Numbers 7:1

ยถ 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;

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;

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,

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.

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

Numbers 7:1 marks a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's wilderness journey, signifying the successful completion and consecration of the Tabernacle. This verse sets the stage for the offerings of the tribal leaders that follow, emphasizing the divine order and meticulous preparation that characterized Israelite worship.

Context

This verse immediately follows the detailed accounts in the book of Exodus concerning the construction, erection, and furnishing of the Tabernacle. Exodus 40:17 specifies that the Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year after leaving Egypt. Numbers 7:1 picks up at this exact point, confirming that Moses had fully assembled, anointed, and sanctified the entire portable sanctuary, including its altar and all its vessels. This act of dedication transformed the physical structure into a holy place, ready for the sacred rituals and sacrifices that would define Israel's relationship with God.

Key Themes

  • Completion and Dedication: The verse highlights the culmination of a massive undertakingโ€”the construction of God's dwelling place among His people. The phrase "fully set up" underscores the thoroughness and obedience involved in following divine blueprints.
  • Holiness and Sanctification: The repeated acts of "anointing" and "sanctifying" are central. These actions ritually set apart the Tabernacle and its components for exclusive use in the worship of God, emphasizing His absolute holiness and the purity required in His presence. This consecration made the Tabernacle a sacred space, distinct from the common.
  • Divine Presence: The dedication of the Tabernacle paved the way for God's glory to fill it, as seen in Exodus 40:34. The Tabernacle was not merely a building but a tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among His people, a place where they could meet with Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "anointed" is mashach (ืžึธืฉึทืื—), which means to smear or rub with oil. This act was a common practice for consecrating objects or persons (like priests and kings) for sacred service, symbolizing divine appointment and setting apart. The word "sanctified" is qadash (ืงึธื“ึทืฉื), meaning to make holy or set apart. These terms underscore the transformation of ordinary materials into sacred instruments dedicated solely to the service of the Lord, reflecting the absolute holiness of God and the need for purity in approaching Him.

Practical Application

Numbers 7:1 reminds believers today of the importance of dedication and consecration in our spiritual lives. Just as the Tabernacle was meticulously prepared and set apart for God's use, we are called to dedicate ourselves and our resources to Him. The New Testament teaches that believers are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19), emphasizing our personal responsibility to live lives of holiness and devotion. This verse also highlights the significance of order and intentionality in our worship and service, ensuring that everything we do for God is done with reverence and purpose.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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