“And ye shall offer them besides the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, (they shall be unto you without blemish) and their drink offerings.”
In this verse, God is giving instructions to the Israelites regarding the offerings they were to present during the Feast of Tabernacles. It is important to note that the context of this passage is within the larger framework of the Mosaic law and the specific instructions given to the Israelites for their worship and observances.
The Feast of Tabernacles:The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths or Sukkot, was one of the major festivals in ancient Israel. It was a seven-day harvest celebration that took place in the seventh month of the Jewish calendar (Leviticus 23:34-36). During this festival, the Israelites were instructed to live in temporary shelters or booths made from branches and foliage as a reminder of their journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt.
Offerings during the Feast of Tabernacles:Numbers 29 provides a detailed account of the offerings to be presented each day during the Feast of Tabernacles. Verse 31 specifically mentions that these offerings were to be offered besides the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering which indicates that the additional offerings described in this passage were in addition to the regular daily offerings already prescribed by God.
The continual burnt offering:The continual burnt offering mentioned in this verse refers to the daily sacrifices that were offered in the Tabernacle or later in the Temple. It was a lamb offered as a burnt offering, which symbolized the people’s dedication to God and their desire for forgiveness of sins. The continual burnt offering was offered morning and evening, every day, throughout the year (Exodus 29:38-42).
Without blemish:The offerings presented during the Feast of Tabernacles were to be without blemish. This requirement emphasized the need for the offerings to be perfect and unblemished, symbolizing the Israelites’ desire to offer their best to God. It also foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was described as the unblemished Lamb of God (1 Peter 1:19).
Drink offerings:In addition to the animal sacrifices, the Israelites were also instructed to offer drink offerings during the Feast of Tabernacles. Drink offerings typically consisted of wine poured out as an offering to God, symbolizing the pouring out of one’s life in dedication to God and acknowledging His provision and blessings.
In summary, Numbers 29:31 (KJV) is a verse that gives instructions regarding the offerings to be presented during the Feast of Tabernacles. It emphasizes the importance of presenting offerings without blemish and also mentions the additional drink offerings that were to be given alongside the regular daily burnt offerings. These instructions were part of the religious observances of the Israelites under the Mosaic law, serving as a means of worship, devotion, and seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
