Rashi on TanakhNumbers 29
Rashi
Read Numbers 29 in the BibleNumbers 29:11
Aside from the atonement sin-offering. The goat offered in the inner chamber, mentioned in “Acharei Mos.” It, too, was a sin- offering.
And the constant (daily) burnt- offering And aside from the constant burnt- offering, you shall offer these burnt-offerings.
And their libations. This relates to the musaf-offerings stated above, and to “you shall offer.” It denotes a command: ‘Aside from the constant burnt-offering and its minchah, you shall offer these and their libations.’ It is the same with every “their libations” said at all the festivals, except those concerning the [Succos] holiday sacrifices. Every “and its libation,” “and their libations,” “and its libations” among them refer to the constant sacrifice, and are not commands, since the musaf libations are written separately for each day.
Numbers 29:18
Their meal-offerings and their libations for the bulls. There were seventy festival bulls, representing the seventy nations, which were progressively diminishing, symbolizing their destruction. During the time of the Sanctuary, [however,] These sacrifices shielded them from suffering.
And the lambs. Representing Israel, which is called “the dispersed lamb.” Their numbers are constant, and they total ninety eight, to nullify the ninety eight curses in Mishneh Torah. On the second day, וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם, “and their libations,” is said, in relation to the day’s two constant-offerings. The change in language was intended for exposition, as the Rabbis, of blessed memory, remarked: On the second day, וְנִסְכֵּיהֶם, “and their libations,” is said, on the sixth, וּנְסָכֶיהָ, “and her libations,” on the seventh, כְּמִשְׁפָּטָם, “according to ‘their’ requirement.” מ"ם, יו"ד, מ"ם . which spells מַּיִם, “water,” and is an allusion that the water libation, during the Festival is Scriptural.
Numbers 29:35
Shall be a [day of] restraint for you. Restraint from doing work. Another interpetation [of] restraint, restrain yourselves from leaving. This teaches that they were required to remain overnight. According to the Aggadic Midrash, because, throughout the entire holiday, they brought offerings which represented the seventy nations. When they were going to leave, the Omnipresent said to them, ‘I request of you, make a small repast for me, so that I may enjoy your company.’
Numbers 29:36
One young bull, one ram. These represent Yisroel [which is singular to the Holy One, Blessed is He] — ‘Remain with Me a little longer’. This denotes affection, as when children take leave of their father, and he says to them, ‘Your departure distresses me, remain yet another day’. This is compared to a king who made a repast, etc., as stated in tractate Succah. Midrash R’ Tanchumah interprets: The Torah teaches proper conduct. Someone who entertains a guest should, on the first day, feed him fattened fowl, the next day fish, the next beef, the next day he should feed him grains, and the next, vegetables. Progressive diminishment, like the festival bulls.
Numbers 29:39
These you shall make to Adonoy on your festivals. Those things designated as obligations.
Aside from your vows. If you should decide to vow offerings during the holiday, this will be credited to you as a commendable act. Or, the vows and gifts which you pledged throughout the year, bring during the holiday, as it may be difficult for you to make the return pilgrimage to Jerusalem to offer up your pledges, and you may thus ultimately violate the prohibition of “. . .do not delay [fulfilling your pledge].”
Rashi on Tanakh — Rashi. Metsudah Publications / Judaica Press · CC BY
Numbers 29:6