Numbers 28:19
But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering vnto the Lord, two yong bullockes, and one ramme, and seuen lambes of the first yeere: they shall be vnto you without blemish. Numbers 28:19 (KJV)
Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings. “And the fifth day shall be an offering of a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of two lambs of the first year, without blemish.” Numbers 28:19 is part of a larger passage that outlines the offerings and sacrifices that the Israelites were commanded to present to the Lord on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. In this verse, specific instructions are given regarding the offerings to be made during the Feast of Unleavened Bread and also during the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost or the Festival of Harvest).
Context and Background: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and describes events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. At this point in the narrative, the Israelites are encamped near Mount Sinai, in the wilderness of Sinai, and God is instructing Moses on various laws, regulations, and rituals.
Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread: The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a significant festival celebrated immediately after Passover. It marked the beginning of the barley harvest and commemorated the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:15-20; Leviticus 23:6-8). The offerings during this festival included burnt offerings, sin offerings, and meal offerings. Numbers 28:19 instructs the Israelites to bring two young bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year as a burnt offering, together with one kid of the goats for a sin offering. The burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God, while the sin offering was made to atone for the people’s sins and seek forgiveness.
Feast of Weeks: This festival was celebrated seven weeks after Passover, marking the end of the grain harvest and a time of thanksgiving and first‑fruits (Exodus 34:22; Deuteronomy 16:10). The verse calls for two one‑year‑old male lambs to be offered as burnt offerings. A separate sin offering of a young goat is prescribed in the following verses, though it is not part of the immediate instruction in verse 19. Together, the burnt and sin offerings reflected the community’s commitment to holiness and covenant relationship with the Lord.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons: The sin offering of a young goat foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as the perfect and final atonement for humanity’s sins (Hebrews 10:10). The burnt offerings highlight the desire for complete devotion, fellowship, and gratitude toward God. Through Jesus, believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and to experience peace with God (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14‑18). The festivals remind us of the importance of gratitude for God’s provision and encourage worship and service.
In summary, Numbers 28:19 provides specific instructions for the burnt‑offering portion of the sacrifices during both the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks. The passage underscores the significance of sin atonement, complete devotion, and fellowship with God, pointing to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice and urging believers to live lives of worship and thanksgiving.
