Numbers 7

Numbers 7 details the dedication of the tabernacle after its completion and the offering of the leaders of Israel for its service. Each tribe's leader brings an offering, symbolizing their commitment to God and His dwelling place among them. The chapter also demonstrates the careful attention to order and ritual in worship, with each tribe participating in the dedication process.

Numbers 7:1 (NKJV)
"Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and consecrated them."

After the tabernacle was fully constructed, Moses anointed and consecrated it, dedicating both the structure and all its furnishings to God. This act of anointing signified setting them apart for holy purposes. The tabernacle was now ready to function as the sacred place where God would meet with His people, and the altar and utensils were likewise prepared for the sacrificial system that would soon follow.

Numbers 7:2-3 (NKJV)
"Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, who were the leaders of the tribes and over those who were numbered, made an offering. And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered carts and twelve oxen, a cart for every two of the leaders, and for each one an ox; and they presented them before the tabernacle."

The leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel, representing the people, brought gifts to assist in the service of the tabernacle. They contributed six carts and twelve oxen, essential for transporting the heavy materials of the tabernacle as they traveled. This collective offering showed their shared responsibility in maintaining the worship of God, and the gifts were practical provisions to help the Levites in their duties.

Numbers 7:4-5 (NKJV)
"Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the work of the tabernacle of meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to every man according to his service.'"

God instructed Moses to accept the offerings from the tribal leaders and allocate them to the Levites. Each family within the tribe of Levi had specific responsibilities concerning the tabernacle’s upkeep and transport. By distributing the oxen and carts among them, God ensured the Levites had the resources they needed to perform their duties effectively, demonstrating God's provision and the people's involvement in worship.

Numbers 7:6-8 (NKJV)
"So Moses took the carts and the oxen, and gave them to the Levites. Two carts and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon, according to their service; and four carts and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the authority of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest."

Moses followed God's direction and distributed the carts and oxen among the Levite families. The sons of Gershon, who were responsible for transporting the curtains and coverings of the tabernacle, received two carts and four oxen. The sons of Merari, tasked with moving the heavier frames and pillars, received four carts and eight oxen. This careful division ensured that each family had the proper resources to fulfill their duties based on the weight and nature of the items they were to carry.

Numbers 7:9 (NKJV)
"But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because theirs was the service of the holy things, which they carried on their shoulders."

The sons of Kohath were not given any carts or oxen because their service involved carrying the most sacred items of the tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, on their shoulders. This method of transport signified the sacredness of their duties, as these holy objects were to be handled with great care and reverence, not placed on carts like the other items.

Numbers 7:10-11 (NKJV)
"Now the leaders offered the dedication offering for the altar when it was anointed; so the leaders offered their offering before the altar. For the Lord said to Moses, 'They shall offer their offering, one leader each day, for the dedication of the altar.'"

After the anointing of the altar, each leader of the twelve tribes presented their offering, with one tribe offering each day. This process ensured that each tribe was individually acknowledged and that the dedication was spread over twelve days, symbolizing unity and careful attention to God's command. The offerings signified their commitment to the altar, where sacrifices would be made to atone for the people's sins and express their devotion to God.

Numbers 7:12-17 (NKJV)
"And the one who offered his offering on the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, from the tribe of Judah. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab."

Nahshon, from the tribe of Judah, was the first to offer his dedication gift. His offering included silver and gold vessels filled with flour and incense, representing dedication to God’s service, as well as animals for various types of offerings. These included a burnt offering for devotion, a sin offering for atonement, and a peace offering for fellowship. Nahshon’s gift was not only generous but set the pattern for all the other tribal leaders.

Numbers 7:18-23 (NKJV)
"On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, leader of Issachar, presented an offering. For his offering he offered one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar."

On the second day, Nethanel of Issachar made the same offering as Nahshon. The consistency of the offerings from each tribe leader ensured equality in their participation. These offerings expressed each tribe’s commitment to God and their desire for ongoing atonement, devotion, and fellowship with Him.

The chapter continues in this pattern, with each tribal leader bringing an identical offering on their assigned day, symbolizing their unity and equal standing before God. Each offering reflects the importance of sacrifice, consecration, and communal participation in the worship of God.

Numbers 7:24-29 (NKJV)
"On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, leader of the children of Zebulun, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon."

On the third day, Eliab from Zebulun presented the same offering as the previous leaders. His gift followed the standard pattern, highlighting the consistency in worship and offering, ensuring that all tribes were equally represented in their devotion to God. The offerings maintained a balance of grain, incense, and animals for different types of sacrifices, including peace, sin, and burnt offerings.

Numbers 7:30-35 (NKJV)
"On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, leader of the children of Reuben, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur."

Elizur, representing the tribe of Reuben, brought the same offerings on the fourth day. As each tribal leader presented their offerings, the repetition reinforced the unity of the tribes in their worship and acknowledgment of God’s provision. Each tribe gave equally, showing that no tribe was greater than another in their dedication to God.

Numbers 7:36-41 (NKJV)
"On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, leader of the children of Simeon, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai."

Shelumiel of Simeon followed the same pattern of offerings, maintaining the symbolic representation of each tribe's commitment to the worship of God. The uniformity in offerings demonstrated not only unity but also a reverence for God's command, ensuring that each tribe contributed equally to the consecration of the altar and the tabernacle.

Numbers 7:42-47 (NKJV)
"On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, leader of the children of Gad, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel."

On the sixth day, Eliasaph from the tribe of Gad presented his offerings, consistent with the previous leaders. Each day's identical offerings underlined the common responsibility and shared faith of all Israel in supporting the tabernacle’s operation. Every tribe, though distinct, contributed equally to the worship of God, reflecting their mutual commitment to maintaining God's presence among them.

Numbers 7:48-53 (NKJV)
"On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, leader of the children of Ephraim, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud."

Elishama of Ephraim brought the standard offering on the seventh day. Each tribe brought gifts identical in content and value, reinforcing their collective dedication to God’s work. Ephraim’s offering, like those before, included sacrifices for sin, peace, and consecration, showing the holistic nature of their worship: atonement, peace with God, and ongoing devotion.

Numbers 7:54-59 (NKJV)
"On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, leader of the children of Manasseh, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur."

On the eighth day, Gamaliel of Manasseh continued the same pattern of offering. The identical nature of the offerings was significant because it indicated no tribal hierarchy; each tribe equally contributed to the establishment and support of the tabernacle. The offerings reflected their shared goal of honoring God's presence in their midst through sacrifice and devotion.

Numbers 7:60-65 (NKJV)
"On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, leader of the children of Benjamin, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni."

Abidan, leader of the tribe of Benjamin, presented his offerings on the ninth day. As before, the offerings were standard, reflecting the unity of the tribes in their worship and service to God. Each offering was rich in symbolism, from atonement to peace, illustrating their dedication to a relationship with God through sacrifice.

Numbers 7:66-71 (NKJV)
"On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, leader of the children of Dan, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai."

Ahiezer of Dan brought his offerings on the tenth day, following the same structure as the other leaders. This daily presentation of offerings highlights both individual tribal devotion and national unity in their service to God. Every tribe contributed equally, showing that the responsibility to support the tabernacle and its ministry was shared by all Israel.

Numbers 7:72-77 (NKJV)
"On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, leader of the children of Asher, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran."

Pagiel of Asher presented his offerings on the eleventh day. The consistency in offerings underscores the importance of following God's prescribed order of worship, showing that each tribe, no matter their size or status, was equally responsible for the support of the tabernacle’s ministry and the spiritual well-being of the nation.

Numbers 7:78-83 (NKJV)
"On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, leader of the children of Naphtali, presented an offering. His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; one kid of the goats as a sin offering; and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan."

Ahira of Naphtali concluded the twelve days of offerings on behalf of his tribe. Each tribe contributed in identical fashion, reflecting their collective commitment to the worship and service of God. Their obedience in following the prescribed offerings showed reverence for God’s instructions and their desire for unity in their devotion.

Numbers 7:84-88 (NKJV)
"This was the dedication offering for the altar from the leaders of Israel when it was anointed: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, and twelve gold pans. Each silver platter weighed one hundred and thirty shekels, and each bowl seventy; all the silver of the vessels weighed two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. The twelve gold pans full of incense weighed ten shekels apiece, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the pans weighed one hundred and twenty shekels. All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve young bulls, the rams twelve, the male lambs in their first year twelve, with their grain offering; and the kids of the goats as a sin offering twelve. And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty-four bulls, the rams sixty, the male goats sixty, and the lambs in their first year sixty. This was the dedication offering for the altar after it was anointed."

This section summarizes the total offerings brought by all twelve tribes for the dedication of the altar. It emphasizes the impressive scale of the offerings, reflecting the magnitude of the people's devotion. The numbers—twelve tribes, twelve bulls, twelve silver platters—reinforce the symbolic unity of Israel. The collective contribution ensured the tabernacle and altar were dedicated with proper reverence and provision for continued worship.

Numbers 7:89 (NKJV)
"Now when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; thus He spoke to him."

After the dedication, Moses entered the tabernacle, where he heard the voice of God speaking to him from the mercy seat. This marked the culmination of the tabernacle's consecration: God's personal presence dwelling among His people. The mercy seat, located between the cherubim, was the focal point of God's interaction with Israel, demonstrating that He was now dwelling among them and ready to guide them through Moses.