(The Lord speaking is red text)
One spoon of ten [shekels] of gold, full of incense:
one gold pan of ten shekels [one-quarter pound], full of incense;
one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense;
One{H259} spoon{H3709} of ten{H6235} shekels of gold{H2091}, full{H4392} of incense{H7004}:
Numbers 7:14 is part of a detailed account of the dedication offerings for the altar in the Tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The verse specifically mentions one of the offerings brought by the leaders of the tribes of Israel: a spoon made of ten shekels of gold, filled with incense.
**Themes:**
1. **Consecration and Worship:** The offerings were part of the dedication ceremony for the altar, emphasizing the importance of consecrating sacred space and worshiping God through sacrifices and rituals.
2. **Uniformity and Equality:** Each of the twelve tribal leaders brought the same items for the dedication, highlighting equality among the tribes before God.
3. **Generosity and Devotion:** The gifts, including the gold spoon with incense, represented the leaders' and the people's devotion to God and their willingness to give generously for the religious life of the community.
4. **Priestly Role:** The incense was to be used by the priests in the Tabernacle, underscoring the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people through sacred rituals.
**Historical Context:**
- **Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings:** The events described in Numbers occurred after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and while they were wandering in the Sinai Peninsula.
- **Tabernacle Construction:** Prior to these offerings, the Tabernacle had been constructed according to detailed instructions given by God to Moses, as described in the book of Exodus.
- **Dedication of the Altar:** The offerings in Numbers 7 marked the completion and dedication of the altar, which was a central element of the Tabernacle for sacrifices and worship.
- **Leadership and Organization:** The meticulous listing of the offerings reflects the organizational structure and leadership roles established among the Israelites, with specific duties assigned to the tribal leaders and priests.
In summary, Numbers 7:14 reflects the themes of worship, equality, generosity, and priestly roles within the historical context of the Israelites' dedication of the Tabernacle's altar during their wilderness journey.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)