. Though all these sacrifices were required to be presented by the body of the congregation, at the common charge, yet, besides these, particular persons were to glorify God with their vows and their free-will offerings, v.<\/I><\/span> 39<\/span>. When God commanded that this they must do,<\/I> he left room for the generosity of their devotion, a great deal more they might do,<\/I> not inventing other worships, but abounding in these, as 2Ch 30:23<\/span>; 2Ch 30:24<\/span>. Large directions had been given in Leviticus concerning the offerings of all sorts that should be brought by particular persons according to the providences of God concerning them and the graces of God in them. Though every Israelite had an interest in these common sacrifices, yet he must not think that these will serve instead of his vows and his free-will offerings. Thus our ministers’ praying with us and for us will not excuse us from praying for ourselves.<\/P> <\/p>\n Verses 12-15:<\/strong><\/p>\n The fifteenth day of the seventh month was the Feast of Tabernacles <\/strong>(booths), Le 23:33-43; De 16:13-15, q.v.<\/p>\n This text prescribes the sacrifices to be offered on each of the seven days of this week. <\/strong>This was the most elaborate and expensive of Israel’s three major annual feasts, see Ex 23:14-17; De 16:16. It was the feast of- harvest, commemorating God’s bountiful provision. The hearts of the people were filled with gladness, and there was food in ample supply. Hence the profusion of burnt offerings, especially of the most expensive kind.<\/p>\n The Burnt Offerings of this week varied from those of other times, in the quantity of bulls to be offered. The other sacrifices remained the same each day.<\/p>\n On the first day, thirteen bulls were offered. <\/strong>One less was offered each of the seven days. On the seventh day, seven bulls were sacrificed. <\/strong>The total number of bulls offered during this time: seventy.<\/p>\n Accompanying the bulls, there were also daily offerings of two rams, fourteen year-old lambs, and Meat (food) Offerings consisting of flour mingled with oil, <\/strong>Le chapter 2. No Drink Offerings were made with any of these sacrifices, as was the case with other offerings.<\/p>\n In addition to the Burnt Offerings and the Meat Offerings, a Sin Offering of one kid of the goats was to be sacrificed, along with the prescribed Meat (food) and Drink Offerings, see Le 4:22-26.<\/p>\n 12. And on the fifteenth, day. Amongst their festivals this last was the chief (240) in which they dwelt in tabernacles for seven days; for whereas in the Passover they commemorated the night in which they came forth free from the plagues of Egypt, by dwelling in tabernacles they embraced the whole forty years in which their fathers in the desert experienced the constant and consummate bounty of God. That solemn convention, too, availed for another present purpose, i.e., of thanksgiving to God for the ingathering of the harvest. Hence it was that they offered sacrifices every day and in greater number: on the first day, thirteen bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs; on the second, twelve bullocks; on the third, eleven; on the fourth, ten; on the fifth, nine; on the sixth, eight; finally, on the seventh, seven; and on the eighth, one. Nor is it carelessly that Moses expends so many words on the recital; first, that nothing might be done except at God’s command; secondly, lest it should be disagreeable or onerous to be at such great expense, which they would have gladly avoided. Wherefore, that they might cheerfully obey God’s command, he diligently inculcates what victims God would have daily offered to Him. But why the distribution was so unequal, I confess, is not clear to me, and it is better to confess my ignorance than by too subtle speculations to vanish into mere smoke. (241) This notion, indeed, is neither curious nor to be rejected, i.e., that, by daily diminishing the number, they came at last on the seventh day to the number seven, which is the symbol of perfection; for the eighth was superadded, merely as a conclusion. Finally, Moses subjoins that in the continual sacrifice, as well as these extraordinary ones, they should hold fast to what God prescribes, so that nothing should be altered according to man’s fancy. The sacrifices which depend on the Commandments of the Second Table, I have designedly postponed to their proper place. <\/p>\n (240) “ La plus authentique .” — Fr. <\/p>\n (241) Scott’s conjecture is not without force: “The decrease of the number of the bullocks which were sacrificed on the several days of the feast, until on the last and great day only one was offered, is the most observable circumstance in this law. The reason is not evident, unless it be intimated that the Mosaic institution would gradually wax old, and at length vanish away when the promised Messiah came. (Heb 8:7<\/span>.)” As a specimen of the ancient opinions, I subjoin the following, — “The Hebrews say that the offerings were made for other nations; and, therefore, seventy calves were offered altogether, according to the number of the seventy nations, divided into seventy languages. But fourteen calves were offered on the first day, and on the second day thirteen, thus decreasing one every day to the last inclusive; by which is designated that the dominion of the Gentiles was to be diminished and terminated under King Messiah, to whom all nations are to be subdued,” etc. — De Lyra, in loco. <\/p>\n H. OFFERINGS FOR THE FEAST OF THE TABERNACLES vv. 1240 Num. 29:12<\/span>. And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: 13. And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the Lord; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish: 14. And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams. 15. And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs; 16. And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.<\/p>\n 17. And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 18. And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 19. And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offering. PARAPHRASE<\/strong><\/p>\n Num. 29:12<\/span>. And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no hard work, and you shall keep a feast unto the Lord for seven days: 13. you shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice with fire, of a sweet aroma to the Lord: thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen yearling lambs without defect. 14. And their grain offering shall be of flour mixed with oil, three-tenths of a measure for each bull of the thirteen bulls; two-tenths of a measure for each ram of the two rams, 15. and one-tenth of a measure for each lamb of the fourteen lambs, 16. and one male goat for a sin offering; in addition to the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering.<\/p>\n 17. Then on the second day: twelve bulls, two rams, fourteen yearling lambs without defect; 18. and their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams and for the lambs, by their number according to the ordinance; 19. and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering and its grain offering, and their drink offering. COMMENTARY<\/strong><\/p>\n The unusual Feast of the Tabernacles began at sunset on the fourteenth of Tishri, and required the later Israelites to commemorate the period in the wilderness by forsaking their homes to live in temporary booths. The offerings began with thirteen bulls on the first day of the feast, and the number decreased by one daily. PC attributes to this fact a significance of diminishing joy in the feast into ordinary joys of daily life. In total, during the entire feast five times as many bulls and twice as many rams and lambs were offered as in the spring festival. On the eighth day the sacrifice reverted to the number offered on the first and tenth days of the month. The feast ended at sunset of this day.<\/p>\n Coming as it did at the end of the harvest of fall fruits, the festival was to reflect the happiness gained through divine blessings in the increase of the fields. QUESTIONS AND RESEARCH ITEMS<\/strong><\/p>\n 543.<\/p>\n How was the Feast of the Tabernacles celebrated, and what did it commemorate?<\/p>\n 544.<\/p>\n What reason is suggested for the diminishing number of bulls sacrificed on consecutive days?<\/p>\n 545.<\/p>\n Give the total number of various animals, and the quantities of other commodities offered during the special feasts of the Jews.<\/p>\n 546.<\/p>\n Were their offerings limited to this number?<\/p>\n (12) And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month . . . <\/strong>See Lev. 23:33-36<\/span>; Lev. 23:39-43<\/span>. A larger number of burnt offerings was appointed for this feast than for any other festival. Seventy oxen in all were to be offered on the seven days of the feast, the number being diminished by one dailyviz., thirteen on the first day, twelve on the second, eleven on the third, and in like manner until the seventh day, on which seven oxen, the perfect number, were to be offered. In addition to the oxen, two rams and fourteen lambs were to be offered daily as burnt offerings, and a he-goat as a sin offering, in addition to the daily burnt offering. The appointed meal offerings and drink offerings were to be offered with all the burnt offerings. The large number of the sacrifices offered at this time may be accounted for from the consideration that at this feast the people not only expressed their gratitude for the Divine presence and protection, but also for the rich fruits of the harvest which had been recently ingathered.<\/p>\n THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES SACRIFICES, Num 29:12-40<\/span>.<\/p>\n The cycle of Jewish feasts culminated in this, the grandest and most joyful of all. While the number of lambs and rams was double the number offered at the passover and feast of Pentecost, the number of oxen was fivefold; for, instead of fourteen, there were seventy offered during the week, so distributed that there were thirteen offered on the first day, twelve on the second, and so on, till there were only seven, the sacred number, on the seventh day. This multiplication of sacrifices was adapted to the rich harvest of splendid and costly fruits which they had just gathered: it constituted a suitable expression of the nation’s gratitude to Jehovah, the bountiful Giver. The burnt offerings, symbols of the people’s blessedness, all rested on the basis of the sin offering, prefiguring that all acceptable praise must rest upon the great sin offering, Jesus Christ. Eph 5:20<\/span>; Heb 13:5<\/span>.<\/p>\n The Feast Of The Harvest Moon – Tabernacles ( Num 29:12-40<\/strong><\/span><\/strong> ).<\/strong> <\/p>\n The climax of the festival year was the Feast of Tabernacles. It was at that feast that every seven years the whole of Israel were to gather for the reading of the full covenant (Deu 31:10-13<\/span>). It was to include men, women, children and resident aliens. But every year it was to be special. The multiplicity of offerings including seventy young ox bulls, fourteen rams and ninety eight (seven times seven times 2) he-lambs brings this out. It was to be the climax to the agricultural year. All the harvests would have been gathered in, and the next thing would be the ploughing and preparation of the ground once the rains came. <\/p>\n Thus it was a time for relaxation and rejoicing (Lev 23:40<\/span>; Deu 16:13-15<\/span>)). But again the emphasis here is on the depth of dedication and tribute. <\/p>\n The gradual decrease of ox bulls from thirteen to seven might have been seen as a diminution in importance had it not ended on the sacred number seven, but as it did that makes it appear as though the sequence leads up to it! On the last of the seven days was the divinely perfect ox bull offering. (Incidentally this completely destroys any belief that the number thirteen was unlucky! Thirteen began the divine sequence). <\/p>\n It was called ‘Tabernacles’ (dwellingplaces) because at that time every one had to live in booths made of boughs of trees and palm branches (Lev 23:42<\/span>). This was to be a reminder of how Israel had had to live in booths once they left Egypt (Lev 23:43<\/span>). Its recognition of rain as a gift from God is implied in Zec 14:16-17<\/span>. <\/p>\n Each of the days of this Feast follow the same pattern as the other feasts, but with an increase in the offerings. <\/p>\n Day One. <\/p>\n a <\/strong> The fifteenth day of the seventh month to be a holy convocation with no manner of work and a feast to be kept for seven days (Num 29:12<\/span>). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> Whole burnt offerings to be offered of thirteen young ox bulls and two rams and fourteen he-lambs to Yahweh as a pleasing odour (Num 29:13<\/span>). <\/p>\n c <\/strong> The grain offerings to be offered with the whole burnt offerings (Num 29:14-15<\/span>). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> A he-goat to be offered as a purification for sin offering (Num 29:16<\/span> a). <\/p>\n a <\/strong> This to be offered beside the continual whole burnt offering with its grain and drink offering (Num 29:16<\/span> b). <\/p>\n Day Two. <\/p>\n a <\/strong> On the second day (Num 29:17<\/span> a). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> Whole burnt offerings to be offered of twelve young ox bulls and two rams and fourteen he-lambs to Yahweh (Num 29:17<\/span> b). <\/p>\n c <\/strong> The grain offerings to be offered with the whole burnt offerings (Num 29:18<\/span>). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> A he-goat to be offered as a purification for sin offering (Num 29:19<\/span> a). <\/p>\n a <\/strong> This to be offered beside the continual whole burnt offering with its grain and drink offering (Num 29:19<\/span> b). <\/p>\n Day Three. <\/p>\n a <\/strong> On the third day (Num 29:20<\/span> a). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> Whole burnt offerings of eleven young ox bulls and two rams and fourteen he-lambs to be offered to Yahweh (Num 29:20<\/span> b).<\/p>\n c <\/strong> The grain offerings to be offered with the whole burnt offerings (Num 29:21<\/span>).<\/p>\n b <\/strong> A he-goat to be offered as a purification for sin offering (Num 29:22<\/span> a). <\/p>\n a <\/strong> This to be offered beside the continual whole burnt offering with its grain and drink offering (Num 29:22<\/span> b). <\/p>\n Day Four. <\/p>\n a <\/strong> On the fourth day (Num 29:23<\/span> a). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> Whole burnt offerings of ten young ox bulls and two rams and fourteen he-lambs to be offered to Yahweh (Num 29:23<\/span> b). <\/p>\n c <\/strong> The grain offerings to be offered with the whole burnt offerings (Num 29:24<\/span>). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> A he-goat to be offered as a purification for sin offering (Num 29:25<\/span> a). <\/p>\n a <\/strong> This to be offered beside the continual whole burnt offering with its grain and drink offering (Num 29:25<\/span> b).<\/p>\n Day Five. <\/p>\n a <\/strong> On the fifth day (Num 29:26<\/span> a). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> Whole burnt offerings to be offered of nine young ox bulls and two rams and fourteen he-lambs to Yahweh (Num 29:26<\/span> b). <\/p>\n c <\/strong> The grain offerings to be offered with the whole burnt offerings (Num 29:27<\/span>). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> A he-goat to be offered as a purification for sin offering (Num 29:28<\/span> a). <\/p>\n a <\/strong> This to be offered beside the continual whole burnt offering with its grain and drink offering (Num 29:28<\/span> b). <\/p>\n Day Six. <\/p>\n a <\/strong> On the sixth day (Num 29:29<\/span> a). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> Whole burnt offerings to be offered of eight young ox bulls and two rams and fourteen he-lambs to Yahweh (Num 29:29<\/span> b). <\/p>\n c <\/strong> The grain offerings to be offered with the whole burnt offerings (Num 29:30<\/span>). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> A he-goat to be offered as a purification for sin offering (Num 29:31<\/span> a). <\/p>\n a <\/strong> This to be offered beside the continual whole burnt offering with its grain and drink offering (Num 29:31<\/span> b). <\/p>\n Day Seven. <\/p>\n a <\/strong> On the seventh day (Num 29:32<\/span> a). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> Whole burnt offerings to be offered of seven young ox bulls and two rams and fourteen he-lambs to Yahweh (Num 29:32<\/span> b). <\/p>\n c <\/strong> The grain offerings to be offered with the whole burnt offerings (Num 29:33<\/span>). <\/p>\n b <\/strong> A he-goat to be offered as a purification for sin offering (Num 29:34<\/span> a). <\/p>\n a <\/strong> This to be offered beside the continual whole burnt offering with its grain and drink offering (Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\nFuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible <\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
TEXT<\/strong><\/p>\n
20. And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 21. And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 22. And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
23. And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 24. Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 25. And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
26. And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 27. And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 28. And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering.
29. And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 30. And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 31. And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
32. And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 33. And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 34. And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
35. On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein: 36. But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the Lord: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish: 37. Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 38. And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 39. These things ye shall do unto the Lord in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings. 40. And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the Lord commanded Moses.<\/p>\n
20. And on the third day: eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen yearling lambs without defect; 21. and their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, their number according to the ordinance; 22. and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering and its grain offering and its drink offering.
23. And on the fourth day: ten bulls, two rams, fourteen yearling lambs without defect: 24. their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams and for the lambs, by their number according to the ordinance; 25. and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering and its drink offering.
26. Then on the fifth day: nine bulls, two rams, fourteen yearling lambs without defect; 27. and their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, and for the rams and for the lambs, by their number according to the ordinance: 28. and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering and its grain offering and its drink offering.
29. And on the sixth day: eight bulls, two rams, fourteen yearling lambs without defect: 30. and their grain offering and their drink offering for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number by the ordinance; 31. and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering and its drink offerings.
32. And on the seventh day: seven bulls, two rams, fourteen yearling lambs without defect; 33. and their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams and for the lambs, according to their number by the ordinance: 34. and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering and its drink offering.
35. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no hard work. 36. But you shall present a burnt offering, an offering by fire, as a sweet aroma to the Lord: one bull, one ram, seven yearling lambs without defect; 37. their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bull, for the ram and for the lambs, according to their number by the ordinance; 38. and one male goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering and its grain offering and its drink offering. 39. You shall present these to the Lord at your appointed times, besides your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your grain offerings and for your drink offerings and for your peace offerings. 40. And Moses told the children of Israel according to everything the Lord had commanded Moses.<\/p>\n
Altogether, the sacrifices commanded at these feasts totaled 1071 lambs, 113 Bulls, 37 rams, 30 goats, 112-bushels of flour, about 370 gallons of oil, and about 340 gallons of wine. Besides these, any individuals or families could offer spontaneous or votive offerings unto the Lord.<\/p>\nFuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n