Numbers 28:26-31

How are harvest firstfruits joined with assembly and atonement?

Berean Standard Bible

26 On the day of firstfruits, when you present an offering of new grain to the LORD during the Feast of Weeks, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work. 27 Present a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, 28 together with their grain offerings of fine flour mixed with oil—three-tenths of an ephah with each bull, two-tenths of an ephah with the ram, 29 and a tenth of an ephah with each of the seven lambs. 30 Include one male goat to make atonement for you. 31 Offer them with their drink offerings in addition to the regular burnt offering and its grain offering. The animals must be unblemished.

What is the context?

The day of firstfruits at the Feast of Weeks brings a new grain offering and a sacred assembly, with no regular work. Bulls, a ram, lambs, grain, and a male goat for atonement are prescribed.

The animals must be unblemished, and these offerings accompany the regular burnt offering and its grain and drink offerings. Giving thanks for new produce belongs within the same ordered worship that includes atonement and continuing daily service.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley identifies this feast with Pentecost, and the USCCB notes explain its place in the harvest calendar. The chapter’s emphasis is the offering schedule. Its numbers are not an explanation of every event later associated with Pentecost.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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