Numbers 7:2-86 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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² That the princes ^H5387 of Israel, ^H3478 heads ^H7218 of the house ^H1004 of their fathers, ^H1 who were the princes ^H5387 of the tribes, ^H4294 and were over ^H5975 them that were numbered, ^H6485 offered: ^H7126

³ And they brought ^H935 their offering ^H7133 before ^H6440 the LORD, ^H3068 six ^H8337 covered ^H6632 wagons, ^H5699 and twelve ^H6240 oxen; ^H1241 a wagon ^H5699 for two ^H8147 of the princes, ^H5387 and for each one ^H259 an ox: ^H7794 and they brought ^H7126 them before ^H6440 the tabernacle. ^H4908

⁴ And the LORD ^H3068 spake ^H559 unto Moses, ^H4872 saying, ^H559

⁵ Take ^H3947 it of them, that they may be to do ^H5647 the service ^H5656 of the tabernacle ^H168 of the congregation; ^H4150 and thou shalt give ^H5414 them unto the Levites, ^H3881 to every man ^H376 according ^H6310 to his service. ^H5656

⁶ And Moses ^H4872 took ^H3947 the wagons ^H5699 and the oxen, ^H1241 and gave ^H5414 them unto the Levites. ^H3881

⁷ Two ^H8147 wagons ^H5699 and four ^H702 oxen ^H1241 he gave ^H5414 unto the sons ^H1121 of Gershon, ^H1648 according ^H6310 to their service: ^H5656

⁸ And four ^H702 wagons ^H5699 and eight ^H8083 oxen ^H1241 he gave ^H5414 unto the sons ^H1121 of Merari, ^H4847 according ^H6310 unto their service, ^H5656 under the hand ^H3027 of Ithamar ^H385 the son ^H1121 of Aaron ^H175 the priest. ^H3548

⁹ But unto the sons ^H1121 of Kohath ^H6955 he gave ^H5414 none: ^H3808 because the service ^H5656 of the sanctuary ^H6944 belonging unto them was that they should bear ^H5375 upon their shoulders. ^H3802

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

⁸⁴ This was the dedication ^H2598 of the altar, ^H4196 in the day ^H3117 when it was anointed, ^H4886 by the princes ^H5387 of Israel: ^H3478 twelve ^H6240 ^H8147 chargers ^H7086 of silver, ^H3701 twelve silver ^H3701 bowls, ^H4219 twelve ^H6240 ^H8147 spoons ^H3709 of gold: ^H2091

⁸⁵ Each ^H259 charger ^H7086 of silver ^H3701 weighing an hundred ^H3967 and thirty ^H7970 shekels, each ^H259 bowl ^H4219 seventy: ^H7657 all the silver ^H3701 vessels ^H3627 weighed two thousand ^H505 and four ^H702 hundred ^H3967 shekels, after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary: ^H6944

⁸⁶ The golden ^H2091 spoons ^H3709 were twelve, ^H6240 ^H8147 full ^H4392 of incense, ^H7004 weighing ten ^H6235 shekels apiece, ^H3709 after the shekel ^H8255 of the sanctuary: ^H6944 all the gold ^H2091 of the spoons ^H3709 was an hundred ^H3967 and twenty ^H6242 shekels.

Commentary on Numbers 7 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Matthew Henry John Gill Keil & Delitzsch

CHAPTER 7

Nu 7:1-89. The Princes' Offerings.

1. the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle—Those who take the word "day" as literally pointing to the exact date of the completion of the tabernacle, are under a necessity of considering the sacred narrative as disjointed, and this portion of the history from the seventh to the eleventh chapters as out of its place—the chronology requiring that it should have immediately followed the fortieth chapter of Exodus, which relates that the tabernacle was reared on the first day of the first month of the second year [Ex 40:17]. But that the term "day" is used in a loose and indeterminate sense, as synonymous with time, is evident from the fact that not one day but several days were occupied with the transactions about to be described. So that this chapter stands in its proper place in the order of the history; after the tabernacle and its instruments (the altar and its vessels) had been anointed (Le 8:10), the Levites separated to the sacred service—the numbering of the people, and the disposal of the tribes about the tabernacle, in a certain order, which was observed by the princes in the presentation of their offerings. This would fix the period of the imposing ceremonial described in this chapter about a month after the completion of the tabernacle.

2, 3. the princes of Israel … brought their offering before the Lord—The finishing of the sacred edifice would, it may well be imagined, be hailed as an auspicious occasion, diffusing great joy and thankfulness throughout the whole population of Israel. But the leading men, not content with participating in the general expression of satisfaction, distinguished themselves by a movement, which, while purely spontaneous, was at the same time so appropriate in the circumstances and so equal in character, as indicates it to have been the result of concerted and previous arrangement. It was an offer of the means of carriage, suitable to the migratory state of the nation in the wilderness, for transporting the tabernacle from place to place. In the pattern of that sacred tent exhibited on the mount, and to which its symbolic and typical character required a faithful adherence, no provision had been made for its removal in the frequent journeyings of the Israelites. That not being essential to the plan of the divine architect, it was left to be accomplished by voluntary liberality; and whether we look to the judicious character of the gifts, or to the public manner in which they were presented, we have unmistakable evidence of the pious and patriotic feelings from which they emanated and the extensive interest the occasion produced. The offerers were "the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers," and the offering consisted of six covered wagons or little cars, and twelve oxen, two of the princes being partners in a wagon, and each furnishing an ox.

4, 5. The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation—They exhibited a beautiful example to all who are great in dignity and in wealth, to be foremost in contributing to the support and in promoting the interests of religion. The strictness of the injunctions Moses had received to adhere with scrupulous fidelity to the divine model of the tabernacle probably led him to doubt whether he was at liberty to act in this matter without orders. God, however, relieved him by declaring His acceptance of the freewill offerings, as well as by giving instructions as to the mode of their distribution among the Levites. It is probable that in doing so, He merely sanctioned the object for which they were offered, and that the practical wisdom of the offerers had previously determined that they should be distributed "unto the Levites, to every man according to his service"—that is, more or fewer were assigned to each of the Levitical divisions, as their department of duty seemed to require. This divine sanction it is of great importance to notice, as establishing the principle, that while in the great matters of divine worship and church government we are to adhere faithfully to the revealed rule of faith and duty, minor arrangements respecting them may be lawfully made, according to the means and convenience of God's people in different places. "There is a great deal left to human regulation—appendages of undoubted convenience, and which it were as absurd to resist on the ground that an express warrant cannot be produced for them, as to protest against the convening of the people to divine service, because there is no Scripture for the erection and ringing of a church bell" [Chalmers].

6-9. Moses took the wagons and the oxen—The Hebrew word seems to be fairly rendered by the word "wagons." Wheel carriages of some kind are certainly intended; and as they were covered, the best idea we can form of them is, that they bore some resemblance to our covered wagons. That wheel carriages were anciently used in Egypt, and in what is now Asiatic Turkey, is attested, not only by history, but by existing sculptures and paintings. Some of these the Israelites might have brought with them at their departure; and others, the skilful artisans, who did the mechanical work of the tabernacle, could easily have constructed, according to models with which they had been familiar. Each wagon was drawn by two oxen, and a greater number does not seem to have been employed on any of the different occasions mentioned in Scripture. Oxen seem to have been generally used for draught in ancient times among other nations as well as the Hebrews; and they continue still to be employed in dragging the few carts which are in use in some parts of Western Asia [Kitto].

gave them unto the Levites—The principle of distribution was natural and judicious. The Merarites had twice the number of wagons and oxen appropriated to them that the Gershonites had, obviously because, while the latter had charge only of the coverings and hangings (the light but precious and richly-embroidered drapery, [Nu 4:24-26]) the former were appointed to transport all the heavy and bulky materials (the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets) in short, all the larger articles of furniture [Nu 4:31, 32]. Whoever thinks only of the enormous weight of metal, the gold, silver, brass, &c., that were on the bases, chapiters, and pillars, &c., will probably come to the conclusion that four wagons and eight oxen were not nearly sufficient for the conveyance of so vast a load. Besides, the Merarites were not very numerous, as they amounted only to thirty-two hundred men from thirty years and upward [Nu 4:44]; and, therefore, there is reason to suppose that a much greater number of wagons would afterwards be found necessary, and be furnished, than were given on this occasion [Calmet]. Others, who consider the full number of wagons and oxen to be stated in the sacred record, suppose that the Merarites may have carried many of the smaller things in their hands—the sockets, for instance, which being each a talent weight, was one man's burden (2Ki 5:23). The Kohathites had neither wheeled vehicles nor beasts of burden assigned them, because, being charged with the transport of the furniture belonging to the holy place, the sacred worth and character of the vessels entrusted to them (see on Nu 4:15) demanded a more honorable mode of conveyance. These were carried by those Levites shoulder high. Even in this minute arrangement every reflecting reader will perceive the evidence of divine wisdom and holiness; and a deviation from the prescribed rule of duty led, in one recorded instance, to a manifestation of holy displeasure, calculated to make a salutary and solemn impression (2Sa 6:6-13).

10, 11. the princes offered for dedicating of the altar, &c.—"Altar" is here used in the singular for the plural; for it is evident, from the kind of offerings, that the altars of burnt offering and incense are both referred to. This was not the first or proper dedication of those altars, which had been made by Moses and Aaron some time before [Le 8:11]. But it might be considered an additional "dedication"—those offerings being the first that were made for particular persons or tribes.

11. They shall offer … each prince on his day, &c.—Eastern princes were accustomed anciently, as they are in Persia still on a certain yearly festival, to sit upon their thrones in great state, when the princes and nobles, from all parts of their dominions, appear before them with tributary presents, which form a large proportion of their royal revenue. And in the offering of all gifts or presents to great personages, every article is presented singly and with ostentatious display. The tabernacle being the palace of their great King, as well as the sanctuary of their God, the princes of Israel may be viewed, on the occasion under notice, as presenting their tributary offerings, and in the same manner of successive detail, which accords with the immemorial usages of the East. A day was set apart for each, as much for the imposing solemnity and splendor of the ceremony, as for the prevention of disorder and hurry; and it is observable that, in the order of offering, regard was paid to priority not of birth, but of rank and dignity as they were ranked in the camp—beginning at the east, proceeding to the south, then to the west, and closing with the north, according to the course of the sun.

12-17. He that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon … of the tribe of Judah, &c.—Judah having had the precedence assigned to it, the prince or head of that tribe was the first admitted to offer as its representative; and his offering, as well as that of the others, is thought, from its costliness, to have been furnished not from his own private means, but from the general contributions of each tribe. Some parts of the offering, as the animals for sacrifice, were for the ritual service of the day, the peace offerings being by much the most numerous, as the princes and some of the people joined with the priests afterwards in celebrating the occasion with festive rejoicing. Hence the feast of dedication became afterwards an anniversary festival. Other parts of the offering were intended for permanent use, as utensils necessary in the service of the sanctuary; such as an immense platter and bowl (Ex 25:29). Being of silver, they were to be employed at the altar of burnt offering, or in the court, not in the holy place, all the furniture of which was of solid or plated gold; and there was a golden spoon, the contents of which show its destination to have been the altar of incense. The word rendered "spoon" means a hollow cup, in the shape of a hand, with which the priests on ordinary occasions might lift a quantity from the incense-box to throw on the altar-fire, or into the censers; but on the ceremonial on the day of the annual atonement no instrument was allowed but the high priest's own hands (Le 16:12).

18-83. On the second day Nethaneel … prince of Issachar, did offer—This tribe being stationed on the right side of Judah, offered next through its representative; then Zebulun, which was on the left side; and so on in orderly succession, every tribe making the same kind of offering and in the same amount, to show that, as each was under equal obligation, each rendered an equal tribute. Although each offering made was the same in quantity as well as quality, a separate notice is given of each, as a separate day was appointed for the presentation, that equal honor might be conferred on each, and none appear to be overlooked or slighted. And as the sacred books were frequently read in public, posterity, in each successive age, would feel a livelier interest in the national worship, from the permanent recognition of the offerings made by the ancestors of the respective tribes. But while this was done in one respect, as subjects offering tribute to their king, it was in another respect, a purely religious act. The vessels offered were for a sacrificial use—the animals brought were clean and fit for sacrifice, both symbolically denoting, that while God was to dwell among them as their Sovereign, they were a holy people, who by this offering dedicated themselves to God.

48. On the seventh day—Surprise has been expressed by some that this work of presentation was continued on the Sabbath. But assuming that the seventh day referred to was a Sabbath (which is uncertain), the work was of a directly religious character, and perfectly in accordance with the design of the sacred day.

84-88. This was the dedication of the altar—The inspired historian here sums up the separate items detailed in the preceding narrative, and the aggregate amount is as follows: 12 silver chargers, each weighing 130 shekels equals 1560; 12 silver bowls, each 70 shekels equals 840: total weight. A silver charger at 130 shekels, reduced to troy weight, made 75 ounces, 9 pennyweights, 168.31 grains; and a silver bowl at 70 shekels amounts to 40 ounces, 12 pennyweights, 2121.31 grains. The total weight of the 12 chargers is therefore 905 ounces, 16 pennyweights, 33.11 grains; and that of the 12 bowls 487 ounces, 14 pennyweights, 204.31 grains; making the total weight of silver vessels 1393 ounces, 10 pennyweights, 237.31 grains; which at 5s. per ounce, is equal to £383 1s. 8½d. The 12 golden spoons, allowing each to be 5 ounces, 16 pennyweights, 3.31 grains, amount to 69 ounces, 3 pennyweights, 135.31 grains, which, at £4 per ounce, is equal to £320 14s. 10½d., and added to the amount of the silver, makes a total of £703 16s. 6½d. Besides these the offerings comprised twelve bullocks, twelve rams, twelve lambs, twenty-four goats, sixty rams, sixty he-goats, sixty lambs—amounting in all to 240. So large a collection of cattle offered for sacrifice on one occasion proves both the large flocks of the Israelites and the abundance of pastures which were then, and still are, found in the valleys that lie between the Sinaitic Mountains. All travellers attest the luxuriant verdure of those extensive wadies; and that they were equally or still more rich in pasture anciently, is confirmed by the numerous flocks of the Amalekites, as well as of Nabal, which were fed in the wilderness of Paran (1Sa 15:9).

89. And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him—As a king gives private audience to his minister, so special license was granted to Moses, who, though not a priest, was admitted into the sanctuary to receive instructions from his heavenly King as occasion demanded.

then he heard the voice of one speaking to him—Though standing on the outer side of the veil, he could distinctly hear it, and the mention of this circumstance is important as the fulfilment, at the dedication of the tabernacle, of a special promise made by the Lord Christ Himself, the Angel of the Covenant, commanding its erection (Ex 25:22). It was the reward of Moses' zeal and obedience; and, in like manner, to all who love Him and keep His commandments He will manifest Himself (Joh 14:21).

Worthy.Bible » STRONG » Numbers » Chapter 7 » Verse 2-86

Numbers 7:2-86 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Numbers 7

Commentary on Numbers 7 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible