Numbers 7:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for a sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}, two {H8147} oxen {H1241}, five {H2568} rams {H352}, five {H2568} he goats {H6260}, five {H2568} lambs {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141}: this was the offering {H7133} of Nahshon {H5177} the son {H1121} of Amminadab {H5992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and, for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Nachshon the son of 'Amminadav.

Berean Standard Bible

and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nahshon son of Amminadab.

American Standard Version

and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs a year old: this was the oblation of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:17 meticulously itemizes a portion of the lavish dedication offering presented by Nahshon, the leader of the tribe of Judah, during the consecration of the Tabernacle. Specifically, it details the animals designated for the "sacrifice of peace offerings," showcasing the immense generosity and intentionality in Israelite worship and underscoring the communal and relational aspects of their covenant with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 provides an exhaustive, day-by-day account of the offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders for the dedication of the newly erected Tabernacle. Following its completion and anointing as described in [Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle"), each leader presented identical gifts over twelve consecutive days. Nahshon, representing the tribe of Judah, was the first to present his offering (Numbers 7:12-17), setting the precedent for the eleven subsequent leaders. This repetition emphasizes the unity and equal participation of all tribes in the worship of Yahweh, despite Judah's prominent position. The detailed inventory of each leader's offering, including specific animals for various types of sacrifices, highlights the meticulous nature of Mosaic law and the importance of offerings in establishing and maintaining fellowship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Tabernacle marked a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, signifying God's dwelling among His people and the establishment of a centralized place of worship. The offerings, including the peace offerings mentioned in [Numbers 7:17](/numbers/7-17 "Numbers 7:17 - Nahshon's Peace Offering"), were not merely ritualistic acts but expressions of devotion, gratitude, and covenant loyalty. Peace offerings (Hebrew: *zevah shelamim*) were unique among the sacrifices because a portion was returned to the offerer and the priests for a communal meal, symbolizing fellowship and reconciliation with God. This shared meal was a celebration of *shalom*—wholeness, well-being, and harmony—between God and His people, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness under divine guidance. The sheer scale of the offerings across all twelve tribes (totaling 24 oxen, 60 rams, 60 he-goats, and 60 lambs for peace offerings alone, in addition to other sacrifices) demonstrates the nation's collective commitment to their covenant obligations and their profound reverence for God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _zevah shelamim'_):** This term translates from the Hebrew *zevah* (sacrifice, slaughter) and *shelamim* (plural of *shalom*). The root *shalom* is profoundly rich, signifying not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, completeness, prosperity, harmony, and reconciliation. Thus, a "peace offering" was not primarily about appeasing an angry deity but about celebrating and reinforcing a state of holistic peace, fellowship, and communion with God. It was a voluntary sacrifice, often offered in thanksgiving, for a vow, or as a freewill offering, culminating in a shared meal that symbolized the restoration or affirmation of a right relationship between the offerer, the priests, and God.
* **Lambs of the First Year (Hebrew, _kevasim b'nei shanah'_):** This phrase specifies young, unblemished lambs, typically within their first year of life. The requirement for animals "of the first year" for sacrifices, particularly for burnt offerings and peace offerings, emphasized purity, prime condition, and the giving of the best to God. Such young animals were considered to be at their peak of vitality and innocence, making them fitting representations of the offerer's desire to present a sacrifice without blemish, reflecting the sanctity and perfection demanded in worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings,"**: This initial clause specifies the *purpose* of the animals listed, distinguishing them from other types of sacrifices (like burnt offerings or sin offerings) also presented by Nahshon in the preceding verses. It immediately sets the tone for a communal, fellowship-oriented aspect of the dedication.
* **"two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year:"**: This is a precise enumeration of the animals dedicated specifically for the peace offerings. The quantity (17 animals in total for this single offering type) underscores the lavishness and abundance of Nahshon's contribution, reflecting both his personal generosity and the tribal wealth. The specific types of animals (oxen, rams, he-goats, lambs) adhere to the Levitical prescriptions for peace offerings, demonstrating adherence to divine law.
* **"this [was] the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab."**: This concluding phrase explicitly identifies the donor of this particular offering. Nahshon, as the leader of the tribe of Judah, held a significant position, and his being the first to offer (as detailed in the broader context of Numbers 7) highlights Judah's prominence among the tribes. The phrase serves as an attribution and a summary statement, linking the detailed list of animals directly to the one who presented them.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several key literary devices. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, with the precise listing of each animal type and quantity (two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs). This meticulous detail serves to emphasize the lavishness and exactitude of the offerings, underscoring the importance of adherence to divine instruction and the generosity expected in worship. The device of **Repetition** is also evident when considering Numbers 7 as a whole; the identical listing of offerings for each of the twelve tribal leaders, though only implied in this single verse, is a dominant structural feature of the chapter. This repetition reinforces the unity of the tribes in their worship and their shared commitment to the covenant. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the "peace offerings" themselves, which are not merely animals but represent reconciliation, fellowship, and *shalom* with God. The "lambs of the first year" symbolize purity, innocence, and the giving of the best.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:17, as part of the Tabernacle dedication, powerfully illustrates the themes of generous worship, the pursuit of fellowship with God, and the unity of the Israelite community. The peace offering, in particular, was a unique sacrifice that fostered communion, allowing the offerer to share a meal with God and the priests, symbolizing a state of *shalom*—wholeness and harmony—between the divine and human. This act of giving not only demonstrated obedience but also expressed profound gratitude and a desire for an intimate relationship with Yahweh. The sheer abundance of Nahshon's offering, mirrored by the other tribal leaders, underscores the principle that true worship involves giving one's best, reflecting a heart devoted to God.

* [Leviticus 3:1-17](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Law of Peace Offerings"): Provides the detailed regulations for peace offerings, emphasizing their voluntary nature and the shared meal component.
* [Deuteronomy 12:6-7](/deuteronomy/12-6 "Deuteronomy 12:6-7 - Rejoicing Before the Lord"): Describes the communal feasting on peace offerings at the central sanctuary, highlighting the joy and fellowship associated with these sacrifices.
* [1 Samuel 1:4](/1_samuel/1-4 "1 Samuel 1:4 - Elkanah's Annual Sacrifice"): Illustrates a practical example of a family participating in peace offerings, distributing portions to family members, including Hannah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:17, nestled within the grand narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, invites us to consider the depth and intentionality of our own worship. The peace offering, with its emphasis on communion and *shalom* with God, challenges us to move beyond mere ritual to a genuine pursuit of fellowship. Are our acts of worship, whether in private devotion or corporate gathering, characterized by a desire for wholeness and harmony with our Creator? Do we approach God with generosity, offering not just what is convenient, but our best, as Nahshon did? This verse reminds us that true worship is not just about fulfilling an obligation, but about celebrating the peace and reconciliation we have with God, and expressing that peace through our actions and offerings. It calls us to reflect on the abundance of God's grace and respond with an overflowing heart of gratitude, seeking to live in harmony with Him and with one another.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "peace offerings" inform your understanding of true worship and fellowship with God today?**
* **In what ways can you express generosity and intentionality in your worship, not just financially, but with your time, talents, and heart?**
* **How might a deeper appreciation for the "shalom" that Christ offers transform your daily interactions and relationships?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "peace offering" in ancient Israelite worship?**

Answer: The peace offering (Hebrew: *zevah shelamim*) was a voluntary sacrifice in ancient Israel that primarily symbolized fellowship, reconciliation, and wholeness (*shalom*) between God and the offerer. Unlike burnt offerings (which were entirely consumed by fire) or sin offerings (which atoned for specific transgressions), a significant portion of the peace offering was returned to the offerer and the priests to be eaten in a communal meal. This shared meal was a celebration of the harmonious relationship with God, often offered in thanksgiving, to fulfill a vow, or as a freewill offering. It underscored the joyful and relational aspect of the covenant, allowing the Israelites to "eat before the Lord" in a state of peace and communion, as described in [Deuteronomy 12:6-7](/deuteronomy/12-6 "Deuteronomy 12:6-7 - Rejoicing Before the Lord").

**Why is Nahshon's offering, and the offerings of the other tribal leaders, detailed with such precision?**

Answer: The meticulous detailing of each tribal leader's offering in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Leaders") serves several important purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates the exact adherence to God's commands regarding the Tabernacle's dedication, emphasizing order and obedience in worship. Secondly, the identical nature of each leader's offering, including the specific animals for peace offerings in [Numbers 7:17](/numbers/7-17 "Numbers 7:17 - Nahshon's Peace Offering"), highlights the unity and equality of the twelve tribes before God, despite their individual identities and territories. It shows that all Israel participated equally in the consecration of their central place of worship. Thirdly, the sheer quantity and value of the offerings underscore the immense generosity and devotion expected in worship, reflecting the people's gratitude for God's presence among them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:17, with its focus on the peace offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament peace offerings, which temporarily restored fellowship and celebrated *shalom* between God and humanity through the sacrifice of animals and a shared meal, were but shadows pointing to the reality to come. Jesus, through His singular and perfect sacrifice on the cross, became the definitive "peace offering" for all humanity. As [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") declares, "He himself is our peace." By His death, Christ broke down the wall of hostility, reconciling us to God in one body through the cross (cf. [Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")). The abundance of Nahshon's offering, while significant, pales in comparison to the infinite value of Christ's one-time offering, which secures eternal peace and access to God (cf. [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through faith in Him, we are brought into a permanent state of *shalom* with God, no longer needing animal sacrifices, but able to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace (cf. [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Our worship now is a spiritual offering, a response of gratitude for the profound peace and reconciliation we have received through the Lamb of God (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

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.