Numbers 7:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the day {H3117} that Moses {H4872} had fully {H3615} set up {H6965} the tabernacle {H4908}, and had anointed {H4886} it, and sanctified {H6942} it, and all the instruments {H3627} thereof, both the altar {H4196} and all the vessels {H3627} thereof, and had anointed {H4886} them, and sanctified {H6942} them;

Complete Jewish Bible

On the day Moshe finished putting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it, all its furnishings, and the altar with its utensils. After anointing and consecrating them,

Berean Standard Bible

On the day Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings, along with the altar and all its utensils.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the day that Moses had made an end of setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed it and sanctified it, and all the furniture thereof, and the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them and sanctified them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:1 marks the momentous culmination of the Tabernacle's construction and its comprehensive consecration by Moses. This verse details the meticulous dedication of the portable sanctuary, including its structure, the altar, and all its vessels, through a series of anointing and sanctifying rituals. It signifies the successful establishment of God's dwelling place among His people, transitioning from the detailed blueprints and construction phases to the operational readiness for divine worship and the subsequent tribal offerings. This pivotal moment underscores the divine order, the absolute holiness of God, and the meticulous preparation required for communion with Him in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:1 serves as a crucial bridge, seamlessly connecting the detailed construction accounts of the Tabernacle found in the latter chapters of [Exodus](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Instructions for the Tabernacle Construction") (specifically [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35-40 - Construction and Erection of the Tabernacle")) with the subsequent narratives in Numbers concerning Israel's ordered life in the wilderness. [Exodus 40:17](/exodus/40-17 "Exodus 40:17 - Tabernacle Erected on the First Day of the First Month") explicitly states that the Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Exodus. Numbers 7:1 picks up at this exact chronological point, confirming that Moses had not only erected the structure but had also completed the vital acts of anointing and sanctifying every component. This verse thus sets the immediate stage for the extensive tribal offerings that follow in [Numbers 7:10-88](/numbers/7-10 "Numbers 7:10-88 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders"), demonstrating that the sanctuary was fully prepared and consecrated for its sacred function as the center of Israelite worship and the visible sign of God's covenant presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 7:1 is the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, approximately one year after their departure from Egypt. In the ancient Near East, the construction and dedication of temples or sacred spaces were monumental events, often accompanied by elaborate rituals to invite and secure the presence of the deity. For Israel, the Tabernacle was unique: a portable sanctuary designed to accompany them on their nomadic journey, symbolizing God's dynamic presence among His people. The acts of anointing and sanctifying were not mere formalities; they were essential cultic practices. Anointing with oil (often consecrated oil) was a common practice to set apart persons (priests, kings) or objects for sacred use, signifying divine appointment and endowment. Sanctification (making holy) involved ritual purification and dedication, transforming common materials into sacred vessels fit for the worship of a holy God. This meticulous preparation was crucial for a people who were to encounter a God of absolute holiness, ensuring that their approach was marked by reverence, purity, and adherence to divine instruction, thereby maintaining the integrity of the covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant with Israel at Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set up (Hebrew, _qûm'_):** This verb, often translated as "to raise," "to establish," or "to make stand," signifies the successful completion and firm establishment of the Tabernacle. It implies that the structure was not merely assembled but fully erected, stable, and ready for its intended purpose. In this context, it highlights the culmination of the immense labor and detailed obedience involved in following God's architectural blueprints, transforming the divine command into a tangible reality.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _māšaḥ'_):** Meaning "to smear," "to rub with oil," or "to consecrate by anointing," this term denotes a specific ritual act. In ancient Israel, anointing with consecrated oil was a symbolic action that set apart persons (like priests and kings) or objects for sacred service, imbuing them with a special, divinely appointed status. For the Tabernacle and its furnishings, anointing signified their dedication to God's exclusive use, making them sacred and distinct from common objects, and preparing them to be instruments of divine encounter.
* **Sanctified (Hebrew, _qādaš'_):** This verb means "to make holy," "to set apart," or "to consecrate." It emphasizes the transformation of something ordinary into something sacred, designated solely for God's purposes. The act of sanctification removed the Tabernacle and its components from profane use, declaring them holy and pure, and thus fit for the presence of the supremely holy God. This concept of separation and dedication is fundamental to Israelite worship and theology, underscoring the purity required to approach the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass on the day":** This phrase establishes a precise chronological marker, indicating the exact moment this significant event occurred. It links directly to the completion of the Tabernacle's erection as described in [Exodus 40:17](/exodus/40-17 "Exodus 40:17 - Tabernacle Erected on the First Day of the First Month"), emphasizing the fulfillment of God's timeline for His dwelling place.
* **"that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle":** This clause highlights Moses' pivotal role as the divinely appointed leader responsible for overseeing the entire construction and erection process. "Fully set up" underscores the completeness and thoroughness with which the Tabernacle was assembled, ensuring every detail conformed to the divine specifications given on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").
* **"and had anointed it, and sanctified it":** This describes the initial acts of consecration applied directly to the Tabernacle structure itself. Anointing with sacred oil and sanctifying it ritually set the entire sanctuary apart, transforming it from a mere tent into a holy dwelling place for God, distinct and dedicated for sacred use.
* **"and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof":** This specifies the comprehensive scope of the consecration. It was not just the main structure but every single item within it—from the large altar for burnt offerings to the smallest vessels used in worship—that underwent the purification and dedication process. This detail emphasizes the meticulousness required in serving a holy God.
* **"and had anointed them, and sanctified them;":** This final clause reiterates the anointing and sanctification, specifically for the instruments, altar, and vessels. The repetition underscores the thoroughness of the consecration, ensuring that every piece of equipment was ritually prepared and set apart for its sacred function, making the entire complex ready for the divine presence and the prescribed rituals.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to emphasize its profound significance. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "anointed it, and sanctified it" appearing twice, once for the Tabernacle itself and again for "all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof." This **repetition** serves to underscore the absolute thoroughness and importance of the consecration process, ensuring that every single component of God's dwelling place was ritually set apart for holy use. Furthermore, the phrase "the altar and all the vessels thereof" functions as a **merism**, a literary device where two contrasting or complementary parts represent the whole. Here, "the altar" (a large, central piece) and "all the vessels" (numerous, smaller items) together signify the entirety of the Tabernacle's contents, reinforcing the idea that nothing was overlooked in the dedication. The meticulous detail and comprehensive consecration also carry a strong sense of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine order and purity that would ultimately be perfectly embodied in the Person of Christ and the New Covenant, where the ultimate sanctuary and perfect sacrifice would be established.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:1 is deeply theological, establishing the foundational principle that God's dwelling among His people demands absolute holiness, order, and meticulous preparation. The comprehensive anointing and sanctification of the Tabernacle and its instruments signify that everything associated with divine worship must be set apart and dedicated exclusively to God. This act transforms ordinary materials into sacred conduits for divine encounter, emphasizing God's transcendence and the necessity of human reverence and obedience in His presence. It highlights the reality of God's covenant presence (Shekinah) among Israel, a tangible reminder of His faithfulness and their unique relationship with Him. The Tabernacle, now consecrated, becomes the central point of Israel's spiritual and communal life, where atonement can be made and communion with God maintained.

* [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 8:10-11](/leviticus/8-10 "Leviticus 8:10-11 - Anointing of the Tabernacle and its Furnishings")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous dedication of the Tabernacle in Numbers 7:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding the nature of worship, holiness, and our personal walk with God. Just as every part of the Tabernacle was set apart for God's exclusive use, we are called to a life of comprehensive consecration. The New Testament reveals that believers are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), a living sanctuary where God dwells. This truth elevates our personal responsibility to live lives of purity, intentionality, and devotion. Our bodies, minds, talents, and resources are not our own, but have been bought with a price and are to be dedicated to God's glory. This verse challenges us to consider whether our worship, both corporate and individual, is marked by the same reverence, order, and thoroughness that characterized the Tabernacle's dedication. It encourages us to examine what "instruments" or aspects of our lives—our time, our relationships, our careers—need to be more fully "anointed and sanctified" for the Lord's purposes, ensuring that our entire being is a fit dwelling for His Spirit and a vessel for His service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous dedication of the Tabernacle challenge my personal approach to holiness and worship?**
* **In what ways am I called to "set up" and "sanctify" my life as a dwelling place for God's Spirit today?**
* **What "instruments" or aspects of my life (e.g., time, talents, resources) need to be more fully dedicated and consecrated to the Lord?**

### FAQ

**Why was it necessary to "anoint" and "sanctify" everything?**

Answer: The acts of anointing and sanctifying were absolutely essential for the Tabernacle and its components because they ritually transformed ordinary materials into sacred objects, fit for the presence and service of a holy God. "Anointing" (Hebrew: *māšaḥ*) involved smearing with consecrated oil, symbolizing divine appointment, setting apart for a special purpose, and often imparting a sense of divine presence or authority. It was a physical act with profound spiritual meaning, marking the object as God's property and for God's use. "Sanctifying" (Hebrew: *qādaš*) means to make holy or to set apart from common use. This act declared the Tabernacle and its furnishings to be distinct, pure, and dedicated exclusively to the worship and service of the Lord. Given God's absolute holiness, anything used in His presence or service had to be similarly consecrated to bridge the gap between the common and the divine, ensuring that Israel's approach to God was marked by reverence, purity, and adherence to His divine commands. This meticulous process underscored the gravity of encountering the Creator of the universe.

**How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of Numbers?**

Answer: Numbers 7:1 serves as a foundational and transitional verse within the broader narrative of the book of Numbers. It marks the culmination of the Tabernacle's construction and consecration, which was extensively detailed in the latter chapters of [Exodus](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Instructions for the Tabernacle Construction"). By stating that the Tabernacle was "fully set up" and consecrated, this verse signifies that God's dwelling place is now ready and operational. This is crucial because the book of Numbers is largely about Israel's journey through the wilderness *with* God's presence among them, guided by the cloud and fire that rested upon the Tabernacle ([Numbers 9:15-23](/numbers/9-15 "Numbers 9:15-23 - The Cloud and Fire Guide Israel")). Numbers 7:1 immediately precedes the lengthy account of the tribal leaders' offerings, which are presented *to the consecrated Tabernacle*. Thus, it sets the stage for the practical implementation of the sacrificial system and the ordered life of the Israelite camp around the divine sanctuary, transitioning the focus from building the Tabernacle to living in its presence and obeying the laws associated with it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:1, with its meticulous account of the Tabernacle's anointing and sanctification, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly Tabernacle, a temporary dwelling place constructed by human hands, served as a powerful type and shadow of the true and ultimate sanctuary. Jesus himself is the perfect embodiment of God's dwelling among humanity, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." He is the true Tabernacle, the very presence of God incarnate, perfectly "set up," "anointed" by the Holy Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - God Gives the Spirit Without Limit")), and "sanctified" as the sinless Lamb of God. When Jesus spoke of destroying and rebuilding the temple in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple")), He was referring to the temple of His body, the ultimate dwelling place of God. Furthermore, Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross and His high priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")) fulfill all the functions of the Tabernacle's altar and instruments, providing eternal atonement and access to God. Through Christ, believers are now spiritually joined to Him, becoming living stones in a spiritual house, the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), a holy habitation for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")), realizing the Tabernacle's purpose in a new and greater covenant reality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 8:10

And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that [was] therein, and sanctified them.

Leviticus 8:11

And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.

Numbers 7:84

This [was] the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:

Matthew 23:19

[Ye] fools and blind: for whether [is] greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

1 Kings 8:64

The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that [was] before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that [was] before the LORD [was] too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.

Numbers 7:88

And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings [were] twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This [was] the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.

Exodus 40:9

And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that [is] therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.