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Commentary on Numbers 7 verses 10–89
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.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 7:18 meticulously records the specific contribution of Nethaneel, the prince of the tribe of Issachar, on the second day of the Tabernacle's dedication. This verse is an integral part of a comprehensive twelve-day account detailing the identical offerings brought by each tribal leader, underscoring the systematic order, communal participation, and profound importance of worship and dedication in ancient Israelite life. It highlights the crucial role of representative leadership in acts of devotion and the collective commitment of the tribes to the newly established sanctuary, which served as the focal point of God's presence among His people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage, as part of a larger list of tribal offerings, primarily employs Repetition and Enumeration. The identical structural phrasing used for each day's offering (e.g., "On the first day... On the second day... On the third day...") creates a powerful sense of order, completeness, and meticulous record-keeping. This Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, emphasizes the systematic and divinely ordained nature of the dedication process. The detailed listing of each prince, their lineage, and their tribe serves as a form of Cataloguing, highlighting the participation of every segment of the Israelite community. This precise and formulaic presentation underscores the divine mandate for order and the importance of each tribe's unique, yet unified, contribution to the worship of Yahweh. The very act of naming each prince and tribe also serves as a form of Affirmation, acknowledging their leadership and their significant role in the national covenant.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:18, embedded within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, profoundly illustrates the theological principles of divine order, communal worship, and representative leadership. God's meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and dedication underscore His desire for an ordered and holy relationship with His people. The offerings, presented through tribal princes, highlight the concept of corporate responsibility and the vital role of leadership in guiding a community in its devotion. This act of dedication signifies Israel's commitment to the covenant and their willingness to support the communal worship of God, recognizing that all blessings and the very ability to give come from Him. It also foreshadows the principle that true worship involves sacrificial giving from a willing heart.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple record of Nethaneel's offering on the second day of the Tabernacle dedication carries profound implications for contemporary faith. It reminds us that our worship, whether corporate or individual, should be marked by intentionality, order, and a spirit of dedication. Just as Nethaneel represented his entire tribe, we are called to live as representatives of Christ in our spheres of influence, actively participating in the life of faith through our gifts, service, and devotion. Our offerings, whether of time, talent, or treasure, are not merely transactions but tangible expressions of our commitment to God's purposes, given out of a heart that recognizes all we have is a gift from Him. This verse encourages us to consider how we, as individuals and as communities, can more systematically and wholeheartedly contribute to the work of God's kingdom, following the example of those who faithfully dedicated their best to the Lord. It calls us to reflect on the principle that true leadership inspires and facilitates collective acts of devotion to God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the offerings last for twelve days?
Answer: The offerings lasted for twelve days, with one prince from each of the twelve tribes of Israel presenting their dedication gifts on a successive day, as meticulously recorded in Numbers 7. This extended period emphasized the equal participation of every tribe in the national act of consecrating the Tabernacle. It underscored the unity of the nation under God, the importance of each tribe's unique contribution, and the thoroughness of the dedication process. It also likely served as a grand ceremonial event, solidifying the Tabernacle's central role in Israelite life and ensuring that all witnessed the collective commitment to God's dwelling place.
What was the significance of Nethaneel being the "prince of Issachar"?
Answer: As the "prince" (nāsî') of Issachar, Nethaneel held a position of significant leadership and authority within his tribe. His offering was not a private donation but a public, representative act on behalf of the entire tribe of Issachar. This highlights the concept of corporate responsibility in ancient Israelite society, where the leader's actions symbolized the commitment of the whole community. It also underscores the importance of godly leadership in guiding a people in worship and dedication to the Lord, as seen in other leaders like Moses and Aaron throughout Numbers. The prince's offering was a tangible expression of the tribe's collective devotion.
Were the offerings in Numbers 7 voluntary or commanded?
Answer: The offerings described in Numbers 7 appear to be a combination of voluntary devotion within a divinely ordained framework. While the specific items and quantities were not explicitly commanded beforehand, the act of dedicating the Tabernacle certainly was. The text states, "And it came to pass, that on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle... the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes... offered" (Numbers 7:1-3). This suggests a spontaneous, yet organized, outpouring of generosity from the leaders, reflecting a willing heart to support the Lord's dwelling place, much like the earlier contributions for the Tabernacle's construction in Exodus 35:20-29. The willingness of the princes to offer such costly gifts speaks to their deep reverence and commitment.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:18, though a detailed record of an Old Testament dedication, points forward to the ultimate and perfect offering of Jesus Christ. The meticulous order and representative nature of Nethaneel's offering foreshadow the divine precision and singular representation found in Christ. Just as Nethaneel, as prince, offered on behalf of his tribe, Jesus, our great High Priest and true King, offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice, not for one tribe, but for all humanity (Hebrews 9:11-14). The Tabernacle, which these offerings dedicated, was a temporary dwelling place for God, a shadow of the true dwelling. In Christ, God's presence is fully and permanently embodied; He is "God with us," Immanuel (Matthew 1:23). The offerings in Numbers were valuable, yet they were merely types pointing to the immeasurable value of Christ's self-giving love. His once-for-all sacrifice fulfilled the need for repeated offerings, establishing a new covenant where access to God is not through ritualistic gifts but through faith in the Lamb of God (John 1:29). Thus, Nethaneel's act of dedication, while significant in its time, ultimately directs our gaze to the cross, where the ultimate "gift of God" (John 3:16) was offered for our redemption, enabling us to become living temples of the Holy Spirit.