Numbers 8:8

8 They will take a bull from the herd, with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil. You will take a second bull from the herd for a purification offering.

Numbers 8:8 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 8:8

Then let them take a young bullock
Of two years old, as the Jewish writers gather from the other in the next clause, being called the second; though the wise men say one of three years old is fit for such a sacrifice; nay, others say, if four or five years old; but the decision is according to the wise men ^F17

with his meat offering, [even] fine flour mingled with oil:
which always went along with a burnt offering, and consisted of three tenth deals of line flour, and half an hin of oil, ( Numbers 28:12 Numbers 28:14 ) ;

and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin offering;
which was the offering for the sin of the whole congregation of Israel, through ignorance; and this being for all the Levites, and they being instead of the firstborn of Israel, such an offering was required; and though there was no particular sin charged upon them, but it became necessary for their perfect cleansing and expiation.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 Misn. Parah, c. 1. sect. 2. & Bartenora in ib.

Numbers 8:8 In-Context

6 Separate the Levites from the Israelites and cleanse them.

7 This is what you will do to them to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purification on them, have them shave their bodies, wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves.

8 They will take a bull from the herd, with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil. You will take a second bull from the herd for a purification offering.

9 You will bring the Levites before the meeting tent and gather the entire Israelite community.

10 Then you will bring the Levites into the LORD's presence, and the Israelites will lay their hands on the Levites.