Numbers 29 Commentary

Numbers 29 Commentary

Instructions on regular festivals. This chapter has three festivals—all in the seventh month. It begins with the festival of Trumpets, then the festival of Atonement, and lastly, the important festival of Tabernacles (shelters or booths).

The requirement to blow trumpets may sound strange but it is not entirely meaningless. It was the blowing of trumpets that brought down the walls of Jericho. We can think of it as a declaration of the LORD’s victory in a month we can call “Sabbath month” because of its many Sabbath events.

We have Burnt Offerings at these events. The animals are specially selected as food for the LORD—in whole burnt offerings. The regularity of these requirements paints a picture of the need for constant fellowship with the LORD. These offerings rank top. They are most holy.

The Festival of Tabernacles or the Festival of Shelters reflects the wilderness experiences. Israel is commanded to observe this festival as a way to appreciate the LORD’s presence with them in times of difficulties in the wilderness. But it’s not the difficulties that are important here but the many deliverances.

The mathematics in the number of offerings during the festival of shelters seems to have a deeper meaning. However, the focus is on the Burnt Offerings. Chapters 28 and 29 seem to focus on Burnt Offerings. By these sacrifices, the LORD God draws us closer to Himself in fellowship.

During this month, a total of 219 animals are sacrificed. Only 10 animals out of 219 are presented as sin offerings. The rest are offered as Burnt Offerings – a food offering to the LORD, an aroma pleasing to the LORD God.

Only less than 5% of these sacrifices can be considered as sin offerings. The rest are an act of deep worship put forth by the nation. Could it be that the LORD God expects less repentance because saints are more drawn to him than to the world?

All animals are male and without defects. Isn’t this telling us more about men’s role in leading mankind back to the LORD God in real worship? The expectation is that chief executives and community leaders lead the way on their knees in worship!

The saint is reminded of the need to be fully focused on his relationship with the LORD God. It is the real reason for these festivals.

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