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Numbers 7

Numbers7

World English Bible · Public Domain

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1 On the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed it and sanctified it with all its furniture, and the altar with all its vessels, and had anointed and sanctified them;

2 the princes of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, gave offerings. These were the princes of the tribes. These are they who were over those who were counted;

3 and they brought their offering before Yahweh, six covered wagons and twelve oxen; a wagon for every two of the princes, and for each one an ox. They presented them before the tabernacle.

4 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

5 “Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the service of the Tent of Meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to every man according to his service.”

6 Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them to the Levites.

7 He gave two wagons and four oxen to the sons of Gershon, according to their service.

8 He gave four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

9 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.

10 The princes gave offerings for the dedication of the altar in the day that it was anointed. The princes gave their offerings before the altar.

11 Yahweh said to Moses, “They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedication of the altar.”

12 He who offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah,

13 and his offering was: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

14 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

15 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

16 one male goat for a sin offering;

17 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

18 On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, gave his offering.

19 He offered for his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

20 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

21 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

22 one male goat for a sin offering;

23 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.

24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun,

25 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

26 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

27 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

28 one male goat for a sin offering;

29 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.

30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben,

31 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

32 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

33 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

34 one male goat for a sin offering;

35 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.

36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon,

37 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

38 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

39 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

40 one male goat for a sin offering;

41 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

42 On the sixth day, Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad,

43 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

44 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

45 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

46 one male goat for a sin offering;

47 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim,

49 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

50 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

51 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

52 one male goat for a sin offering;

53 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh,

55 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

56 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

57 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

58 one male goat for a sin offering;

59 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin,

61 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

62 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

63 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

64 one male goat for a sin offering;

65 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.

66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan,

67 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

68 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

69 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

70 one male goat for a sin offering;

71 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, prince of the children of Asher,

73 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

74 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

75 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

76 one male goat for a sin offering;

77 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ochran.

78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali,

79 gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

80 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

81 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

82 one male goat for a sin offering;

83 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

84 This was the dedication offering of the altar, on the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden ladles;

85 each silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels, and each bowl seventy; all the silver of the vessels two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary;

86 the twelve golden ladles, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the ladles weighed one hundred twenty shekels;

87 all the cattle for the burnt offering twelve bulls, the rams twelve, the male lambs a year old twelve, and their meal offering; and twelve male goats for a sin offering;

88 and all the cattle for the sacrifice of peace offerings: twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats, and sixty male lambs a year old. This was the dedication offering of the altar, after it was anointed.

89 When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Yahweh, he heard his voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; and he spoke to him.

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Numbers 7

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Numbers 7. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.

Chapter Summary

In this chapter: The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle. (1–9). The offerings of the princes at the dedication of the altar. (10–89).

vv1-9

The offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle was not made till it was fully set up. Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings. The more any are advanced, the greater opportunity they have of serving God and their generation. No sooner was the tabernacle set up, than provision is made for the removal of it. Even when but just settled in the world, we must be preparing for changes and removes, especially for the great change.

vv10-89

The princes and great men were most forward in the service of God. Here is an example to those in authority, and of the highest rank; they ought to use their honour and power, their estate and interest, to promote religion and the service of God in the places where they live. Though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet still, in the midst of their sacrifices, we find a sin-offering. As, in our best services, we are conscious that there is sin, there should be repentance, even in our most joyful services. In all approaches to God we must by faith look to Christ as the Sin-offering. They brought their offerings each on a day. God's work should not be done confusedly, or in a hurry; take time, and we shall have done the sooner, or, at least, we shall have done the better. If services are to be done for twelve days together, we must not call it a task and a burden. All their offerings were the same; all the tribes of Israel had an equal share in the altar, and an equal interest in the sacrifices offered upon it. He who now spake to Moses, as the Shechinah or Divine Majesty, from between the Cherubim, was the Eternal Word, the second Person in the Trinity; for all God's communion with man is by his Son, by whom he made the world, and rules the church, who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.

Cross References

Numbers 7
v9Numbers 4:4-15thematic

Explains why the sons of Kohath received no wagons: their service required carrying holy things on shoulders.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v89Exodus 25:22fulfillment

Fulfilled promise of God speaking to Moses from above the mercy seat between the cherubim.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v1Exodus 40:17-19thematic

Establishes the chronological date when the tabernacle was fully set up and reared.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v1Leviticus 8:10thematic

Details the historic anointing and sanctification of the tabernacle, altar, and vessels mentioned in verse 1.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v31Exodus 25:29thematic

Points to the original pattern of the sanctuary vessels (chargers and bowls) described in Exodus 25:29.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v48Numbers 2:18thematic

Elishama of Ephraim presents his offering in the exact order of Israel's camp arrangement.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v66Numbers 2:25thematic

Establishes Ahiezer's role as prince of Dan following the specified order of the camp.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v72Numbers 2:27thematic

Establishes Pagiel's role as prince of Asher matching the structural order of the camp.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v78Numbers 2:29thematic

Identifies Ahira as prince of Naphtali, aligning his offering day with the camp structure.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v89Exodus 25:18-21thematic

Describes the physical structure of the mercy seat and cherubim where God's voice was heard.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v2Numbers 1:4-16thematic

Lists the exact same princes who were chosen and numbered to lead their tribes.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v7Numbers 4:24-28thematic

Defines the service of the sons of Gershon, justifying the allocation of two wagons.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v8Numbers 4:28-33thematic

Defines the heavy service of Merari under Ithamar, justifying their allocation of four wagons.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v92 Samuel 6:6thematic

Illustrates the judgment when David's men used a cart instead of bearing the ark on shoulders.

Supported by Matthew Poole

David corrects his error, acknowledging the Levites must carry the ark on their shoulders as prescribed.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v24Numbers 2:7thematic

Confirms Eliab's presentation order on the third day corresponds to Zebulun's camp position.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v30Numbers 2:10thematic

Links Elizur's offering on the fourth day to Reuben's position as leader of the southern camp.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v36Numbers 2:12thematic

Connects Shelumiel's offering on the fifth day to Simeon's place in the camp configuration.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v48Numbers 1:10thematic

Identifies Elishama son of Ammihud and Gamaliel son of Pedahzur as the chosen tribal princes.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v48Genesis 48:20thematic

Ephraim's prince offers before Manasseh's, reflecting Jacob's blessing placing Ephraim before his older brother.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v66Numbers 1:12thematic

Identifies Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai as the appointed head of Dan in the census.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v72Numbers 1:13thematic

Identifies Pagiel son of Ocran as the appointed head of Asher in the census.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v78Numbers 1:15thematic

Identifies Ahira son of Enan as the appointed head of Naphtali in the census.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v89Psalms 80:1allusion

Poetic portrayal of God dwelling and shining forth from between the cherubim.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v89Hebrews 9:5thematic

New Testament description of the ark, cherubim, and the mercy seat of God's presence.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v12Numbers 2:3thematic

Judah camps on the east side; Nahshon's precedence in offering reflects Judah's lead position.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v13Exodus 25:29thematic

Describes the original design and purpose of the sanctuary dishes and bowls (chargers).

Supported by Matthew Poole

v14Exodus 30:7thematic

Relates the gold spoon of incense to Aaron's daily incense offering on the golden altar.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v22Leviticus 4:23thematic

Relates the prince's offering of a kid of the goats to the prescribed sin offering.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v231 Kings 8:63thematic

Provides a thematic parallel in the massive volume of peace offerings at Solomon's temple dedication.

Supported by Matthew Poole

Aligns the peace offerings brought by Nethaneel with the levitical laws of peace offerings.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v42Numbers 2:14thematic

Eliasaph is listed here as son of Deuel (or Reuel), aligning with the camp arrangement.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v54Numbers 2:20thematic

Gamaliel leads the offering for Manasseh, corresponding to their camp order next to Ephraim.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v60Numbers 2:22thematic

Abidan of Benjamin offers ninth, completing the three tribes of the camp of Ephraim.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v66Numbers 10:25thematic

Shows Ahiezer leading the camp of Dan in their subsequent journeys.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v72Numbers 10:26thematic

Shows Pagiel leading the tribe of Asher in the wilderness march.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB