Numbers 28:27 - Festival offerings ascend heavenward.

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Hebrew Text

וְהִקְרַבְתֶּם עוֹלָה לְרֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ לַיהוָה פָּרִים בְּנֵי־בָקָר שְׁנַיִם אַיִל אֶחָד שִׁבְעָה כְבָשִׂים בְּנֵי שָׁנָה׃

English Translation

And you shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savour to the Lord; two young bullocks, one ram, seven lambs of the first year;

Transliteration

Vehikravtem olah lere'ach nicho'ach la'Hashem parim bnei-vakar shnayim ayil echad shiv'ah kevasim bnei shanah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם עוֹלָ֜ה לְרֵ֤יחַ נִיחֹ֙חַ֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה פָּרִ֧ים בְּנֵי־בָקָ֛ר שְׁנַ֖יִם אַ֣יִל אֶחָ֑ד שִׁבְעָ֥ה כְבָשִׂ֖ים בְּנֵ֥י שָׁנָֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 28:19) discusses the korban olah (burnt offering) brought on the second day of Pesach (Passover) as part of the additional offerings (musaf) for the festival. The Torah specifies the exact animals to be sacrificed: two young bulls, one ram, and seven lambs in their first year. This offering is described as a "sweet savour to the Lord," indicating its acceptability before Hashem.

Explanation of the Offerings

Rashi (on Numbers 28:19) explains that these offerings are distinct from the daily tamid (continual) sacrifices and are additional to them. The two bulls, one ram, and seven lambs correspond to the unique sanctity of the festival. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 10:14) elaborates that these offerings are obligatory and must be brought in addition to the korban pesach (Passover sacrifice).

Symbolism of the Numbers

Two Bulls: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:11) suggests that the two bulls represent the two tablets of the Torah, emphasizing the connection between Pesach and the giving of the Torah at Sinai, which occurred shortly after the Exodus.
One Ram: The ram may allude to the binding of Yitzchak (Akeidat Yitzchak), where a ram was sacrificed in his stead, symbolizing dedication to Hashem.
Seven Lambs: The seven lambs correspond to the seven days of Pesach, as noted by the Baal HaTurim, reinforcing the completeness of the festival's observance.

The Concept of "Sweet Savour"

The phrase rei'ach nichoach ("sweet savour") is frequently used in connection with offerings. The Sforno explains that this term signifies the pleasure Hashem derives from the obedience and devotion of Bnei Yisrael in fulfilling His commandments. The Kli Yakar adds that the aroma metaphorically represents the spiritual elevation achieved through sincere service.

Halachic Implications

The Mishnah (Pesachim 6:1) and Talmud (Pesachim 59a) discuss the practical details of bringing these offerings, emphasizing that they must be brought during the day and follow specific procedures. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:3) further clarifies that the musaf offerings do not override the korban pesach, and both must be brought in their proper time.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 110a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the significance of sacrifices and their pleasing aroma to God, emphasizing the importance of the offerings described in the Torah.

📖 Chullin 60a

The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the types of animals suitable for sacrifices, particularly focusing on the specifications given for burnt offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the burnt offering (olah) mentioned in Numbers 28:27?
A: The burnt offering (olah) is a sacrifice that is completely burned on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to Hashem. Rashi explains that it is called 'olah' because it 'ascends' (from the root 'to go up') in smoke to Heaven. This offering expresses the desire to draw closer to Hashem through complete submission.

Q: Why does the verse specify the exact number of animals (2 bulls, 1 ram, 7 lambs)?
A: The Torah gives precise instructions to teach the importance of following divine commandments meticulously. The numbers correspond to the special Musaf (additional) offerings brought on Shavuot (as explained in the Talmud, Chagigah 17a). Each animal represents different spiritual concepts, and their quantities reflect the elevated nature of the festival.

Q: What does 'a sweet savour to the Lord' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'reiach nichoach' (sweet savour) does not mean Hashem physically smells the sacrifice. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) explains it metaphorically—it signifies that the offering is pleasing to Hashem when brought with proper intention. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 27:6) compares it to a beloved fragrance, representing the Jewish people's devotion.

Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring sacrifices today, the Talmud (Berachos 17a) teaches that prayer replaces sacrifices. The verse reminds us to serve Hashem with the same wholehearted dedication symbolized by the olah. Rambam (Hilchos Tefillah 1:1) states that daily prayer corresponds to the Tamid (daily) offerings, maintaining our spiritual connection.

Q: Why are the lambs specified as 'first year' (bnei shanah)?
A: Rashi (on Vayikra 22:27) explains that animals in their first year represent freshness and newness in serving Hashem. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:11) adds that just as a lamb is pure and innocent, our service should be sincere and unblemished. This teaches that spiritual growth requires constant renewal of our commitment.