Numbers 7:20

KJV

One spoon of gold of ten [shekels], full of incense:

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} spoon {H3709} of gold {H2091} of ten {H6235} shekels, full {H4392} of incense {H7004}:

Complete Jewish Bible

one gold pan of ten shekels [one-quarter pound], full of incense;

Berean Standard Bible

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

American Standard Version

one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:20 describes a specific component of the dedication offering brought by Nethaneel, the leader of the tribe of Issachar, on the second day of the Tabernacle's consecration. This particular verse highlights "one spoon of gold of ten [shekels], full of incense," a meticulously prescribed gift that underscores the immense value, sanctity, and symbolic significance of the offerings presented to God for the newly established wilderness sanctuary. It reflects the Israelites' corporate commitment to worship, purity, and obedience in the presence of the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 provides an exhaustive and highly repetitive account of the dedication offerings made by the twelve tribal leaders of Israel for the newly completed Tabernacle. Following the detailed instructions for its construction in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Construction") and its consecration in [Leviticus 8-9](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8-9 - Consecration of Priests and Tabernacle"), this chapter marks a pivotal moment: the formal commencement of the Tabernacle's service as the dwelling place of God among His people. Each tribal leader, on successive days, presented an identical set of gifts, including silver dishes, a gold pan (or spoon), various grains, oil, and animals for burnt, sin, and peace offerings. The repetition emphasizes the unity of purpose, the meticulous adherence to divine command, and the collective generosity of the nation. Verse 20 specifically details a part of the offering from Nethaneel, son of Zuar, the leader of Issachar, on the second day, highlighting the preciousness of the materials and the sacred nature of the incense.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Tabernacle occurred shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their reception of the Law at Mount Sinai. They were a nomadic people, living in tents, yet commanded to build a magnificent, portable sanctuary for God. This act was central to their identity as God's covenant people, signifying His tangible presence in their midst. Offerings were a fundamental aspect of ancient Near Eastern worship, but for Israel, they were uniquely tied to the Mosaic Covenant, serving as expressions of worship, atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication. Gold was highly valued, symbolizing purity, divinity, and royalty, often reserved for sacred objects. Incense, a carefully compounded mixture (as described in [Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Sacred Incense Formula")), was burned on the [altar of incense](/exodus/30-1 "Exodus 30:1 - The Altar of Incense") within the Tabernacle, its rising smoke symbolizing prayers ascending to God and creating a sacred atmosphere. The precise weight of "ten shekels" (approximately 4.5 ounces or 128 grams) of gold for the spoon underscored the substantial value and sacrificial nature of the gift, reflecting the Israelites' commitment to giving their best to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoon (כף, _kaph'_):** While translated as "spoon" in the KJV, this Hebrew word more broadly refers to the "palm of the hand," and by extension, a "pan," "dish," or "censer." In the context of the Tabernacle service, it denotes a vessel specifically designed to hold or carry incense, often used to transport coals from the altar of burnt offering to the altar of incense, or to carry the incense itself for burning. Its use here emphasizes its role as a sacred implement for a holy purpose.
* **Shekels (שקל, _sheqel'_):** This term refers to a unit of weight, not a coin, commonly used in ancient Israel and the Near East for measuring precious metals like gold and silver. The specification of "ten shekels" of gold for the spoon indicates a precise and significant weight, highlighting the substantial value and preciousness of the offering. It underscores the meticulousness of the divine instructions and the generosity expected from the givers.
* **Incense (קְטֹרֶת, _qetoreth'_):** This refers to the sacred, aromatic compound mixture of spices and resins, whose precise formula was divinely revealed (cf. [Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Sacred Incense Formula")). It was burned daily on the golden altar of incense within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. Its rising smoke was considered a "sweet savor" to the Lord, symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God (cf. [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense") and [Revelation 5:8](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - Prayers of the Saints as Incense")). Its presence in the offering signifies worship, intercession, and the desire for God's favorable presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One spoon of gold":** This specifies a single, dedicated vessel made entirely of gold. Gold, being a precious, incorruptible, and beautiful metal, universally symbolized purity, divinity, and royalty. Its use in the Tabernacle's furnishings and offerings underscored the sacredness and supreme value attributed to God's dwelling place and service. The "spoon" (or censer/pan) was the container for the sacred incense, indicating its integral role in the ritual.
* **"of ten [shekels]":** This precise weight specification for the gold emphasizes the substantial value of the offering. Ten shekels of gold represented a significant material contribution, highlighting the generosity, sacrifice, and commitment of the tribal leader and, by extension, the tribe he represented. It speaks to the principle of giving one's best and most valuable resources to the Lord.
* **"full of incense":** This indicates the purpose and content of the golden spoon. It was not merely a decorative item but a functional vessel filled with the sacred incense. The incense, with its fragrant smoke ascending to God, represented acceptable worship, the prayers of the people, and the sweet aroma of devotion. Its fullness suggests a complete and abundant offering, leaving nothing wanting.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:20, within the broader context of the chapter, employs several literary devices. **Repetition** is the most prominent, as the identical list of offerings is meticulously reiterated for each of the twelve tribes. This serves to emphasize the unity of the tribes in their worship, the universality of their obedience to God's command, and the sheer magnitude of the collective dedication. The specific items, like the "spoon of gold" and "incense," function as powerful **Symbolism**. Gold symbolizes purity, divinity, and the preciousness of God's presence, while incense symbolizes prayer, acceptable worship, and the sweet aroma of devotion ascending to the divine. The meticulous detail in specifying the weight ("ten shekels") and the contents ("full of incense") employs **Precision** to underscore the sacredness and intentionality required in approaching God, leaving no room for approximation or casualness in worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:20, though a minute detail in a lengthy list, encapsulates profound theological truths. It speaks to the nature of true worship as costly, intentional, and pure. The offering of precious gold and sacred incense reflects the principle that God is worthy of our very best, not merely our leftovers. It highlights the importance of obedience to divine instruction in worship, ensuring that our acts of devotion are acceptable to Him. Furthermore, the symbolism of incense as prayer underscores the vital role of communication with God, reminding us that our petitions and praises are a "sweet savor" to Him, ascending to His heavenly throne. This act of dedication by the tribal leaders foreshadows the ongoing call for believers to consecrate their lives and resources to God's service.

* [Exodus 35:5](/exodus/35-5 "Exodus 35:5 - Willing Heart Offering") - "Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,"
* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense") - "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."
* [Malachi 1:11](/malachi/1-11 "Malachi 1:11 - Pure Offering to God") - "For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:20, though rooted in ancient Israelite ritual, offers timeless insights for contemporary believers. The meticulousness and value of the offering challenge us to consider the quality of our own worship and devotion. Are our offerings—whether of time, talent, or treasure—given with intentionality, generosity, and a heart that recognizes God's supreme worthiness? Just as the incense was a "sweet savor" to the Lord, our prayers, praises, and lives of obedience are meant to ascend to Him as a pleasing aroma. This verse calls us to a posture of holiness and purity in our approach to God, understanding that true worship is not casual but consecrated. It encourages us to give our "gold" – our most valuable resources and our very best – to God's kingdom work, trusting that such sacrifices are not only pleasing to Him but also deeply transformative for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the meticulous detail of this offering (gold, shekels, incense) teach me about God's expectations for worship?**
* **How can I ensure that my prayers and acts of worship are like the "sweet savor" of incense, pleasing and acceptable to God?**
* **In what areas of my life (time, talent, treasure) am I called to offer my "best" to God, rather than what is convenient or leftover?**
* **How does the unity of the tribes in their identical offerings challenge me to participate in corporate worship and giving within my community of faith?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the "spoon of gold" in this offering?**

Answer: The "spoon of gold," more accurately understood as a censer or pan, was a sacred vessel specifically designed to hold and carry the holy incense. In the context of the Tabernacle dedication, it was part of a larger, identical set of offerings brought by each tribal leader. Its purpose was to facilitate the burning of incense on the golden altar inside the Holy Place, symbolizing the prayers and worship of the people ascending to God as a "sweet savor." The gold signified the purity and preciousness of the offering, fit for the divine presence.

**Why was "incense" so important in the Tabernacle service?**

Answer: Incense was of paramount importance in the Tabernacle service for several reasons. First, its composition was divinely prescribed in [Exodus 30:34-38](/exodus/30-34 "Exodus 30:34-38 - The Sacred Incense Formula"), making it a unique and holy substance. Second, its rising smoke symbolized the prayers and praises of God's people ascending to Him, as seen in [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense") and later in [Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense and Prayers"). Third, it created a fragrant atmosphere that was pleasing to God, signifying His acceptance of the worship offered. It also served a practical purpose in masking the smell of animal sacrifices, but its primary significance was spiritual and symbolic, representing the communication and communion between God and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:20, with its detailed description of a costly golden vessel filled with sacred incense, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, for which these offerings were made, was a shadow of a greater reality, pointing to God's dwelling among humanity. Christ is the true and perfect Tabernacle, the very [Word made flesh, who dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation"). The gold, symbolizing purity and divinity, foreshadows Christ's sinless nature and His divine essence as the [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). The incense, representing acceptable prayer and a "sweet savor" to God, points directly to Christ's perfect life of obedience and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. His offering of Himself was the one, [perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") that truly pleased God, taking away the sin of the world. Furthermore, Christ serves as our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest"), who continually intercedes for us before the Father, presenting our prayers, which, through Him, become a fragrant offering. Thus, the costly offering of the golden spoon full of incense, a symbol of human devotion and prayer, is fully realized in the infinitely more precious and eternally effective offering and intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

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.