Numbers 7:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

On the second {H8145} day {H3117} Nethaneel {H5417} the son {H1121} of Zuar {H6686}, prince {H5387} of Issachar {H3485}, did offer {H7126}:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the second day N'tan'el the son of Tzu'ar, leader of Yissakhar, presented his offering.

Berean Standard Bible

On the second day Nethanel son of Zuar, the leader of Issachar, drew near.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:18 is situated within a highly structured and repetitive narrative that details the dedication offerings for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. The chapter begins by setting the scene with the anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Dedication of the Tabernacle"), marking its readiness for divine service. Following this, the narrative meticulously records the identical offerings brought by the prince of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, one per day, for twelve consecutive days. Verse 18 specifically highlights the offering made on the second day by Nethaneel, the leader of Issachar, immediately following the offering of Nahshon of Judah on the first day ([Numbers 7:12-17](/numbers/7-12-17 "Numbers 7:12-17 - Nahshon's Offering")). This repetitive structure emphasizes the completeness, order, and equal participation of all the tribes in this foundational act of worship and covenant renewal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Tabernacle was a monumental event in Israel's wilderness journey, establishing a central, mobile sanctuary for God's presence among His people. This occurred shortly after the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and the detailed organization of the Israelite camp and its tribal divisions. The "prince" (_nāsî'_) of each tribe held significant spiritual and political authority, representing their entire lineage before God and the community. Their offerings, detailed in [Numbers 7:10-88](/numbers/7-10-88 "Numbers 7:10-88 - Offerings of the Princes"), were substantial and costly, reflecting the wealth and devotion of the tribes and signifying their corporate commitment to the Mosaic Covenant. This act of giving was not merely a personal donation but a communal act of worship, reinforcing the nation's identity as God's chosen people and their willingness to support the divinely ordained system of worship. The meticulous record-keeping reflects the importance of accountability and divine order in all aspects of Israelite life, particularly in cultic practices.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed account in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Princes"), including verse 18, underscores several key themes central to the book of Numbers and Israel's early history. Firstly, **Divine Order** is paramount, evident in the precise instructions for the Tabernacle and the sequential nature of the offerings, reflecting God's desire for an organized and holy people. Secondly, **Communal Worship and Unity** are highlighted, as each tribe, through its prince, participates equally in the dedication, signifying the collective commitment of the entire nation to Yahweh. This act of worship reinforces the theme of Israel's identity as a unified people under God's covenant. Thirdly, the concept of **Representative Leadership** is crucial, as the tribal princes act on behalf of their people, demonstrating their responsibility to guide the community in devotion and obedience. Finally, the substantial nature of the gifts emphasizes **Sacrificial Giving** as an integral part of worship and covenant fidelity, a theme echoed in other passages like the voluntary offerings for the Tabernacle's construction in [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20-29 "Exodus 35:20-29 - Voluntary Contributions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nethaneel (Hebrew, _Nᵉthanʼêl'_):** Meaning "given of God," this name (H5417) is derived from the Hebrew words for "to give" (nathan) and "God" (El). It subtly points to a profound theological truth: all blessings, including the ability to offer back to God, originate from Him. Nethaneel's very name, "God has given," serves as a reminder that humanity's response of giving is itself enabled by God's prior generosity and divine initiative.
* **Prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** The Hebrew term _nâsîyʼ_ (H5387) denotes an "exalted one," signifying a chieftain, leader, or head of a tribe. This title indicates a position of significant authority, responsibility, and representation within the Israelite tribal structure. Nethaneel's role as "prince of Issachar" meant his offering was not a private act but a public, official contribution on behalf of his entire tribe, underscoring the communal nature of worship and the leader's vital role in guiding the community in its devotion and commitment to God.
* **did offer (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** The Hebrew verb _qârab_ (H7126) is a primitive root meaning "to approach" or "to bring near." In this context, it specifically refers to the act of presenting gifts or sacrifices to God, signifying a drawing near to the divine presence through an act of dedication. This verb emphasizes the intentionality and purposefulness of Nethaneel's action, highlighting that the offerings were not merely material goods but a means of communion and consecration to the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the second day":** This phrase, utilizing the Hebrew _shênîy_ (H8145) for "second" and _yôwm_ (H3117) for "day," establishes the precise chronological order of the dedication ceremonies. It underscores the methodical, sequential, and orderly nature of the Tabernacle's consecration, highlighting God's preference for structure and intentionality in worship. Each tribe was given its designated turn, reinforcing the systematic approach to this significant national event and the divine orchestration of the entire process.
* **"Nethaneel the son of Zuar":** This clause identifies the specific individual making the offering, providing his name, Nethaneel (H5417), and his patronymic, "son" (H1121, _bên_) of Zuar (H6686). The inclusion of the father's name ("son of Zuar") anchors the individual within his family and tribal structure, reinforcing the historical accuracy and specificity of the biblical record. It also emphasizes the importance of lineage and identity within the Israelite community, where one's actions reflected upon their entire household.
* **"prince of Issachar":** This designates Nethaneel's authoritative role as the leader and representative of the tribe of Issachar (H3485, _Yissâˢkâr_). His offering was therefore not merely personal but a corporate act, symbolizing the dedication and participation of the entire tribe in the newly established communal worship system centered around the Tabernacle. This highlights the vital function of tribal leadership in mediating the community's relationship with God and ensuring their collective adherence to the covenant.
* **"did offer":** This simple yet powerful verb, derived from the Hebrew _qârab_ (H7126), signifies the act of presenting gifts or sacrifices to God. In this context, it refers to the specific dedication offerings detailed throughout [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Princes"), which included silver plates, gold dishes, and various animal sacrifices. These offerings were essential for the Tabernacle's service and represented the tribes' commitment, consecration, and willingness to draw near to the Lord through tangible expressions of devotion.

#### 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.

* [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Heart Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 16:16-17](/deuteronomy/16-16-17 "Deuteronomy 16:16-17 - Giving as God Has Blessed")
* [1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "1 Chronicles 12:32 - Men of Issachar's Understanding")

### 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
* **How does the meticulous order of the Tabernacle dedication challenge my approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what ways do I, like Nethaneel, represent my community or family in my acts of faith and dedication?**
* **What "offerings"—whether of time, talent, or resources—am I being called to give with intentionality and dedication to God's purposes?**

### 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](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Princes"). 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](/numbers "The Book of 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](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Princes") 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](/numbers/7-1-3 "Numbers 7:1-3 - Dedication of the Tabernacle and Offerings")). 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](/exodus/35-20-29 "Exodus 35:20-29 - Voluntary Contributions for the Tabernacle"). 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](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). 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](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). 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](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")) was offered for our redemption, enabling us to become living temples of the Holy Spirit.

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

Numbers 1:8

Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

Numbers 2:5

And those that do pitch next unto him [shall be] the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar [shall be] captain of the children of Issachar.