Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 7:33 mean?
A: Numbers 7:33 describes the offerings brought by the tribe of Ephraim during the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It specifies one young bull, one ram, and one one-year-old lamb as a burnt offering (olah). These sacrifices were meant to express devotion to Hashem and atone for sins, as explained by Rashi and other commentators.
Q: Why were these specific animals chosen for the offering?
A: The Torah specifies these animals—bull, ram, and lamb—because each represents different levels of atonement and devotion. The bull (par) often symbolizes leadership, the ram (ayil) represents strength, and the lamb (keves) signifies innocence. The Rambam explains in Hilchos Korbanos that each type of offering serves a unique spiritual purpose in drawing closer to Hashem.
Q: Why did the lamb have to be one year old?
A: A one-year-old lamb (keves ben shanato) was chosen because it represents purity and freshness, making it an ideal offering. The Talmud (Chullin 22b) discusses that animals used for sacrifices must be free from defects and at an age where they are fully developed but still tender, symbolizing sincerity in serving Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from this verse today?
A: Although we no longer bring animal sacrifices, the principle of giving our best to Hashem remains. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 2:11) teaches that just as the tribes brought their finest offerings, we should dedicate our finest efforts—whether in prayer, charity, or mitzvos—with sincerity and devotion.
Q: Why did each tribe bring the same offering?
A: Rashi explains (on Numbers 7:12-83) that while all tribes brought identical offerings, each leader had unique intentions (kavanos) behind their sacrifices. This teaches that even when performing the same mitzvah, each person’s service of Hashem is individual and precious in its own way.
Explanation of the Verse
The verse "פַּר אֶחָד בֶּן־בָּקָר אַיִל אֶחָד כֶּבֶשׂ־אֶחָד בֶּן־שְׁנָתוֹ לְעֹלָה" describes the sacrificial offerings brought as an olah (burnt offering). Each animal represents a distinct category, and their selection carries deep symbolic and halachic significance.
Types of Animals and Their Symbolism
Purpose of the Olah (Burnt Offering)
The olah is unique in that it is entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to Hashem. The Ramban (Vayikra 1:9) explains that this offering represents the individual’s desire to draw near to Hashem, with the fire of the altar mirroring the spiritual fire of devotion. The Sforno adds that the ascending smoke signifies the elevation of one’s soul toward divine service.
Halachic Considerations
The requirement that the lamb be בֶּן־שְׁנָתוֹ (in its first year) is derived from the Torah’s precise wording. The Mishnah (Parah 1:3) and Gemara (Zevachim 35b) discuss the age qualifications for sacrifices, teaching that a first-year animal is at its peak of purity and suitability for korbanos. The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Mizbeach 1:14) rules that any animal past this age is invalid for this specific offering.