Numbers 29:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

29:12-16). Following this, the daily sacrifices were to decrease the number of bullocks by one each day while maintaining the same count for the rams, lambs, and the offering of flour and libations: two rams, fourteen lambs, and one goat. Thus, on the second day, twelve bullocks were offered, on the third day eleven, on the fourth day ten, on the fifth day nine, on the sixth day eight, and on the seventh day seven. Notice, then, the gradual reduction of the bullocks while the numbers for the rams and lambs, along with the grain and libations, remained unchanged.

Palladius asks for an explanation. “What do you think this signifies, my friend? Why are there thirteen bullocks mentioned at the outset, and why do they decrease each day, while the rams remain two and the lambs fourteen, along with the goat added to the offerings?” Cyril responds that the meaning of these regulations may not be immediately clear, yet he will do his best to articulate his insights, while Palladius is encouraged to guide where he might miss the mark.

Cyril suggests that the Divine ordinance illustrates the early development of the Israelites under the law and the calling of believers to sanctification through faith. The sacramental nature of the offerings signifies two distinct periods: the era of Moses, Joshua, and the judges, followed by the time of the prophets before John the Baptist, who served as a notable herald of Christ (Matthew 11:9-11). Holy Scripture reveals that during these times, individuals walked in the path that the law prescribed, but not all equally in terms of spiritual vigor and well-being. Some embodied the highest strength represented by the bullock, while others exhibited a more moderate power, akin to that of the ram. Others, with even lesser strength, represent the lambs, as seen in their respective sizes: does not the ram stand smaller than the bullock and the lamb less than the ram?

Palladius acknowledges this observation, affirming it to be logical. Cyril explains that these specified animals clearly symbolize the degrees of virtue in life. Since the more esteemed and chosen group is generally fewer in number than those in second or third positions, we see the rationale for the allocation of thirteen bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs. Moreover, since two of the offerings are rams, the total offerings are doubled, with fourteen lambs instead of seven, reflecting the status of those holy and righteous individuals, as attested in the account of Zacharias and Elizabeth, who were described as “both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6).

Palladius concurs, noting that God Himself points to the unfaithfulness of the people, stating, “How the faithful capital, full of justice, was made a harlot! Truth dwelt in her” (Is. 1:21). Cyril affirms that righteousness did exist under the law, even though it was not entirely sufficient for true sanctification.

Palladius commends Cyril for his insight. Cyril continues by illustrating God's calling to Israel at various levels—highest, middle, and lowest—through the sacrifices of bullocks, rams, and lambs. The diminishing count of bullocks symbolizes the gradual decline in the elect's numbers, highlighting their unique qualities and the matter of time that caused their rarity, culminating on the seventh day, which symbolizes the time of our Savior's arrival. This marks the advent of spiritual rest and the cessation of sinful pursuits: for we find our justification in Christ as this age concludes. The ultimate sign of this conclusion is the Sabbath, representing the end of the entire week.