Numbers 29:12-19

How does the Feast of Tabernacles begin?

Berean Standard Bible

12 On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work, and you shall observe a feast to the LORD for seven days. 13 As a pleasing aroma to the LORD, you are to present a food offering, a burnt offering of thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 14 along with the grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil with each of the thirteen bulls, two-tenths of an ephah with each of the two rams, 15 and a tenth of an ephah with each of the fourteen lambs. 16 Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering. 17 On the second day you are to present twelve young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, 18 along with the grain and drink offerings for the bulls, rams, and lambs, according to the number prescribed. 19 Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.

What is the context?

The Feast of Tabernacles begins on the fifteenth day of the seventh month with a sacred assembly and no regular work. The feast is to last seven days, and the first day requires thirteen bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs, with the accompanying offerings and a goat for sin.

On the second day the number of bulls becomes twelve while the rams and lambs remain the same. Both days retain the regular offering. The full list makes the scale and continuity of the festival’s service visible.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley distinguishes observing the seven-day feast from refraining from regular work on every one of its days. The text specifically names the opening assembly and continues with offerings on the following days. It should not be made to say that every festival day has exactly the same work restriction.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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