Numbers 7:10

KJV

¶ And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The leaders brought the offering for dedicating the altar on the day it was anointed. The leaders brought their offering before the altar,

Berean Standard Bible

When the altar was anointed, the leaders approached with their offerings for its dedication and presented them before the altar.

American Standard Version

And the princes offered for the dedication of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their oblation before the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:10 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing the immediate and significant participation of the tribal leaders in the dedication of the newly consecrated altar. This verse highlights their proactive role in establishing the Tabernacle's sacrificial system, underscoring the importance of leadership, corporate worship, and the meticulous adherence to divine commands in setting apart sacred spaces for communion with God. It serves as an introduction to the extensive account of the princes' offerings that follow, emphasizing the spiritual readiness and communal commitment to God's dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:10 serves as the introductory verse to an extended narrative (Numbers 7:10-88) that meticulously details the dedication offerings brought by the twelve tribal princes. This chapter immediately follows the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as described in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Completion and Anointing of the Tabernacle"). The preceding chapters in Numbers (1-6) focus on the organization of the Israelite camp, the census, and various laws concerning purity and Nazirite vows, all preparing the nation for their journey and proper worship. The offerings in Numbers 7 are a direct response to God's command to set apart the Tabernacle for sacred service, establishing the practical means for atonement and communion with God in the wilderness. The repetition of the offerings, tribe by tribe over twelve days, underscores the thoroughness of their obedience and the corporate nature of their devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in Israel's history, they are encamped at Mount Sinai, having recently received the Law and completed the construction of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, symbolized God's dwelling presence among His people. The altar, specifically the bronze altar for burnt offerings, was the central piece of furniture in the outer court, critical for the sacrificial system that atoned for sin and allowed the people to approach a holy God. The act of anointing with oil, as commanded in [Exodus 30:22-29](/exodus/30-22 "Exodus 30:22-29 - The Anointing Oil and its Use"), was a common practice in the ancient Near East for consecrating objects or persons for sacred use, but for Israel, it was specifically commanded by Yahweh to signify divine appointment and holiness. The "princes" were the heads of the twelve tribes, holding significant authority and responsibility in leading the nation, and their offerings were a public demonstration of their commitment and the nation's collective devotion to God's established worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offered (Hebrew, _qarab'_):** This verb means "to draw near," "to bring near," or "to present." In the context of offerings, it signifies the act of bringing something to God, not merely as a gift, but as a means of approaching Him. It emphasizes the relational aspect of worship, where the offering facilitates a closer relationship or communion with the divine. The princes' act of offering was therefore an act of drawing near to God on behalf of the nation.
* **Dedicating (Hebrew, _chanukkah'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to train" or "to inaugurate," this term specifically refers to the formal consecration or inauguration of a new building, altar, or other sacred object. It implies setting something apart for a holy purpose, making it exclusive for divine service. This is the same root that gives us the later Jewish festival of Hanukkah, commemorating the rededication of the Temple. Here, it marks the altar's transition from a mere construction to a divinely appointed instrument of worship.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mashach'_):** Meaning "to smear" or "to rub with oil," this term denotes a symbolic act of consecration. Anointing with sacred oil signified that an object or person was set apart by God, imbued with His presence, authority, or Spirit, and designated for a specific holy purpose. For the altar, anointing made it holy and fit for God's service, signifying that it was now divinely approved and empowered for its sacred function.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the princes offered":** This opening clause immediately identifies the agents of the action: the "princes" or tribal leaders. Their prominent role signifies that this was a corporate act of leadership, demonstrating their initiative and responsibility in establishing the nation's worship life. Their offering was a public and authoritative act, setting an example for the entire community.
* **"for dedicating of the altar":** This clarifies the specific purpose of their offering: the formal consecration and inauguration of the altar. This act was crucial, as the altar was the central place for sacrifices, essential for atonement and communion with God. The dedication formally set it apart as holy, making it fit for its sacred function.
* **"in the day that it was anointed":** This phrase specifies the precise timing of the offering. It occurred on the very day the altar was consecrated through anointing, highlighting the immediate response of the leaders to God's command and the spiritual readiness of the altar for service. The anointing marked its divine approval and holiness, and the offering immediately followed to activate its purpose.
* **"even the princes offered their offering before the altar.":** The repetition of "the princes offered" underscores the emphasis on their active and willing participation. The phrase "before the altar" signifies that their offerings were presented directly at the newly consecrated site, reinforcing the altar's centrality and their personal engagement with the act of worship and provision. This reiteration serves to highlight the significance of their leadership and the solemnity of the occasion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **repetition** as a primary literary device, specifically the phrase "the princes offered" and the repeated mention of "the altar." This doubling serves to emphasize the active role and commitment of the tribal leaders in the dedication ceremony, reinforcing their agency and the corporate nature of the act. It also underscores the singular focus and centrality of the altar as the object of this significant consecration. The meticulous detail in Numbers 7, including this verse, also utilizes **emphasis** to highlight the divine order and the Israelites' obedience in following God's precise instructions for worship. The specific mention of "the day that it was anointed" adds a layer of precision, underscoring the divine timing and the immediate readiness for sacred service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:10 encapsulates profound theological themes central to Israel's relationship with God and, by extension, to Christian faith. The dedication of the altar signifies the importance of consecration—setting apart what is holy for God's exclusive use. This act was not merely functional but spiritual, establishing the means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God. The proactive and voluntary offerings of the princes underscore the principle that true worship involves a willing heart and the generous giving of one's resources, demonstrating a commitment to God's revealed will. This commitment, led by those in authority, highlights the crucial role of spiritual leadership in guiding the community in acts of devotion and obedience, ensuring that worship is conducted according to divine order.

* [Exodus 40:9](/exodus/40-9 "Anointing of the Tabernacle and its Furnishings")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "Cheerful Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:10 invites believers today to reflect on the nature of dedication and worship in their own lives. Just as the altar was set apart for God's holy use, we are called to consecrate our entire beings—our bodies, minds, talents, and resources—as living sacrifices to Him. The willing and immediate response of the princes, leading by example in generous giving, challenges us to consider our own participation in God's work. Are we proactive in our devotion, or do we wait to be prompted? Do our acts of worship extend beyond words to tangible expressions of obedience and generosity? This verse reminds us that true worship is not merely an intellectual assent but a holistic, active, and often sacrificial commitment that demonstrates our love and reverence for God. It encourages us, whether in leadership or as individual members of the body of Christ, to contribute actively and joyfully to the purposes of God's kingdom, recognizing that our offerings facilitate a deeper communion with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the dedication of the altar in Numbers 7:10 inform our understanding of personal consecration in the Christian life?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, actively "offer our offering" before God today, mirroring the princes' devotion?**
* **What role do spiritual leaders play in encouraging and modeling genuine worship and generosity within the community of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why is the dedication of the altar so important in Numbers 7?**

Answer: The dedication of the altar was supremely important because the altar was the central point of the sacrificial system, which was the divinely appointed means for Israel to atone for sin and maintain communion with a holy God. Its dedication, immediately following its anointing, signified its spiritual readiness and God's acceptance of it as the designated place for His people to approach Him. Without a properly consecrated altar, the entire system of sacrifices, which was the heart of Israel's worship and the means of forgiveness, could not function according to God's meticulous instructions. It established the practical and spiritual pathway for dealing with sin and drawing near to God in the wilderness, as detailed throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Laws and Sacrifices").

**What is the significance of the "princes" bringing these offerings?**

Answer: The "princes" were the heads of the twelve tribes, representing the entire nation of Israel. Their active and voluntary participation in bringing these substantial offerings demonstrated corporate responsibility, national unity, and the critical importance of leadership in spiritual matters. Their actions were not merely symbolic; they provided the necessary resources for the Tabernacle's ongoing service and set a powerful example of devotion and obedience for all the people. This highlights that true worship involves the whole community, led by those in authority, in fulfilling God's commands, as seen in the willing offerings for the Tabernacle's construction in [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Willing Offerings for the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dedication of the altar in Numbers 7:10, a place consecrated for the offering of sacrifices to atone for sin and facilitate communion with God, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament altar, though essential, required continuous offerings, pointing to an inherent incompleteness. Christ, the ultimate "Anointed One," is both the perfect High Priest and the perfect sacrifice. His single, decisive offering of Himself on the cross is the true "dedication" that forever makes access to God possible, as highlighted in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). Through His once-for-all sacrifice, we are sanctified, no longer needing animal sacrifices or physical altars for atonement, for by His will, we "have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Sanctified by Christ's Offering")). The altar's anointing foreshadows Christ, who was anointed by the Holy Spirit for His redemptive mission. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through Him, we now have confident access to the very throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus Our Great High Priest")). The provisional dedication of the altar thus anticipates the definitive and eternal consecration achieved through Christ's finished work, establishing a new and living way to God.

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

2 Chronicles 7:9

And in the eighth day they made a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.

Deuteronomy 20:5

And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man [is there] that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

Nehemiah 12:27

¶ And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, [with] cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

1 Kings 8:63

And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 7:5

And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

Numbers 7:1

¶ 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;

Nehemiah 12:43

Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.