What number verse is Numbers 7:15 in the Bible?

Numbers 7:15 is the 3,866th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 7:15 sits at position 3,866.

7:147:14

Numbers 7:15

Q: What was the primary purpose of the burnt offering mentioned in Numbers 7:15?

The primary purpose of the burnt offering (Hebrew: ‘olah) was to symbolize complete devotion, consecration, and total surrender to God. Unlike other sacrifices where portions were consumed by priests or worshipers, the burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with its smoke ascending to God. It expressed the worshiper's desire for full communion with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. While primarily an act of devotion, it also carried a dimension of general atonement, serving as a covering for unintentional sins and expressing a desire for purity before God, as outlined in Leviticus 1. This particular instance in Numbers 7 was part of the national dedication of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the nation's collective commitment and consecration to Yahweh.

7:167:16

Translation

King James Version

One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

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KJV (with Strong's)

One ^H259 young ^H1241 bullock ^H6499, one ^H259 ram ^H352, one ^H259 lamb ^H3532 of the first ^H1121 year ^H8141, for a burnt offering ^H5930:

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Complete Jewish Bible

one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year as a burnt offering,

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Berean Standard Bible

one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering;

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American Standard Version

one young bullock, one ram, one he-lamb a year old, for a burnt-offering;

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World English Bible Messianic

one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

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Geneva Bible (1599)

A yong bullocke, a ram, a lambe of a yeere olde for a burnt offring,

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Young's Literal Translation

one bullock, a son of the herd, one ram, one lamb, a son of a year, for a burnt-offering;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 7:15 meticulously details a specific component of the dedication offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This verse, part of a highly repetitive and precise record, specifies the exact animals—a young bullock, a ram, and a lamb of the first year—designated for the burnt offering. It profoundly underscores the uniformity of commitment required from all of God's people and the deep theological significance of complete devotion, propitiation, and atonement inherent in Israelite worship, thereby establishing a foundational standard for the nation's approach to a holy God.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers 7:15 is embedded within a lengthy and highly repetitive chapter that meticulously records the dedication offerings presented by the leaders of each of Israel's twelve tribes. This chapter immediately follows the completion, anointing, and consecration of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as divinely commanded and detailed in Exodus 40. The dedication ceremony, spanning twelve consecutive days, serves as a powerful demonstration of the unified commitment of the entire nation to the worship of Yahweh. The identical nature of the gifts brought by each tribal leader, including the specific animals for the burnt offering in verse 15, emphasizes the equality of all tribes before God and the standardized, communal nature of their worship. The deliberate repetition throughout Numbers 7 is a literary device that underscores the profound importance, divine precision, and collective obedience inherent in these foundational acts of worship.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events described in Numbers 7 unfold shortly after the momentous exodus from Egyptian bondage and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. Israel is encamped in the wilderness, having recently completed the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as the central locus of worship and the tangible dwelling place of God's holy presence among His people. The dedication of this sacred space was a monumental, inaugural event, signifying the formal commencement of the Levitical sacrificial system and the nation's active participation in their covenant relationship with God. The offerings, particularly the "burnt offering" (Hebrew: ‘olah), were not merely symbolic gestures but prescribed acts of worship deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern cultural practices, yet uniquely interpreted and commanded by Yahweh for Israel. The ‘olah was especially significant as it was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, propitiation, and the worshiper's total surrender to God. The specific animals—a bullock, a ram, and a lamb—were common sacrificial animals, each with varying costs and implications, reflecting the different capacities and occasions for offering, yet here, they are uniformly prescribed for this momentous national dedication.
Key Themes: Numbers 7:15 contributes to several overarching themes present in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Precision and Order, demonstrating God's meticulousness in prescribing the exact nature of worship and Israel's obedient adherence to these commands. Secondly, the uniformity of the offerings underscores the theme of Communal Unity and Equality before God, emphasizing that all tribes, regardless of their size or status, were equally called to contribute to the nation's worship and stood on the same ground before Yahweh. Thirdly, the focus on the Burnt Offering reinforces the theme of Total Devotion and Atonement, signifying the complete surrender of the worshiper to God and the covering of sin, a concept foundational to the sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus 1. This act of worship also reinforces the theme of Covenant Faithfulness, as the nation's obedience in these offerings affirmed their commitment to the covenant established at Mount Sinai.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

One (Hebrew, ʼechâd', H259): Meaning "properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first." In Numbers 7:15, the repeated use of "one" before each animal emphasizes the precise, singular quantity required from each tribal leader. This highlights the uniformity and exactness of the divine command, ensuring that every offering was identical in its composition, thus underscoring the unity and equality of the tribes in their dedication.
Bullock (Hebrew, par', H6499): Meaning "a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)." This term refers to a young male bovine. The bullock was typically the most valuable and costly animal for sacrifice, often reserved for significant communal offerings or atonement for priests and the entire congregation. Its inclusion here signifies the lavishness and profound importance of the Tabernacle's dedication, indicating that the best and most substantial offering was presented to God.
Lamb (Hebrew, kebes', H3532): Meaning "a ram (just old enough to butt); lamb, sheep." This refers to a young male lamb. The specification of a "lamb of the first year" (combining with H1121 bên and H8141 shâneh) emphasizes its youth, vitality, and unblemished condition. Such a lamb was considered pure and perfect, essential qualities for any offering presented to a holy God, and often associated with sin offerings and the Passover sacrifice.
Burnt Offering (Hebrew, ʻôlâh', H5930): Meaning "a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)." This term denotes a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with its smoke ascending to God. Unlike other sacrifices where portions might be eaten, the ‘olah symbolized complete dedication, total surrender, and a general covering for sin, representing the worshiper's desire for full communion and acceptance with a holy God through propitiation.

Verse Breakdown

"One young bullock,": This clause specifies the first and largest animal required for the offering. The singular "one" emphasizes the precise quantity mandated for each tribal leader, contributing to the overall uniformity of the dedication. The "young bullock" signifies a valuable and substantial offering, reflecting the immense importance of the Tabernacle's consecration.
"one ram,": Following the bullock, a ram is specified. Rams were also significant sacrificial animals, often utilized in peace offerings or as substitutes in certain rituals. Again, the singular "one" reinforces the unvarying and exact nature of the offering required from each leader, maintaining consistency across all twelve tribes.
"one lamb of the first year,": This clause details the final animal, a lamb in its prime. The emphasis on "of the first year" highlights the critical requirement for an unblemished, perfect animal, signifying purity, vitality, and the highest possible quality offered to God, essential for acceptance in His presence.
"for a burnt offering:": This concluding phrase clarifies the ultimate purpose of these three animals. They were designated specifically for the ‘olah, meaning they were to be entirely consumed by fire on the altar. This act symbolized complete dedication, total surrender of the worshiper to God, and carried a dimension of propitiation or general atonement, indicating the worshiper's desire for acceptance and purification before a holy God.

Literary Devices

Numbers 7:15, as an integral part of its larger chapter, prominently employs several literary devices to convey its message. Repetition is the most striking, as the entire chapter meticulously repeats the identical list of offerings for each of the twelve tribal leaders, with verse 15 being a specific instance of this recurring pattern. This Repetition serves to emphasize the uniformity of the offerings, highlighting the equality of all tribes before God and the standardized nature of their worship. It also underscores the meticulousness of God's commands and the Israelites' precise obedience. Enumeration is evident in the precise listing of each animal ("One young bullock, one ram, one lamb"), ensuring clarity and leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the required sacrifice. Furthermore, the animals themselves function as Symbolism. The unblemished nature of the animals, particularly the "lamb of the first year," symbolizes purity, perfection, and vitality, which are essential qualities for approaching a holy God and inherently foreshadowing the ultimate perfect sacrifice. The very act of the "burnt offering" itself is a powerful Symbolism of complete surrender, devotion, and propitiation, signifying the worshiper's total commitment and desire for acceptance.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 7:15, situated within the grand narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, powerfully articulates several core theological truths. It highlights God's meticulousness in prescribing worship, emphasizing that approaching a holy God requires adherence to divine standards, not human invention or preference. The uniformity of the offerings across all tribal leaders underscores the profound principle of equality before God; regardless of tribal prominence or individual wealth, all Israel stood on the same ground of humble obedience and shared dedication. This act of "burnt offering" signifies complete devotion, a total surrender of the best to God, and carries a dimension of general atonement, symbolizing a covering for sin and a desire for purity in God's sight. It is a profound act of worship, demonstrating the nation's collective commitment to their covenant relationship with Yahweh and establishing a pattern for future generations.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 7:15, while detailing ancient sacrificial practices, offers profound insights for contemporary believers concerning the nature of true worship and dedication. The meticulousness of God's instructions reminds us that our approach to Him should be intentional, reverent, and aligned with His revealed will, not merely our preferences or convenience. The "burnt offering," consumed entirely by fire, symbolizes a complete surrender of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and deepest desires—to God. It challenges us to honestly consider if we are offering God our "best" or merely what is convenient or leftover. This verse calls us to a wholehearted commitment, not a partial one, to live lives of full devotion as our reasonable service, recognizing that true worship involves the totality of our being. Furthermore, the uniformity of offerings across all tribes speaks powerfully to the unity of the body of Christ. Just as each tribe contributed the same, so too are all believers equally valued and called to offer their unique gifts in common dedication to God, fostering a spirit of humility, shared purpose, and mutual edification in worship and service.

Questions for Reflection

In what specific areas of my life am I holding back from complete surrender to God, rather than offering a "burnt offering" of full devotion?
How does the meticulousness of God's instructions for worship in Numbers 7 challenge my own approach to personal and corporate worship practices today?
Considering the uniformity of the offerings among the tribes, how can I better recognize and affirm the equal value and unique contribution of every member within the body of Christ?

FAQ

What was the primary purpose of the burnt offering mentioned in Numbers 7:15?

Answer: The primary purpose of the burnt offering (Hebrew: ‘olah) was to symbolize complete devotion, consecration, and total surrender to God. Unlike other sacrifices where portions were consumed by priests or worshipers, the burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, with its smoke ascending to God. It expressed the worshiper's desire for full communion with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. While primarily an act of devotion, it also carried a dimension of general atonement, serving as a covering for unintentional sins and expressing a desire for purity before God, as outlined in Leviticus 1. This particular instance in Numbers 7 was part of the national dedication of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the nation's collective commitment and consecration to Yahweh.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 7:15, with its detailed description of the unblemished animals required for a burnt offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The requirement for a "young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year"—animals without blemish or defect—powerfully foreshadows the sinless perfection of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Just as the burnt offering was entirely consumed, symbolizing complete dedication and propitiation, Christ's sacrifice on the cross was a complete and perfect act of self-giving, fully satisfying God's righteous demands and providing a definitive, once-for-all atonement for sin, as the author of Hebrews 10:10-14 profoundly teaches. The ascending smoke of the ‘olah symbolized the offering "going up" to God, and similarly, Christ's ascension to the Father after His atoning work signifies the divine acceptance of His sacrifice and His ongoing intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). The uniformity of the offerings from each tribe in Numbers 7 also points to the universal access to God provided through Christ; in Him, all believers, regardless of background or earthly status, are equally accepted and united in their offering of themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). Thus, the ancient ritual of Numbers 7:15 finds its glorious and final meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

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Commentary on Numbers 7 verses 10–89

10 ¶ 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.

11 And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.

12 And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:

13 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

14 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:

15 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

16 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

17 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

18 On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer:

19 He offered for his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

20 One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:

21 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

22 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

23 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:

25 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

26 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

27 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

28 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

29 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.

30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:

31 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

32 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

33 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

34 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

35 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.

36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:

37 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

38 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

39 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

40 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

41 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

42 On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:

43 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

44 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

45 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

46 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

47 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered:

49 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

50 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

51 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

52 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

53 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:

55 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

56 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

58 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

59 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:

61 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

62 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

63 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

64 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

65 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.

66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered:

67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

68 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

69 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

70 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

71 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered:

73 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

74 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

75 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

76 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

77 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran.

78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:

79 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

80 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

81 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

82 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

83 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

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:

85 Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

86 The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and twenty shekels.

87 All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.

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.

89 And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We have here an account of the great solemnity of dedicating the altars, both that of burnt-offerings and that of incense; they had been sanctified before, when they were anointed (Lev 8:10, Lev 8:11), but now they were handselled, as it were, by the princes, with their free-will offerings. They began the use of them with rich presents, great expressions of joy and gladness, and extraordinary respect to those tokens of God's presence with them. Now observe here,

I. That the princes and great men were first and forwardest in the service of God. Those that are entitled to precedency should go before in good works, and that is true honour. Here is an example to the nobility and gentry, those that are in authority and of the first rank in their country; they ought to improve their honour and power, their estate and interest, for the promoting of religion, and the service of God, in the places where they live. It is justly expected that those who have more than others should do more good than others with what they have, else they are unfaithful stewards, and will not make up their account with joy. Nay, great men must not only with their wealth and power assist and protect those that serve God, but they must make conscience of being devout and religious themselves, and employing themselves in the exercises of piety, which will greatly redound to the honour of God (Psa 138:4, Psa 138:5), and have a good influence upon others, who will be the more easily persuaded to acts of devotion when they see them thus brought into reputation. It is certain that the greatest of men is less than the least of the ordinances of God; nor are the meanest services of religion any disparagement to those that make the greatest figure in the world.

II. The offerings they brought were very rich and valuable, so rich that some think there was not so great a difference in estate between them and others as that they were able to bear the expense of them themselves, but that the heads of each tribe contributed to the offering which their prince brought.

1.They brought some things to remain for standing service, twelve large silver dishes, each about sixty ounces weight, as many large silver cups, or bowls, of about thirty-five ounces - the former to be used for the meat-offerings, the latter for the drink-offerings - the former for the flesh of the sacrifices, the latter for the blood. The latter was God's table (as it were), and it was fit that so great a King should be served in plate. The golden spoons being filled with incense were intended, it is probable, for the service of the golden altar, for both the altars were anointed at the same time. Note, In works of piety and charity we ought to be generous according as our ability is. He that is the best should be served with the best we have. The Israelites indeed might well afford to part with their gold and silver in abundance to the service of the sanctuary, for they needed it not to buy meat and victual their camp, being daily fed with bread from heaven; nor did they need it to buy land, or pay their army, for they were shortly to be put in possession of Canaan.

2.They brought some things to be used immediately, offerings of each sort, burnt-offerings, sin-offerings, and a great many peace-offerings (on part of which they were to feast with their friends), and the meat-offerings that were to be annexed to them. Hereby they signified their thankful acceptance of, and cheerful submission to, all those laws concerning the sacrifices which God had lately by Moses delivered to them. And, though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet it is observable that still in the midst of their sacrifices we find a sin-offering. Since in our best services we are conscious to ourselves that there is a mixture of sin, it is fit that there should be even in our most joyful services a mixture of repentance. In all our approaches to God, we must by faith have an eye to Christ as the great sin-offering, and make mention of him.

3.They brought their offerings each on a separate day, in the order that they had been lately put into, so that the solemnity lasted twelve days. So God appointed (Num 7:11): They shall bring their offering, each prince on his day, and so they did. One sabbath must needs fall within the twelve days, if not two, but it should seem they did not intermit on the sabbath, for it was holy work, proper enough for a holy day. God appointed that it should thus be done on several days, (1.) That solemnity might be prolonged, and so might be universally taken notice of by all Israel, and the remembrance of it more effectually preserved. (2.) That an equal honour might thereby be put upon each tribe respectively; in Aaron's breast-plate each had his precious stone, so in this offering each had his day. (3.) Thus it would be done more decently and in order; God's work should not be done confusedly, and in a hurry; take time, and we shall have done the sooner, or at least we shall have done the better. (4.) God hereby signified how much pleased he is, and how much pleased we should be, with the exercises of piety and devotion. The repetition of them should be a continual pleasure to us, and we must not be weary of well doing. If extraordinary service be required to be done for twelve days together, we must not shrink from it, nor call it a task and a burden. (5.) The priests and Levites, having this occasion to offer the same sacrifices, and those some of every sort, every day, for so many days together, would have their hands well set in, and would be well versed in the laws concerning them. (6.) The peace-offerings were all to be eaten the same day they were offered, and two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs, were enough for one day's festival; had there been more, especially if all had been brought on one day, there might have been danger of excess. The virtue of temperance must not be left, under pretence of the religion of feasting.

4.All their offerings were exactly the same, without any variation, though it is probable that neither the princes nor the tribes were all alike rich; but thus it was intimated that all the tribes of Israel had an equal share in the altar, and an equal interest in the sacrifices that were offered upon it. Though one tribe was posted more honourably in the camp than another, yet they and their services were all alike acceptable to God. Nor must we have faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect to persons, Jam 2:1.

5.Nahshon, the prince of the tribe of Judah, offered first, because God had given that tribe the first post of honour in the camp; and the rest of the tribes acquiesced, and offered in the same order in which God had appointed them to encamp. Judah, of which tribe Christ came, first, and then the rest; thus, in the dedication of souls to God, every man is presented in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, Co1 15:23. Some observe that Nahshon is the only one that is not expressly called a prince (Num 7:12), which the Jews give this account of: he is not called a prince, that he might not be puffed up because he offered first; and all the others are called princes because they (though some of them of the elder house) submitted, and offered after him. Or, because the title of prince of Judah did more properly belong to Christ, for unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

6.Though the offerings were all the same, yet the account of them is repeated at large for each tribe, in the same words. We are sure there are no vain repetitions in scripture; what then shall we make of these repetitions? Might it not have served to say of this noble jury that the same offering which their foreman brought each on his day brought likewise? No, God would have it specified for each tribe: and why so? (1.) It was for the encouragement of these princes, and of their respective tribes, that each of their offerings being recorded at large no slight might seem to be put upon them; for rich and poor meet together before God. (2.) It was for the encouragement of all generous acts of piety and charity, by letting us know that what is so given is lent to the Lord, and he carefully records it, with every one's name prefixed to his gift, because what is so given he will pay again, and even a cup of cold water shall have its reward. He is not unrighteous, to forget either the cost or the labour of love, Heb 6:10. We find Christ taking particular notice of what was cast into the treasury, Mar 12:41. Though what is offered be but little, though it be a contribution to the charity of others, yet if it be according to our ability it shall be recorded, that it may be recompensed in the resurrection of the just.

7.The sum total is added at the foot of the account (Num 7:84-88), to show how much God was pleased with the mention of his freewill-offerings, and what a great deal they amounted to in the whole, when every prince brought in his quota! How greatly would the sanctuary of God be enriched and beautified if all would in their places do their part towards it, by exemplary purity and devotion, extensive charity, and universal usefulness!

8.God signified his gracious acceptance of these presents that were brought him, by speaking familiarly to Moses, as a man speaks to his friend, from off the mercy-seat (Num 7:89, Num 12:8); and in speaking to him he did in effect speak to all Israel, showing them this token for good, Psa 103:7. Note, By this we may know that God hears and accepts our prayers if he gives us grace to hear and receive his word, for thus our communion with him is maintained and kept up. I know not why we may not suppose that upon each of the days on which these offerings were brought (probably while the priests and offerers were feasting upon the peace-offerings) Moses was in the tabernacle, receiving some of those laws and orders which we have already met with in this and the foregoing book. And here the excellent bishop Patrick observes that God's speaking to Moses thus by an audible articulate voice, as if he had been clothed with a holy body, might be looked upon as an earnest of the incarnation of the Son of God in the fulness of time, when the Word should be made flesh, and speak in the language of the sons of men. For, however God at sundry times and in divers manners spoke unto the fathers, he has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. And that he who now spoke to Moses, as the shechinah or divine Majesty, from between the cherubim, was the eternal Word, the second person in the Trinity, was the pious conjecture of many of the ancients; for all God's communion with man is by his Son, by whom he made the world, and rules the church, and who is the same yesterday, today, and for ever.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–89. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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1 Peter 3:18
¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Isaiah 53:10
¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Isaiah 53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
1 Peter 1:18
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1 Peter 1:19
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Romans 5:6
¶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.