Numbers 7:10-83 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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¹⁰ And the princes ^H5387 offered ^H7126 for dedicating ^H2598 of the altar ^H4196 in the day ^H3117 that it was anointed, ^H4886 even the princes ^H5387 offered ^H7126 their offering ^H7133 before ^H6440 the altar. ^H4196

¹¹ And the LORD ^H3068 said ^H559 unto Moses, ^H4872 They shall offer ^H7126 their offering, ^H7133 each ^H259 prince ^H5387 on his day, ^H3117 for the dedicating ^H2598 of the altar. ^H4196

¹² And he that offered ^H7126 his offering ^H7133 the first ^H7223 day ^H3117 was Nahshon ^H5177 the son ^H1121 of Amminadab, ^H5992 of the tribe ^H4294 of Judah: ^H3063

¹³ And his offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger, ^H7086 the weight ^H4948 thereof was an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them were full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

¹⁴ One ^H259 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels of gold, ^H2091 full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

¹⁵ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

¹⁶ One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

¹⁷ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Nahshon ^H5177 the son ^H1121 of Amminadab. ^H5992

¹⁸ On the second ^H8145 day ^H3117 Nethaneel ^H5417 the son ^H1121 of Zuar, ^H6686 prince ^H5387 of Issachar, ^H3485 did offer: ^H7126

¹⁹ He offered ^H7126 for his offering ^H7133 one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger, ^H7086 the weight ^H4948 whereof was an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

²⁰ One ^H259 spoon ^H3709 of gold ^H2091 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

²¹ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

²² One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

²³ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Nethaneel ^H5417 the son ^H1121 of Zuar. ^H6686

²⁴ On the third ^H7992 day ^H3117 Eliab ^H446 the son ^H1121 of Helon, ^H2497 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Zebulun, ^H2074 did offer:

²⁵ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger, ^H7086 the weight ^H4948 whereof was an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

²⁶ One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

²⁷ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

²⁸ One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

²⁹ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Eliab ^H446 the son ^H1121 of Helon. ^H2497

³⁰ On the fourth ^H7243 day ^H3117 Elizur ^H468 the son ^H1121 of Shedeur, ^H7707 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Reuben, ^H7205 did offer:

³¹ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger ^H7086 of the weight ^H4948 of an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

³² One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

³³ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

³⁴ One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

³⁵ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Elizur ^H468 the son ^H1121 of Shedeur. ^H7707

³⁶ On the fifth ^H2549 day ^H3117 Shelumiel ^H8017 the son ^H1121 of Zurishaddai, ^H6701 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Simeon, ^H8095 did offer:

³⁷ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger, ^H7086 the weight ^H4948 whereof was an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

³⁸ One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

³⁹ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

⁴⁰ One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

⁴¹ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Shelumiel ^H8017 the son ^H1121 of Zurishaddai. ^H6701

⁴² On the sixth ^H8345 day ^H3117 Eliasaph ^H460 the son ^H1121 of Deuel, ^H1845 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Gad, ^H1410 offered:

⁴³ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger ^H7086 of the weight ^H4948 of an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, a silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

⁴⁴ One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

⁴⁵ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

⁴⁶ One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

⁴⁷ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Eliasaph ^H460 the son ^H1121 of Deuel. ^H1845

⁴⁸ On the seventh ^H7637 day ^H3117 Elishama ^H476 the son ^H1121 of Ammihud, ^H5989 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Ephraim, ^H669 offered:

⁴⁹ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger, ^H7086 the weight ^H4948 whereof was an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

⁵⁰ One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

⁵¹ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

⁵² One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

⁵³ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Elishama ^H476 the son ^H1121 of Ammihud. ^H5989

⁵⁴ On the eighth ^H8066 day ^H3117 offered Gamaliel ^H1583 the son ^H1121 of Pedahzur, ^H6301 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Manasseh: ^H4519

⁵⁵ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger ^H7086 of the weight ^H4948 of an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

⁵⁶ One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

⁵⁷ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

⁵⁸ One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

⁵⁹ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Gamaliel ^H1583 the son ^H1121 of Pedahzur. ^H6301

⁶⁰ On the ninth ^H8671 day ^H3117 Abidan ^H27 the son ^H1121 of Gideoni, ^H1441 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Benjamin, ^H1144 offered:

⁶¹ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger, ^H7086 the weight ^H4948 whereof was an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

⁶² One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

⁶³ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

⁶⁴ One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

⁶⁵ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Abidan ^H27 the son ^H1121 of Gideoni. ^H1441

⁶⁶ On the tenth ^H6224 day ^H3117 Ahiezer ^H295 the son ^H1121 of Ammishaddai, ^H5996 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Dan, ^H1835 offered:

⁶⁷ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger, ^H7086 the weight ^H4948 whereof was an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

⁶⁸ One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

⁶⁹ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

⁷⁰ One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

⁷¹ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Ahiezer ^H295 the son ^H1121 of Ammishaddai. ^H5996

⁷² On the eleventh ^H6249 ^H6240 day ^H3117 Pagiel ^H6295 the son ^H1121 of Ocran, ^H5918 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Asher, ^H836 offered:

⁷³ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger, ^H7086 the weight ^H4948 whereof was an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

⁷⁴ One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

⁷⁵ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

⁷⁶ One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

⁷⁷ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Pagiel ^H6295 the son ^H1121 of Ocran. ^H5918

⁷⁸ On the twelfth ^H6240 ^H8147 day ^H3117 Ahira ^H299 the son ^H1121 of Enan, ^H5881 prince ^H5387 of the children ^H1121 of Naphtali, ^H5321 offered:

⁷⁹ His offering ^H7133 was one ^H259 silver ^H3701 charger, ^H7086 the weight ^H4948 whereof was an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, one ^H259 silver ^H3701 bowl ^H4219 of seventy ^H7657 shekels, ^H8255 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary; ^H6944 both ^H8147 of them full ^H4392 of fine flour ^H5560 mingled ^H1101 with oil ^H8081 for a meat offering: ^H4503

⁸⁰ One ^H259 golden ^H2091 spoon ^H3709 of ten ^H6235 shekels, full ^H4392 of incense: ^H7004

⁸¹ One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock, ^H6499 one ^H259 ram, ^H352 one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year, ^H8141 for a burnt offering: ^H5930

⁸² One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering: ^H2403

⁸³ And for a sacrifice ^H2077 of peace offerings, ^H8002 two ^H8147 oxen, ^H1241 five ^H2568 rams, ^H352 five ^H2568 he goats, ^H6260 five ^H2568 lambs ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year: ^H8141 this was the offering ^H7133 of Ahira ^H299 the son ^H1121 of Enan. ^H5881

Commentary on Numbers 7 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill Keil & Delitzsch Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Chapter 7

God having set up house (as it were) in the midst of the camp of Israel, the princes of Israel here come a visiting with their presents, as tenants to their landlord, in the name of their respective tribes.

I. They brought presents,
- 1. Upon the dedication of the tabernacle, for the service of that (v. 1-9).
- 2. Upon the dedication of the altar, for the use of that (v. 10-88). And,
II. God graciously signified his acceptance of them (v. 89). The two foregoing chapters were the records of additional laws which God gave to Israel, this is the history of the additional services which Israel performed to God.

Num 7:1-9

Here is the offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle. Observe,

I. When it was; not till it was fully set up, v. 1. When all things were done both about the tabernacle itself, and the camp of Israel which surrounded it, according to the directions given, then they began their presents, probably about the eighth day of the second month. Note, Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings: first those, and then these.
II. Who it was that offered: The princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, v. 2. Note, Those that are above others in power and dignity ought to go before others, and endeavour to go beyond them, in every thing that is good. The more any are advanced the more is expected from them, on account of the greater opportunity they have of serving God and their generation. What are wealth and authority good for, but as they enable a man to do so much the more good in the world?
III. What was offered: six wagons, with each of them a yoke of oxen to draw them, v. 3. Doubtless these wagons were agreeable to the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle and its appurtenances, the best of the kind, like the carriages which great princes use when they go in procession. Some think that God, by Moses, intimated to them what they should bring, or their own consideration perhaps suggested to them to make this present. Though God's wisdom had ordained all the essentials of the tabernacle, yet it seems these accidental conveniences were left to be provided by their own discretion, which was to set in order that which was wanting (Tit. 1:5), and these wagons were not refused, though no pattern of them was shown to Moses in the mount. Note, It must not be expected that the divine institution of ordinances should descend to all those circumstances which are determinable, and are fit to be left alterable, by human prudence, that wisdom which is profitable to direct. Observe, No sooner is the tabernacle fully set up than this provision is made for the removal of it. Note, Even when we are but just settled in the world, and think we are beginning to take root, we must be preparing for changes and removes, especially for the great change. While we are here in this world, every thing must be accommodated to a militant and movable state. When the tabernacle was framing, the princes were very generous in their offerings, for then they brought precious stones, and stones to be set (Ex. 35:27), yet now they bring more presents. Note, Those that have done good should study to abound therein yet more and more, and not be weary of well-doing.
IV. How the offering was disposed of, and what use was made of it: the wagons and oxen were given to the Levites, to be used in carrying the tabernacle, both for their ease (for God would not have any of his servants overburdened with work), and for the more safe and right conveyance of the several parts of the tabernacle, which would be best kept together, and sheltered from the weather, in wagons.
- 1. The Gershonites, that had the light carriage, the curtains and hangings, had but two wagons, and two yoke of oxen (v. 7); when they had loaded these, they must carry the rest, if any remained, upon their shoulders.
- 2. The Merarites, that had the heavy carriage, and that which was most unwieldy, the boards, pillars, sockets, etc., had four wagons, and four yoke of oxen allotted them (v. 8); and yet, if they had not more wagons of their own, they would be obliged to carry a great deal upon their backs too, for the silver sockets alone weighed 100 talents, which was above four tons, and that was enough to load four wagons that were drawn but by one yoke of oxen a-piece. But each socket being a talent weight, which is about a man's burden (as appears, 2 Ki. 5:23) probably they carried those on their backs, and put the boards and pillars into the wagons. Observe here, How God wisely and graciously ordered the most strength to those that had the most work. Each had wagons according to their service. Whatever burden God in his providence lays upon us, he will by his sufficient grace proportion the strength to it, 1 Co. 10:13.
- 3. The Kohathites, that had the most sacred carriage, had no wagons at all, because they were to carry their charge upon their shoulders (v. 9), with a particular care and veneration. When in David's time they carried the ark in a cart, God made them to know to their terror, by the death of Uzza, that they did not seek him in the due order. See 1 Chr. 15:13.

Num 7:10-89

We have here an account of the great solemnity of dedicating the altars, both that of burnt-offerings and that of incense; they had been sanctified before, when they were anointed (Lev. 8:10, 11), but now they were handselled, as it were, by the princes, with their free-will offerings. They began the use of them with rich presents, great expressions of joy and gladness, and extraordinary respect to those tokens of God's presence with them. Now observe here,

I. That the princes and great men were first and forwardest in the service of God. Those that are entitled to precedency should go before in good works, and that is true honour. Here is an example to the nobility and gentry, those that are in authority and of the first rank in their country; they ought to improve their honour and power, their estate and interest, for the promoting of religion, and the service of God, in the places where they live. It is justly expected that those who have more than others should do more good than others with what they have, else they are unfaithful stewards, and will not make up their account with joy. Nay, great men must not only with their wealth and power assist and protect those that serve God, but they must make conscience of being devout and religious themselves, and employing themselves in the exercises of piety, which will greatly redound to the honour of God (Ps. 138:4, 5), and have a good influence upon others, who will be the more easily persuaded to acts of devotion when they see them thus brought into reputation. It is certain that the greatest of men is less than the least of the ordinances of God; nor are the meanest services of religion any disparagement to those that make the greatest figure in the world.
II. The offerings they brought were very rich and valuable, so rich that some think there was not so great a difference in estate between them and others as that they were able to bear the expense of them themselves, but that the heads of each tribe contributed to the offering which their prince brought.
- 1. They brought some things to remain for standing service, twelve large silver dishes, each about sixty ounces weight, as many large silver cups, or bowls, of about thirty-five ounces-the former to be used for the meat-offerings, the latter for the drink-offerings-the former for the flesh of the sacrifices, the latter for the blood. The latter was God's table (as it were), and it was fit that so great a King should be served in plate. The golden spoons being filled with incense were intended, it is probable, for the service of the golden altar, for both the altars were anointed at the same time. Note, In works of piety and charity we ought to be generous according as our ability is. He that is the best should be served with the best we have. The Israelites indeed might well afford to part with their gold and silver in abundance to the service of the sanctuary, for they needed it not to buy meat and victual their camp, being daily fed with bread from heaven; nor did they need it to buy land, or pay their army, for they were shortly to be put in possession of Canaan.
- 2. They brought some things to be used immediately, offerings of each sort, burnt-offerings, sin-offerings, and a great many peace-offerings (on part of which they were to feast with their friends), and the meat-offerings that were to be annexed to them. Hereby they signified their thankful acceptance of, and cheerful submission to, all those laws concerning the sacrifices which God had lately by Moses delivered to them. And, though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet it is observable that still in the midst of their sacrifices we find a sin-offering. Since in our best services we are conscious to ourselves that there is a mixture of sin, it is fit that there should be even in our most joyful services a mixture of repentance. In all our approaches to God, we must by faith have an eye to Christ as the great sin-offering, and make mention of him.
- 3. They brought their offerings each on a separate day, in the order that they had been lately put into, so that the solemnity lasted twelve days. So God appointed (v. 11): They shall bring their offering, each prince on his day, and so they did. One sabbath must needs fall within the twelve days, if not two, but it should seem they did not intermit on the sabbath, for it was holy work, proper enough for a holy day. God appointed that it should thus be done on several days,
  - (1.) That solemnity might be prolonged, and so might be universally taken notice of by all Israel, and the remembrance of it more effectually preserved.
  - (2.) That an equal honour might thereby be put upon each tribe respectively; in Aaron's breast-plate each had his precious stone, so in this offering each had his day.
  - (3.) Thus it would be done more decently and in order; God's work should not be done confusedly, and in a hurry; take time, and we shall have done the sooner, or at least we shall have done the better.
  - (4.) God hereby signified how much pleased he is, and how much pleased we should be, with the exercises of piety and devotion. The repetition of them should be a continual pleasure to us, and we must not be weary of well doing. If extraordinary service be required to be done for twelve days together, we must not shrink from it, nor call it a task and a burden.
  - (5.) The priests and Levites, having this occasion to offer the same sacrifices, and those some of every sort, every day, for so many days together, would have their hands well set in, and would be well versed in the laws concerning them.
  - (6.) The peace-offerings were all to be eaten the same day they were offered, and two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs, were enough for one day's festival; had there been more, especially if all had been brought on one day, there might have been danger of excess. The virtue of temperance must not be left, under pretence of the religion of feasting.
- 4. All their offerings were exactly the same, without any variation, though it is probable that neither the princes nor the tribes were all alike rich; but thus it was intimated that all the tribes of Israel had an equal share in the altar, and an equal interest in the sacrifices that were offered upon it. Though one tribe was posted more honourably in the camp than another, yet they and their services were all alike acceptable to God. Nor must we have faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect to persons, Jam. 2:1.
- 5. Nahshon, the prince of the tribe of Judah, offered first, because God had given that tribe the first post of honour in the camp; and the rest of the tribes acquiesced, and offered in the same order in which God had appointed them to encamp. Judah, of which tribe Christ came, first, and then the rest; thus, in the dedication of souls to God, every man is presented in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, 1 Co. 15:23. Some observe that Nahshon is the only one that is not expressly called a prince (v. 12), which the Jews give this account of: he is not called a prince, that he might not be puffed up because he offered first; and all the others are called princes because they (though some of them of the elder house) submitted, and offered after him. Or, because the title of prince of Judah did more properly belong to Christ, for unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
- 6. Though the offerings were all the same, yet the account of them is repeated at large for each tribe, in the same words. We are sure there are no vain repetitions in scripture; what then shall we make of these repetitions? Might it not have served to say of this noble jury that the same offering which their foreman brought each on his day brought likewise? No, God would have it specified for each tribe: and why so?
  - (1.) It was for the encouragement of these princes, and of their respective tribes, that each of their offerings being recorded at large no slight might seem to be put upon them; for rich and poor meet together before God.
  - (2.) It was for the encouragement of all generous acts of piety and charity, by letting us know that what is so given is lent to the Lord, and he carefully records it, with every one's name prefixed to his gift, because what is so given he will pay again, and even a cup of cold water shall have its reward. He is not unrighteous, to forget either the cost or the labour of love, Heb. 6:10. We find Christ taking particular notice of what was cast into the treasury, Mk. 12:41. Though what is offered be but little, though it be a contribution to the charity of others, yet if it be according to our ability it shall be recorded, that it may be recompensed in the resurrection of the just.
- 7. The sum total is added at the foot of the account (v. 84-88), to show how much God was pleased with the mention of his freewill-offerings, and what a great deal they amounted to in the whole, when every prince brought in his quota! How greatly would the sanctuary of God be enriched and beautified if all would in their places do their part towards it, by exemplary purity and devotion, extensive charity, and universal usefulness!
- 8. God signified his gracious acceptance of these presents that were brought him, by speaking familiarly to Moses, as a man speaks to his friend, from off the mercy-seat (v. 89, ch. 12:8); and in speaking to him he did in effect speak to all Israel, showing them this token for good, Ps. 103:7. Note, By this we may know that God hears and accepts our prayers if he gives us grace to hear and receive his word, for thus our communion with him is maintained and kept up. I know not why we may not suppose that upon each of the days on which these offerings were brought (probably while the priests and offerers were feasting upon the peace-offerings) Moses was in the tabernacle, receiving some of those laws and orders which we have already met with in this and the foregoing book. And here the excellent bishop Patrick observes that God's speaking to Moses thus by an audible articulate voice, as if he had been clothed with a holy body, might be looked upon as an earnest of the incarnation of the Son of God in the fulness of time, when the Word should be made flesh, and speak in the language of the sons of men. For, however God at sundry times and in divers manners spoke unto the fathers, he has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. And that he who now spoke to Moses, as the shechinah or divine Majesty, from between the cherubim, was the eternal Word, the second person in the Trinity, was the pious conjecture of many of the ancients; for all God's communion with man is by his Son, by whom he made the world, and rules the church, and who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.

Worthy.Bible » STRONG » Numbers » Chapter 7 » Verse 10-83

Numbers 7:10-83 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Numbers 7

Commentary on Numbers 7 Matthew Henry Commentary

Chapter 7