Week 55, Day 4: Feast of Trumpets

Today’s Reading:  Numbers 29:1-40

Some thoughts from today’s reading…

Moses continues in this chapter of reminding Israel of the appointed times they are to present offerings to Jehovah.  The seventh month is a very important month for Israel.  Below is a summary of the events detailed for the seventh month:

1st day – blowing of trumpets (Feast of trumpets, Lev 23:23-25)                                                                                               

Offering:  1 bull, 1 ram, 7 male lambs, 1 male goat.  Also the new moon offering and the normal daily offering

This is the new year on the Jewish calendar (new moon, vs 6).

10th day – a holy convocation, humbling themselves, no work (Day of Atonement, Lev 23:37)

Offering:  1 bull, 1 ram, 7 male lambs, 1 male goat.

15th day – a holy convocation, no laborious work, begins a feast for 7 days (Feast of Tabernacles or booths, Lev 23:34)

Offerings: Day 1 – 13 bulls, 2 rams, 14 male lambs, 1 male goat, Day 2 – 12 bulls, 2 rams, 14 male lambs, 1 male goat, Day 3 – 11 bulls, 2 rams, 14 male lambs, 1 male goat, Day 4 – 10 bulls, 2 rams, 14 male lambs, 1 male goat, Day 5 – 9 bulls, 2 rams, 14 male lambs, 1 male goat, Day 6 – 8 bulls, 2 rams, 14 male lambs, 1 male goat, Day 7 – 7 bulls, 2 rams, 14 male lambs, 1 male goat,

On Day 8 they were to have a solemn assembly, do no laborious work and offer 1 bull, 1 ram, 7 male lambs and 1 male goat.

So Moses reminds Israel of the sacrifices that God expects for them to keep.

Question:  How important do you think it was for Israel to give these sacrifices?  Could Israel decide that the number of animals sacrificed could be lowered to offer a smaller number?  Why can people recognize that it would be wrong to change the number of animals required to offer each day but cannot see the importance of seeking Bible guidance in how we worship God?