share torah logo

Numbers 7:27 - Leaders' sacrificial devotion displayed

Numbers 7:27 - במדבר 7:27

Hebrew Text

פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן־בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ־אֶחָד בֶּן־שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה׃

English Translation

one young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

Transliteration

Par echad ben-bakar ayil echad keves-echad ben-shenato le'ola.

Hebrew Leining Text

פַּ֣ר אֶחָ֞ד בֶּן־בָּקָ֗ר אַ֧יִל אֶחָ֛ד כֶּֽבֶשׂ־אֶחָ֥ד בֶּן־שְׁנָת֖וֹ לְעֹלָֽה׃
פַּ֣ר אֶחָ֞ד בֶּן־בָּקָ֗ר אַ֧יִל אֶחָ֛ד כֶּֽבֶשׂ־אֶחָ֥ד בֶּן־שְׁנָת֖וֹ לְעֹלָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the sacrificial offerings brought for the burnt offering (olah), consisting of three distinct animals: a young bullock (par echad ben-bakar), a ram (ayil echad), and a lamb in its first year (keves echad ben-shanato). Each of these animals holds specific significance in the sacrificial service, as elaborated by traditional Jewish commentators.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bamidbar 28:19) explains that the burnt offering is entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to Hashem. The three animals represent different levels of atonement and spiritual elevation:

  • Young bullock – Atones for unintentional sins related to idolatry (based on Vayikra 4:3).
  • Ram – Represents atonement for other serious transgressions.
  • Lamb in its first year – Symbolizes minor sins and serves as a general offering of devotion.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:21) connects these offerings to the merit of the Avot (Patriarchs):

  • The bullock recalls Avraham, who ran to prepare a calf for his guests (Bereishit 18:7).
  • The ram recalls Yitzchak, who was nearly sacrificed as a ram in the Akeidah (Bereishit 22:13).
  • The lamb recalls Yaakov, who prepared goats (akin to lambs) for his father’s blessing (Bereishit 27:9).

Halachic Perspective (Rambam)

Rambam (Hilchos Maaseh HaKorbanos 1:14) emphasizes that the burnt offering must be entirely consumed by fire, with no portion remaining for human consumption. This underscores the principle of hakravah (drawing near to Hashem) through complete surrender of the offering.

Symbolism of the Animals

The choice of animals reflects different spiritual lessons:

  • The bullock, a large and powerful animal, represents subduing one's physical strength in service of Hashem.
  • The ram, known for its leadership, signifies the need for spiritual leadership and responsibility.
  • The lamb, gentle and pure, embodies humility and innocence in divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 7:27 mean?
A: Numbers 7:27 describes the specific animals brought as offerings (korbanot) by one of the tribal leaders during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse lists a young bull, a ram, and a one-year-old lamb as burnt offerings (olah). According to Rashi, these offerings symbolize complete devotion to Hashem, as the olah was entirely consumed on the altar.
Q: Why were these specific animals chosen for the burnt offering?
A: The Torah specifies these animals—a bull, ram, and lamb—because each represents different levels of value and symbolism. The Rambam explains that offerings must be from domesticated animals (not wild) to signify the owner's personal sacrifice. The bull represents strength, the ram represents leadership, and the lamb represents innocence, alluding to different aspects of serving Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from the burnt offering (olah) today?
A: Although we no longer bring animal offerings after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), the olah teaches us about complete dedication to Hashem. The Talmud (Menachot 110a) states that Torah study and prayer now take the place of sacrifices. The olah's message—surrendering our ego and desires to Hashem—remains relevant through sincere repentance (teshuvah) and mitzvot.
Q: Why was the lamb required to be one year old?
A: The Torah often specifies a lamb 'ben shanato' (one year old) for offerings because, as Rashi notes, it represents purity and freshness in service to Hashem. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah) adds that just as a lamb in its first year is unblemished, our devotion should be wholehearted and free from corruption.
Q: How does this verse connect to the dedication of the Mishkan?
A: Numbers 7 records the offerings brought by the leaders of the 12 tribes to inaugurate the Mishkan. Each leader brought identical gifts, showing unity in serving Hashem. The burnt offerings (like those in verse 27) symbolized the people's collective commitment, as the Mishkan became the center of Divine worship. The Talmud (Sotah 14a) highlights this as a model of communal dedication to holiness.