“These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, everything upon his day.”
This verse is found in the context of a chapter that describes the various offerings and sacrifices to be made during the appointed feasts and holy convocations of the Lord. It provides instructions regarding the offerings that were to be presented to the Lord during these specific occasions.
The verse begins by emphasising that these feasts are designated as holy convocations, which means they are sacred assemblies or gatherings. The Israelites were commanded to observe and proclaim these feasts as set apart for the worship and honour of the Lord.
The offerings to be made during these feasts are described as follows:
- Burnt Offering:This offering involved the complete burning of an animal sacrifice on the altar as an act of surrender and dedication to God. It symbolised the worshiper’s commitment and willingness to offer themselves fully to the Lord.
- Meat Offering:This was a grain offering made by presenting flour or fine unleavened cakes mixed with oil and frankincense. The meat offering was typically offered alongside the burnt offering and symbolised gratitude and thanksgiving to God.
- Sacrifice:The specific type of sacrifice to be offered during these feasts is not mentioned in this verse. However, throughout the book of Numbers and other biblical passages, we find references to various types of sacrifices, such as peace offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings, which were offered for specific purposes.
- Drink Offerings:These offerings involved pouring out wine or another liquid upon the altar as an accompanying act to the burnt offering or sacrifice. Drink offerings were symbolic expressions of worship and devotion to God.
The verse concludes by stating that each of these offerings was to be presented “upon his day.” This means that each feast had its designated day and specific requirements for the offerings to be made.
Numbers 29 as a whole provides a detailed account of the offerings and sacrifices to be made during the different feasts and holy convocations throughout the year. It underscores the importance of honouring and worshiping the Lord through these prescribed rituals, signifying devotion, gratitude, and surrender to God.
It is important to note that while the rituals and sacrifices described in Numbers 29 were significant in the Old Testament period, Christians today do not observe these practices. Jesus Christ is understood to have fulfilled the Old Testament law and its sacrificial system through His death and resurrection, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Christians now look to Christ as the perfect and complete sacrifice, and our worship is centred on Him rather than on animal sacrifices and offerings.
