What number verse is Numbers 7:23 in the Bible?

Numbers 7:23 is the 3,874th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 7:23 sits at position 3,874.

7:227:22

Numbers 7:23

Q: What was the primary purpose of the peace offering mentioned in Numbers 7:23?

The peace offering (Hebrew: *zevach shelamim*) was a voluntary sacrifice primarily intended to express thanksgiving, fulfill a vow, or simply to celebrate a state of harmonious fellowship and communion with God. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, a significant portion of the peace offering was returned to the offerer and his family/friends to be eaten in a communal meal before the Lord, symbolizing reconciliation, shared joy, and intimate fellowship with God and with one another. It was an offering of celebration and gratitude, fostering *shalom* (peace, wholeness, well-being) in their relationship with the Divine.

7:247:24

Translation

King James Version

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 Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

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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 Nethaneel ^H5417 the son ^H1121 of Zuar ^H6686.

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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 N'tan'el the son of Tzu'ar.

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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 Nethanel son of Zuar.

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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 Nethanel the son of Zuar.

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World English Bible Messianic

and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And for peace offrings, two bullockes, fiue rammes, fiue hee goates, fiue lambes of a yeere olde: this was the offring of Nethaneel the sonne of Zuar.

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Young's Literal Translation

and for a sacrifice of the peace-offerings two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs, sons of a year; this is the offering of Nethaneel son of Zuar.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 7:23 meticulously records a specific component of Nethaneel the son of Zuar's contribution to the dedication of the Tabernacle: a peace offering comprising two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs of the first year. This verse, part of a lengthy chapter detailing identical offerings from each of Israel's twelve tribal leaders over successive days, underscores the communal devotion, generous obedience, and profound significance placed upon God's dwelling place among His people. The focus on peace offerings highlights the desire for reconciliation, fellowship, and joyful communion with the Divine, setting a precedent for wholehearted worship.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers Chapter 7 stands as a singular, extensive record within the Pentateuch, dedicating an entire chapter to the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the consecration of the newly erected and anointed Tabernacle and its altar. Following the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and its completion in Exodus 40, this chapter marks a pivotal moment of transition from construction to active worship. Each day, for twelve consecutive days, a different tribal leader presents an identical set of gifts, with Nethaneel, the son of Zuar and leader of the tribe of Issachar, bringing his offering on the second day. The meticulous repetition emphasizes not only the unity of the tribes in their devotion but also the thoroughness of their obedience to God's commands regarding His sanctuary. These offerings were not primarily for atonement but for the sanctification and functional readiness of the Tabernacle as the vibrant center of Israelite worship, signifying the people's collective commitment to God's presence among them.
Historical & Cultural Context: The dedication of the Tabernacle was a momentous event in Israel's wilderness journey, signifying God's tangible presence among His people after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Sinai. The Tabernacle served as the portable dwelling place for God, the focal point for worship, sacrifice, and divine communication, symbolizing His covenant faithfulness. The offerings detailed in Numbers 7 were expressions of profound gratitude, loyalty, and commitment from the tribal leaders on behalf of their respective tribes. The "peace offering" (Hebrew: zevach shelamim) was distinct from other sacrifices like the burnt offering or sin offering. It was a voluntary offering often given in thanksgiving, to fulfill a vow, or simply to express fellowship. A unique and culturally significant aspect was the communal meal that followed, where the offerer, his family, and friends would eat a portion of the sacrificed animal in the presence of the Lord, symbolizing reconciliation, shared joy, and intimate communion with God and with one another. This act of communal feasting underscored the desire for shalom—wholeness, peace, and well-being—in their relationship with God and within the community.
Key Themes: Numbers 7:23 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Obedience and Generosity, as the tribal leaders meticulously follow God's instructions for the Tabernacle's dedication, giving lavishly from their resources. This echoes the theme of faithful stewardship seen throughout the wilderness narrative. Secondly, the focus on the peace offering underscores the theme of Communion and Fellowship with God. Unlike sin offerings that address estrangement, the peace offering celebrates a state of harmonious relationship, emphasizing the joy of God's presence among His people. This theme is foundational to Israel's covenant relationship, where God desires to dwell with His people (Exodus 25:8). Thirdly, the identical nature of the offerings from all twelve tribes reinforces the theme of Unity and Corporate Worship. Despite their tribal distinctions, they are united in their devotion to the one God and His sanctuary, demonstrating a collective commitment to the covenant, a principle that resonates throughout the biblical narrative, from the formation of Israel to the establishment of the church (Psalm 133:1).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Sacrifice (Hebrew, zebach', H2077): From the root meaning "to slaughter," this term refers to the act of offering an animal, or the animal itself, as a sacred gift to God. In the context of the peace offering, it signifies a voluntary act of worship and devotion, where a portion of the animal's flesh was consumed by the offerer and priests, distinguishing it from offerings completely consumed on the altar. It highlights the solemn yet celebratory nature of the act of giving to God.
Peace Offerings (Hebrew, shelem', H8002): Derived from the root shalem, meaning "to be complete," "to be sound," or "to be at peace," this term is closely related to shalom ("peace," "wholeness," "well-being"). The shelem offering was distinct from expiatory sacrifices; it was primarily an expression of thanksgiving, a fulfillment of a vow, or a free-will offering intended to foster or celebrate a state of harmonious relationship and fellowship with God. Its unique feature was the communal meal shared by the offerer, priests, and sometimes others, symbolizing reconciliation and joyful communion in God's presence.
Lambs (Hebrew, kebes', H3532): This specific term refers to a young ram, typically just old enough to butt, implying an animal in its prime. The specification "of the first year" further emphasizes that these lambs were young, unblemished, and pure, representing the best and most acceptable offering. This detail speaks to the standard of excellence required for sacrifices presented to the Lord, emphasizing that only the finest and most perfect were deemed worthy for divine worship, a principle foundational to the sacrificial system.

Verse Breakdown

"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings": This opening phrase immediately sets the context for Nethaneel's contribution, identifying it as a zevach shelamim. This was not a mandatory offering for sin, but a voluntary act of worship, signifying a desire for and celebration of harmonious relationship with God. It implies a heart of gratitude and a posture of communion, culminating in a shared meal before the Lord.
"two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year": This detailed enumeration provides the precise quantity and variety of animals Nethaneel contributed for the peace offering. The inclusion of multiple species (oxen, rams, he-goats, lambs) and the substantial numbers (two, five, five, five) indicate a truly lavish and comprehensive offering. The specific mention of "lambs of the first year" emphasizes the quality and purity of the animals, signifying that only the finest and unblemished were presented. This extensive list, mirrored by all twelve tribal leaders, underscores the collective wealth and willingness of the Israelites to give generously for the Tabernacle's dedication, reflecting their deep reverence for God's dwelling place.
"this [was] the offering of Nethaneel the son of Zuar": This concluding phrase serves as a precise attribution, identifying Nethaneel, the leader of the tribe of Issachar, as the specific donor of this particular offering. The meticulous naming of each tribal leader throughout Numbers 7 highlights individual accountability and leadership in worship, while simultaneously emphasizing the collective participation in this significant act of national consecration. It underscores that this was a personal and tribal act of devotion, contributing to the overall sanctity and functionality of the Tabernacle.

Literary Devices

Numbers 7:23, within its broader context, employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. Enumeration or Cataloging is prominently featured, as the verse meticulously lists the precise number and type of animals (two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs). This detailed listing emphasizes the thoroughness, precision, and the substantial value of the offerings, underscoring the Israelites' obedience to specific divine instructions and the immense resources dedicated to the Tabernacle. Repetition is a pervasive device throughout Numbers Chapter 7, as the identical list of offerings is repeated for each of the twelve tribal leaders over successive days. This serves to highlight the unity of the tribes, their shared commitment, and the collective nature of their devotion to God's dwelling place, creating a sense of solemn ritual and corporate participation. Furthermore, the very act of offering these animals carries profound Symbolism: the "peace offerings" themselves symbolize reconciliation, fellowship, and the desire for shalom (wholeness/peace) with God. The "lambs of the first year" symbolize purity, perfection, and the giving of one's best to the Lord, foreshadowing the ultimate perfect sacrifice.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 7:23, as an integral part of the Tabernacle's dedication narrative, powerfully illustrates the enduring theological themes of generous and obedient giving, the pursuit of peace and fellowship with God, and the importance of communal worship. The peace offering, in particular, points to the desire for a harmonious relationship with the Divine, where communion is celebrated through shared feasting. This act of bringing one's best, not out of compulsion but out of a willing heart of devotion, establishes a pattern for God's people across all dispensations: our worship and service should be characterized by a cheerful and willing spirit and a profound desire for intimate communion with our Creator. The unity demonstrated by the identical offerings from all tribal leaders also emphasizes the collective nature of faith and the importance of a unified body in honoring God, reflecting the divine call for harmony within the covenant community.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The meticulous record of Nethaneel's offering in Numbers 7:23, alongside those of the other tribal leaders, serves as a timeless reminder of the call to generous and intentional devotion to God. Just as the Israelites invested their most valuable resources in the physical Tabernacle, a symbol of God's dwelling, we are called to invest our lives—our time, talents, and treasures—into the spiritual dwelling place of God, which is His church and the lives of His people. This passage challenges us to consider the quality and intention behind our giving: are we offering our "first year" best, unblemished and in their prime, or merely what is left over? Furthermore, the emphasis on "peace offerings" invites us to cultivate a life that actively seeks shalom—wholeness, reconciliation, and harmonious fellowship—with God and with our fellow believers. Our worship should not merely be a ritual, but a heartfelt expression of communion and gratitude, fostering genuine unity and deep connection within the body of Christ, reflecting the peace we have received.

Questions for Reflection

How does the generosity and meticulousness of Nethaneel's offering challenge my own approach to giving and devotion to God in my daily life?
In what specific ways can my worship, both individually and corporately, reflect a deeper desire for peace and harmonious fellowship with God and with others?
Considering the emphasis on unity in the offerings of the tribal leaders, how can I better contribute to the communal devotion and harmony within my own faith community and among believers globally?

FAQ

What was the primary purpose of the peace offering mentioned in Numbers 7:23?

Answer: The peace offering (Hebrew: zevach shelamim) was a voluntary sacrifice primarily intended to express thanksgiving, fulfill a vow, or simply to celebrate a state of harmonious fellowship and communion with God. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, a significant portion of the peace offering was returned to the offerer and his family/friends to be eaten in a communal meal before the Lord, symbolizing reconciliation, shared joy, and intimate fellowship with God and with one another. It was an offering of celebration and gratitude, fostering shalom (peace, wholeness, well-being) in their relationship with the Divine.

Why did all the tribal leaders offer identical gifts in Numbers Chapter 7?

Answer: The identical nature of the offerings from each of the twelve tribal leaders throughout Numbers 7 served several significant purposes. Firstly, it underscored the profound unity of the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing that despite their distinct identities, they were one people united in their devotion to God and His Tabernacle. Secondly, it highlighted the equality of all tribes before God; no single tribe was elevated above another in their commitment to the sanctuary, demonstrating that all were equally called to contribute. Thirdly, it powerfully demonstrated their collective obedience to a common divine instruction, signifying a unified commitment to the establishment of God's presence among them. This repetition also serves a literary function, emphasizing the meticulousness of the record and the comprehensive nature of the Tabernacle's dedication.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The peace offering of Numbers 7:23, with its profound emphasis on reconciliation, fellowship, and communal feasting, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament peace offering provided a temporary and symbolic means of communion, it powerfully foreshadowed the definitive peace established through the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Christ Himself is our ultimate peace offering, whose perfect and singular sacrifice on the cross reconciled us to God, breaking down the wall of hostility and bringing us into a new covenant of grace and intimate relationship (Ephesians 2:14-16). Through His atoning work, we now experience true shalom—not merely the absence of conflict, but the profound wholeness, well-being, and harmonious relationship with God that the ancient offerings could only symbolize (Colossians 1:20). The communal meal of the peace offering is gloriously echoed in the Lord's Supper, or Christian communion, where believers partake in fellowship with Christ and with one another, celebrating the peace and intimate communion purchased by His body and blood (1 Corinthians 10:16). Nethaneel's generous offering of the "first year" lambs, pure and unblemished, points forward to Christ, the perfect and spotless Lamb, whose singular sacrifice was sufficient for all time and perfectly acceptable to God (1 Peter 1:18-19). Our contemporary giving and worship, therefore, become a joyful response to this ultimate, once-for-all peace offering, reflecting our gratitude for the complete communion and eternal shalom we now enjoy with God through Him.

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Commentary on Numbers 7 verses 10–89

10 ¶ And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.

11 And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.

12 And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:

13 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

14 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:

15 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

16 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

17 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.

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

19 He offered for his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

20 One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:

21 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

22 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

23 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 Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:

25 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

26 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

27 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

28 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

29 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 Eliab the son of Helon.

30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:

31 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

32 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

33 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

34 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

35 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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.

36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:

37 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

38 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

39 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

40 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

41 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 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

42 On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:

43 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

44 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

45 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

46 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

47 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered:

49 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

50 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

51 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

52 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

53 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 Elishama the son of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:

55 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

56 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

58 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

59 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 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:

61 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

62 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

63 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

64 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

65 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 Abidan the son of Gideoni.

66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered:

67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

68 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

69 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

70 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

71 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 Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered:

73 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

74 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

75 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

76 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

77 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 Pagiel the son of Ocran.

78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:

79 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

80 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

81 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

82 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

83 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 Ahira the son of Enan.

84 This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:

85 Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

86 The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and twenty shekels.

87 All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.

88 And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.

89 And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

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.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–89. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Leviticus 7:11
¶ And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.
Leviticus 7:13
Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings.
Colossians 1:1
¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
Proverbs 7:14
I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
1 Kings 8:63
And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered unto the LORD, two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD.