Numbers 7:25

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:

His offering {H7133} was one {H259} silver {H3701} charger {H7086}, the weight {H4948} whereof was an hundred {H3967} and thirty {H7970} shekels, one {H259} silver {H3701} bowl {H4219} of seventy {H7657} shekels {H8255}, after the shekel {H8255} of the sanctuary {H6944}; both {H8147} of them full {H4392} of fine flour {H5560} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081} for a meat offering {H4503}:

He offered one silver dish weighing 130 shekels [three-and-a-quarter pounds] and one silver basin of seventy shekels (using the sanctuary shekel) [one-and-three-quarters pounds], both full of fine flour mixed with olive oil for a grain offering;

His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

his oblation was one silver platter, the weight whereof was a 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 meal-offering;

Commentary

Context

Numbers 7:25 is part of a lengthy and detailed account of the dedication of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, following its completion and anointing. This entire chapter meticulously records the identical offerings brought by the leaders of each of the twelve tribes of Israel over a period of twelve days. Specifically, verse 25 describes the offering of Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur, who was the leader of the tribe of Manasseh, presented on the fourth day. This systematic dedication underscores the importance of the Tabernacle as the central place of worship and God's dwelling among His people, as established in Numbers 7:1.

Key Themes

  • Order and Obedience: The meticulous detailing of each leader's offering highlights God's demand for precise obedience in worship and the Israelites' adherence to His commands. The uniformity of the offerings across all tribes also speaks to a divinely ordained order.
  • Generosity and Dedication: The leaders brought substantial and valuable offerings, demonstrating their commitment and willingness to consecrate their resources to the Lord. This act was a public display of devotion.
  • Symbolism of Offerings: Each item, from the silver vessels to the flour and oil, carried symbolic significance within the Israelite sacrificial system, pointing to purity, sustenance, and the anointing of God.
  • Unity in Worship: Despite being distinct tribal leaders, their identical offerings fostered a sense of corporate worship and unity before God, emphasizing their common identity as God's chosen people.

Linguistic & Cultural Insights

  • "Silver charger" (קַעֲרַת־כֶּסֶף - qa'arat-kesef): This refers to a large, deep dish or platter, likely used for serving or presenting food, or perhaps for holding the flour for the offering. Silver was a precious metal, signifying value and purity.
  • "Silver bowl" (מִזְרָק אֶחָד כֶּסֶף - mizraq echad kesef): A basin or bowl, often used in sacrificial rituals for holding liquids, such as blood or water for ceremonial washing. Its inclusion alongside the charger emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the offering.
  • "Shekel of the sanctuary" (שֶׁקֶל הַקֹּדֶשׁ - shekel ha'kodesh): This crucial phrase indicates a standardized, sacred weight maintained by the priests, ensuring integrity and accuracy in all religious transactions and offerings. It prevented fraud and ensured that all offerings met the divine standard, reflecting God's demand for righteousness in all dealings.
  • "Meat offering" (מִנְחָה - minchah): In the King James Version, "meat offering" often translates to what is more accurately understood as a "grain offering" or "meal offering." It typically consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, symbolizing dedication, thankfulness, and God's provision for sustenance. It was often offered alongside burnt offerings and sin offerings, as seen in Leviticus 2:1.

Significance & Application

Numbers 7:25, though seemingly a simple list of items, provides profound insights into biblical principles. It reminds us that God values order, precision, and a willing heart in worship. The specific weights and measures, along with the "shekel of the sanctuary," highlight that our offerings to God should be of the highest quality and given with integrity, reflecting His perfect character.

For believers today, while animal and grain sacrifices are no longer required due to Christ's ultimate sacrifice (as revealed in Hebrews 10:10), the principles of dedication and generosity remain. Our "offerings" are now spiritual sacrifices—our lives, time, talents, and resources—given in service and worship to God. We are called to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices," holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual act of worship, as exhorted in Romans 12:1. This verse from Numbers serves as a historical precedent for the importance of giving our best to the Lord.

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Cross-References

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