Numbers 28 – Numbers 30

As the Israelites prepare to cross over the Jordan River, Moses (with God’s guidance) reminds the people of the festivals and celebrations that they are to hold. One that I took note of was the amount of detail in describing the eight day Festival of Tabernacles. Also known as the Festival of Booths, or the Sukkot. It is a celebration of the harvest, and it is quite a celebration at that. Numbers chapter 29 gives us plenty of details:

On the first day, sacrifice . . . thirteen bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the second day, sacrifice . . . twelve bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the third day, sacrifice . . . eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the fourth day, sacrifice . . . ten bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the fifth day, sacrifice . . . nine bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the sixth day, sacrifice . . . eight bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the seventh day, sacrifice . . . seven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs, and a male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

On the eighth day, hold a closing assembly and sacrifice . . . one bull, one ram, seven lambs, and one male goat, along with various flours, oils, and spices.

That’s a lot of sacrifice! Of course, we have much to be thankful for as the Lord of Harvest has blessed us with more that we could ever desire or deserve. Yet, I will have to be honest, as I was reading through the list of sacrifices required, day after day, I couldn’t help but have “On the First day of Christmas . . . ” creep into my head. At least it gave me something to smile about as I finished my reading.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading, Numbers 31 – 32