share torah logo

Numbers 29:36 - Final day's sacred offering

Numbers 29:36 - במדבר 29:36

Hebrew Text

וְהִקְרַבְתֶּם עֹלָה אִשֵּׁה רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ לַיהוָה פַּר אֶחָד אַיִל אֶחָד כְּבָשִׂים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָה שִׁבְעָה תְּמִימִם׃

English Translation

but you shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour to the Lord: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish:

Transliteration

Vehikravtem olah ishe re'ach nicho'ach lahashem par echad ayil echad kvasim bnei-shana shiv'a temimim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם עֹלָ֜ה אִשֵּׁ֨ה רֵ֤יחַ נִיחֹ֙חַ֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה פַּ֥ר אֶחָ֖ד אַ֣יִל אֶחָ֑ד כְּבָשִׂ֧ים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָ֛ה שִׁבְעָ֖ה תְּמִימִֽם׃
וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם עֹלָ֜ה אִשֵּׁ֨ה רֵ֤יחַ נִיחֹ֙חַ֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה פַּ֥ר אֶחָ֖ד אַ֣יִל אֶחָ֑ד כְּבָשִׂ֧ים בְּנֵי־שָׁנָ֛ה שִׁבְעָ֖ה תְּמִימִֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Context and Overview

The verse (Numbers 28:19) describes the korban olah (burnt offering) brought on the second day of Pesach (Passover) as part of the additional sacrifices (musafim) prescribed for the festival. This offering is characterized as an isheh rei'ach nichoach laHashem—"a fire-offering, a pleasing aroma to Hashem." The specific animals required are one bull, one ram, and seven unblemished male lambs in their first year.

Explanation of the Sacrifice

Rashi (on Numbers 28:19) explains that the term isheh rei'ach nichoach emphasizes that the offering is entirely consumed by fire on the altar, unlike other sacrifices where portions are eaten by the kohanim or the donors. This total dedication symbolizes complete submission to Hashem's will.

The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:1) elaborates that these additional offerings are distinct from the daily tamid sacrifices and are unique to festivals, underscoring the elevated sanctity of these days.

Significance of the Animals

  • One Bull (Par Echad): The bull represents strength and leadership. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:21) connects it to Avraham Avinu, who prepared a calf (Genesis 18:7) for his divine guests, symbolizing his dedication to hospitality and divine service.
  • One Ram (Ayil Echad): The ram recalls the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak), where Avraham offered a ram in place of his son (Genesis 22:13). It serves as a reminder of unwavering faith and devotion.
  • Seven Lambs (Kevasim Bnei Shanah Shivatim): The number seven signifies completeness and divine perfection, as seen in the seven days of creation. The lambs, being young and unblemished, represent purity and innocence in service to Hashem.

Theological and Ethical Lessons

The Talmud (Menachot 110a) teaches that sacrifices are a means of drawing closer to Hashem (korban from the root karov, "to come near"). The olah, being entirely consumed, symbolizes total commitment, teaching that one must dedicate their entire being—thoughts, actions, and desires—to divine service.

Additionally, the requirement for the animals to be temimim (unblemished) underscores the importance of integrity and perfection in one's spiritual endeavors, as noted by the Sforno (on Numbers 28:19).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 110a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the sacrifices and their significance, particularly in relation to the burnt offerings and their pleasing aroma to the Lord.
📖 Zevachim 6a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper procedures and types of sacrifices, emphasizing the requirement for the animals to be without blemish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the burnt offering described in Numbers 29:36?
A: The burnt offering (עֹלָה) in Numbers 29:36 is a voluntary sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing total devotion to Hashem. According to Rashi, this offering is called a 'sweet savor' because it is pleasing to Hashem when offered with proper intent. The specific animals (bull, ram, and lambs) represent different levels of atonement and dedication.
Q: Why does the verse specify that the lambs must be 'without blemish'?
A: The Torah requires sacrifices to be 'without blemish' (תְּמִימִם) to teach that we must offer our best to Hashem. The Rambam explains in the Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot) that any physical defect disqualifies an animal, emphasizing the importance of giving something whole and perfect in service of G-d.
Q: What is the meaning of 'a sweet savor to the Lord' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'a sweet savor' (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ) means that the sacrifice is pleasing to Hashem when offered with sincerity. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) explains that it is not the physical smell but the spiritual devotion behind the offering that matters. This teaches that our mitzvot should be done with pure intention.
Q: How does this verse relate to the holiday of Shemini Atzeret?
A: Numbers 29:36 is part of the Torah reading for Shemini Atzeret, the concluding festival after Sukkot. The Talmud (Sukkah 55b) explains that this additional day is a special intimate gathering with Hashem, and the unique sacrifices mentioned symbolize the close relationship between G-d and the Jewish people.
Q: Can we apply the lessons of this verse today without the Temple?
A: Yes, though we cannot bring sacrifices today, the Talmud (Berachot 17a) teaches that prayer (תְּפִלָּה) replaces sacrifices. The Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah) explains that sincere prayer, like sacrifices, requires proper intention (כַּוָנָה). Additionally, acts of kindness (גְּמִילוּת חֲסָדִים) and Torah study are considered spiritual substitutes for offerings.