Numbers 7:10

ΒΆ 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.

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}.

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

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

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

Numbers 7:10 records a significant moment in Israel's wilderness journey: the dedication of the newly consecrated altar. This verse highlights the immediate response of the tribal leaders to God's command regarding the Tabernacle, emphasizing their active participation in the nation's worship life.

Context

This verse is part of Numbers chapter 7, which meticulously details the offerings brought by the twelve princes (heads of the tribes of Israel) for the dedication of the Tabernacle. Following its completion and anointing, as described in Exodus 40, the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar, were set apart for sacred service. The offerings of the princes, spanning twelve days, were a corporate act of worship and provision, establishing the practical means for atonement and communion with God in the wilderness.

Key Themes

  • Dedication and Consecration: The primary theme is the act of setting apart the altar for holy use. This wasn't merely a functional inauguration but a spiritual consecration, marking the altar as the central place for sacrifices and offerings, bridging the gap between God and His people.
  • Leadership and Responsibility: The "princes" (or tribal leaders) took the initiative in bringing these offerings. Their actions demonstrate the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding the people in worship and fulfilling divine commands, setting an example for the entire community.
  • Voluntary Offering: While part of a larger plan, the act of "offering" was a voluntary expression of devotion. It underscores the principle that true worship involves a willing heart and the giving of one's resources to God, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., 2 Corinthians 9:7).
  • Divine Order: The detailed account in Numbers 7, including this verse, highlights God's meticulous instructions for worship and the Israelites' obedience in following them. This order ensured that their approach to God was according to His revealed will.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "offered" is qarab (Χ§Χ¨Χ‘), meaning "to draw near" or "to bring near." This emphasizes that the purpose of the offering was to facilitate drawing near to God, making it a relational act.
  • The term "dedicating" comes from the Hebrew root chanukkah (Χ—Χ Χ•Χ›Χ”), meaning "inauguration" or "consecration." This is the same root for the later Jewish festival of Hanukkah, commemorating the rededication of the Temple. Here, it signifies the formal setting apart of the altar for its sacred purpose.
  • "Anointed" is from the Hebrew mashach (ΧžΧ©Χ—), meaning "to smear" or "to anoint." Anointing with oil was a symbolic act of consecration, signifying that the object or person was set apart by God for a specific holy purpose, imbued with His presence or authority.

Practical Application

Numbers 7:10 reminds believers today of the significance of dedication in their own lives. Just as the altar was set apart for God's use, we are called to dedicate our lives, talents, and resources to Him (compare Romans 12:1). The willingness of the princes to lead in generous giving serves as an example for spiritual leaders and all believers to participate actively and sacrificially in the work of God. It highlights that our worship is not just about words but also about tangible acts of devotion and obedience, demonstrating our commitment to God's purposes in the world.

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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

    ΒΆ 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

    ΒΆ 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.
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