In Numbers 29 festivals of the Lord are described, each foreshadowing certain aspects of the ministry of Jesus Christ.
1. The Festival of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) v1-6
-It was a call to introspection and repentance in preparation for the day of atonement.
V1-2 “And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish”
2. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) v7-11
-The high priest would perform his duties to atone for the sins of the people beginning with Aaron followed by subsequent high priests of Israel, entering into the Holy of Holies.
V8 “But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD for a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish”
3. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot ) v12-40
-It was a time of celebration as the Israelites acknowledged God’s provision for them in the harvest while also remembering His provision and protection during the 40 years in the wilderness.
V13 “And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish”
V36 “But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish”
LESSON - These holy days were established as days of repentance, righteousness & remembrance. These offerings served as “a sweet savour unto the LORD” because they were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice that would come in the person of Jesus Christ! This is why it was pleasing unto God. This should remind us that even the greatest of our righteous works are meaningless in the light of God‘s sacrifice for us. Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost”
~ Mike