Numbers 29:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, each day, the number of bulls decreases by one, while adhering to the same procedure for the rams, lambs, and offerings: two rams, fourteen lambs, and one goat. Therefore, on the second day, twelve bulls are offered, eleven on the third day, ten on the fourth day, nine on the fifth, eight on the sixth, and seven on the seventh day. Do you observe that the count of bulls decreases daily, while the number of rams, lambs, as well as the grain and drink offerings, remains constant? Palladius. What does this signify, dear friend? Why are there thirteen bulls at first, and then one is reduced each day, while the rams consistently number two, the lambs remain fourteen, and a goat is added to the offerings? Cyril. It is challenging to fully grasp the meaning of these decrees, Palladius, as the topic is inherently complex. Nonetheless, I will try my best to articulate what has come to me; you may guide me if I stray from the core idea. Palladius. I am ready to assist. Cyril. The Divine statute seems to symbolize on one hand the infancy of the Israelites under the law and on the other the calling of those who attain sanctification through faith. The sacramental depiction of the offerings suggests a distinction between two eras during which the Jewish people came to recognize God and lived in accordance with the law. These periods could only be those when Moses, Joshua, and the judges were still present, and then the time when there were prophets before John the Baptist, who, as the Savior noted, were the greatest among those who bore witness (Matthew 11:9-11). However, during these two times, Scripture indicates that although some walked the path of life prescribed by the law, their spiritual vigor varied. Some possessed supreme strength, represented by the bull, while others had a power symbolized by the ram; some displayed even less strength, aptly represented by the lambs, for is not the ram less robust than the bull, and indeed, is not the lamb smaller than the ram? Palladius. That seems correct; how could it be otherwise? Cyril. Hence, the designated animals clearly illustrate the spiritual stature of each in virtuous living. Considering that those who are prominent or chosen are typically fewer in number than those who follow, it is for this reason that we find thirteen bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs prescribed. The rams being two signifies that the total of rams served in a doubled capacity: rather than seven lambs, fourteen are accounted for, and two rams stand for two. It is not unnatural for there to be many honorable and holy individuals renowned for their righteousness, as the Evangelist pointed out regarding Zacharias and Elizabeth, that “They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). Palladius. I concur; for God also reproaches the mother of the Jews, saying, “How the faithful city has become a harlot! It was full of justice” (Is. 1:21). Cyril. Therefore, there existed righteousness under the law, and while it constituted obedience to God, it was not wholly perfect concerning sanctification. Palladius. You have articulated this well. Cyril. Thus, signifying the calling of Israel according to the highest, middle, and lowest ranks, the bulls, rams, and lambs were offered as sacrifices to God; notably, the count of the bulls gradually decreased, paralleling the diminishing number of the chosen ones distinguished for their merits and trials, with time marking their scarcity, even to the seventh day, leading up to the arrival of our Savior, at which point true spiritual rest was realized and the cessation of sin-inducing works commenced. For we are justified in Christ when the present age reaches its conclusion. This is again symbolized by the Sabbath, the culmination of the week.