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 details a specific portion of the dedication offering presented by Nahshon, the esteemed leader of the tribe of Judah, during the consecration of the newly erected Tabernacle. This verse precisely enumerates the animals designated for the "sacrifice of peace offerings," highlighting the lavish generosity and intentionality characteristic of Israelite worship, and profoundly underscoring the communal and relational dimensions of their covenant relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 provides an extensive, day-by-day chronicle of the dedication offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders for the newly completed Tabernacle. Following its anointing and the descent of God's glory as described in [Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34-38 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle"), each tribal leader presented an identical set of gifts over twelve consecutive days. Nahshon, representing the prominent tribe of Judah, was divinely appointed as the first to present his offering (cf. [Numbers 7:12-17](/numbers/7-12-17 "Numbers 7:12-17 - Nahshon's Offering")), thereby setting a precedent for the subsequent eleven leaders. The deliberate repetition of the detailed inventory for each leader's offering throughout the chapter serves to emphasize the unity and equal participation of all tribes in the worship of Yahweh, even as it subtly highlights Judah's preeminent position. This meticulous cataloging of animals for various types of sacrifices underscores the precise nature of Mosaic law and the profound importance of offerings in establishing and maintaining fellowship and covenant fidelity with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Tabernacle represented a monumental milestone in Israel's wilderness journey, symbolizing God's tangible presence dwelling among His people and the establishment of a singular, centralized locus of worship. The offerings, particularly the peace offerings itemized in [Numbers 7:17](/numbers/7-17 "Numbers 7:17 - Nahshon's Peace Offering"), transcended mere ritual; they were profound expressions of devotion, profound gratitude, and unwavering covenant loyalty. Peace offerings (Hebrew: *zevah shelamim*) held a unique place among the various sacrifices because a significant portion was returned to the offerer and the priests for a communal meal. This shared meal was a vibrant symbol of fellowship and reconciliation with God, serving as a joyous celebration of *shalom*—a holistic state of wholeness, well-being, and harmony—between the divine and human. It fostered a deep sense of unity and shared identity among the Israelites as they collectively journeyed through the wilderness under divine guidance. The sheer magnitude of the total offerings across all twelve tribes, including 24 oxen, 60 rams, 60 he-goats, and 60 lambs for peace offerings alone, in addition to numerous other sacrifices, powerfully demonstrates the nation's collective commitment to their covenant obligations and their profound reverence for God.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Obedience**, as the offerings strictly adhere to the Levitical prescriptions for sacrifices, showcasing Israel's commitment to following God's detailed instructions for worship and Tabernacle service. Secondly, the emphasis on the peace offering underscores the theme of **Fellowship and Reconciliation with God**. The *shalom* inherent in these offerings points to the desired state of harmony and communion between God and His people, a central aspiration of the covenant relationship. Thirdly, the lavishness of Nahshon's offering, mirrored by the other tribal leaders, exemplifies the theme of **Generous and Sacrificial Worship**. It demonstrates that true worship involves giving one's best, reflecting a heart overflowing with gratitude and devotion. Finally, the collective and identical nature of the tribal offerings, though only one is detailed here, reinforces the theme of **Unity and Corporate Identity** within the Israelite community, emphasizing their shared participation in the covenant and their unified approach to Yahweh's worship. This dedication event, with its meticulous details, solidifies the foundation for Israel's ongoing life as a covenant people under God's watchful care, as seen in the subsequent journeys and laws detailed in [Numbers 8](/numbers/8 "Numbers 8 - The Lamps and Levites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shelem'_):** From the root `H8002`, this term denotes a "requital" or a "voluntary sacrifice in thanks." While often translated as "peace offering" (pluralized in English as "peace offerings"), the singular Hebrew term *shelem* is deeply connected to *shalom*, signifying wholeness, completeness, well-being, and harmony. Thus, this sacrifice was not primarily for atonement but for celebrating an existing state of reconciliation and fellowship with God, often offered in thanksgiving, for a vow, or as a freewill offering. It culminated in a communal meal, symbolizing the joyful communion between the offerer, the priests, and God.
* **Oxen (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** Derived from `H1241`, this term refers to "beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing)." Collectively, it can mean a herd. Oxen were among the largest and most valuable animals used for sacrifice, signifying the substantial nature of the offering and the wealth dedicated to God. Their inclusion in peace offerings, alongside smaller animals, demonstrates the breadth of acceptable offerings and the lavishness of Nahshon's contribution.
* **Lambs (Hebrew, _kebes'_):** From `H3532`, this word describes a "ram (just old enough to butt)" or a "lamb." The specification "of the first year" (though "lambs" itself is the key word here) further emphasizes their youth, purity, and prime condition. Lambs were frequently used in various sacrifices due to their symbolic innocence and vulnerability, making them fitting representations of a blemish-free offering presented to a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the specific category of sacrifice, distinguishing it from other types of offerings (e.g., burnt offerings, sin offerings) that Nahshon also presented. It highlights that the subsequent enumeration of animals is dedicated to fostering and celebrating fellowship and *shalom* with God, setting a tone of communion and gratitude.
* **"two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year:"**: This clause provides a precise and detailed inventory of the animals designated for the peace offering. The specific quantities (two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs—totaling seventeen animals for this single offering type) underscore the extraordinary generosity and abundance of Nahshon's contribution. The variety of animals listed adheres to the specific requirements and allowances for peace offerings outlined in Levitical law, demonstrating meticulous obedience to divine instruction. The phrase "of the first year" for the lambs emphasizes their unblemished, prime condition, signifying the giving of the very best to God.
* **"this [was] the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab."**: This concluding statement serves as a clear attribution, identifying the specific tribal leader responsible for this particular, lavish offering. Nahshon, as the chieftain of the tribe of Judah, held a position of significant prominence, and his being the first to present his offering in the dedication sequence (as detailed in the broader context of Numbers 7) further highlights Judah's leading role among the tribes of Israel. This phrase acts as a concise summary, firmly linking the detailed list of animals to their generous donor.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several key literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **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, exactitude, and comprehensive nature of the offerings, underscoring the importance of adherence to divine instruction and the generosity expected in worship. The broader context of Numbers 7 reveals the device of **Repetition**, as the identical listing of offerings for each of the twelve tribal leaders, though only one is detailed in this specific verse, is a dominant structural feature of the chapter. This repetition powerfully 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 profound representations of reconciliation, fellowship, and *shalom* with God. The "lambs of the first year" symbolize purity, innocence, and the giving of the very best to the Lord, reflecting the sanctity and perfection demanded in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:17, situated within the grand narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, powerfully illuminates the enduring theological themes of generous worship, the profound pursuit of fellowship with God, and the essential unity of the Israelite community. The peace offering, in particular, was a unique sacrifice designed to foster intimate communion, allowing the offerer to partake in a sacred meal with God and the priests. This act symbolized a state of *shalom*—a holistic sense of wholeness, harmony, and well-being—between the divine and human. This act of giving not only demonstrated faithful obedience to God's commands but also served as a profound expression of gratitude and an earnest desire for an intimate, thriving relationship with Yahweh. The sheer abundance and meticulous detail of Nahshon's offering, mirrored by the other tribal leaders, powerfully underscores the timeless biblical principle that true worship involves giving one's very best, reflecting a heart fully devoted to God and His purposes.

* [Leviticus 3:1-17](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Law of Peace Offerings"): Provides the foundational and detailed regulations for peace offerings, emphasizing their voluntary nature, the specific portions for God, priests, and offerers, and the communal meal component.
* [Deuteronomy 12:6-7](/deuteronomy/12-6-7 "Deuteronomy 12:6-7 - Rejoicing Before the Lord"): Describes the joyful communal feasting on peace offerings at the central sanctuary, highlighting the celebratory and fellowship-oriented aspects associated with these sacrifices.
* [Psalm 116:17](/psalm/116-17 "Psalm 116:17 - Offering Sacrifices of Thanksgiving"): Expresses the spiritual posture of offering "sacrifices of thanksgiving," which aligns with the voluntary and grateful nature of peace offerings.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:17, embedded within the sweeping narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, serves as a profound invitation for us to contemplate the depth, intentionality, and generosity of our own worship. The peace offering, with its profound emphasis on communion and the pursuit of *shalom* with God, challenges us to transcend mere ritual and cultivate a genuine, heartfelt pursuit of fellowship with our Creator. We are prompted to ask ourselves: Are our acts of worship, whether in the quiet solitude of private devotion or the vibrant fellowship of corporate gathering, truly characterized by a deep yearning for wholeness and harmony with God? Do we approach God with a spirit of genuine generosity, offering not merely what is convenient or leftover, but our very best, just as Nahshon did? This verse powerfully reminds us that authentic worship is not simply about fulfilling an obligation or adhering to a prescribed form; it is fundamentally about celebrating the profound peace and reconciliation we have been graciously granted with God, and expressing that peace through our actions, our offerings, and our very lives. It issues a compelling call to reflect deeply on the boundless abundance of God's grace and to respond with an overflowing heart of gratitude, continually seeking to live in harmonious relationship with Him and with one another.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "peace offerings" in Numbers 7:17 deepen your understanding of true worship and the nature of fellowship with God today?**
* **In what tangible ways can you cultivate a spirit of greater generosity and intentionality in your worship, extending beyond financial contributions to include your time, talents, and the devotion of your heart?**
* **Considering the holistic *shalom* that Christ offers, how might a deeper appreciation for this peace transform your daily interactions and relationships with others?**

### 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/12-6-7 "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 profound gratitude for God's presence among them and their commitment to the covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:17, with its profound focus on the peace offering and the pursuit of *shalom* with God, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament peace offerings, which temporarily restored fellowship and celebrated a measure of *shalom* between God and humanity through the sacrifice of animals and a shared meal, were but prophetic shadows pointing to the glorious reality to come. Jesus, through His singular, perfect, and all-sufficient 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") resoundingly declares, "He himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." By His sacrificial 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 and value of Nahshon's offering, while significant in its context, pale in comparison to the infinite, eternal value of Christ's one-time offering, which secures everlasting peace and direct access to God's presence (cf. [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through faith in Him, we are brought into a permanent, unbroken 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 living sacrifice of gratitude and devotion, a joyful response to 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.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 5:19

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Leviticus 3:1

¶ And if his oblation [be] a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer [it] of the herd; whether [it be] a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

Leviticus 3:17

[It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.