Numbers 7:29

KJV

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.

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 Eliab {H446} the son {H1121} of Helon {H2497}.

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 Eli'av the son of Helon.

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 Eliab son of Helon.

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 Eliab the son of Helon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:29 meticulously records the specific components of the peace offering brought by Eliab, the son of Helon, representing the tribe of Zebulun, as part of the grand dedication of the Tabernacle. This verse, like the others in Numbers 7, details the precise quantities of animals—two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs of the first year—designated for this particular type of sacrifice, underscoring the generosity, obedience, and communal nature of Israelite worship at the inception of their wilderness sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 provides an exhaustive and highly structured account of the dedication offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders of Israel for the newly erected and anointed Tabernacle. Following the detailed instructions for its construction and the cloud of God's glory filling it as described in [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle"), this chapter meticulously lists the identical gifts presented by each chieftain on successive days. Eliab's offering on the third day is presented with the same precise detail as those of Nahshon (Judah) and Nethanel (Issachar), emphasizing the unity, order, and collective participation of all Israel in establishing the Tabernacle as the central place of worship and divine encounter. The repetition serves to underscore the completeness and equal commitment of each tribe to the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Tabernacle marked a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, signifying God's permanent dwelling among His people. This event solidified the covenant relationship established at Sinai and provided a tangible center for Israelite worship, law, and national identity. The offerings, particularly the peace offerings, were not merely ritualistic but deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of ancient Israel. They were expressions of thanksgiving, fulfillment of vows, or freewill offerings that culminated in a communal meal shared by the offerer, his family, and the priests in the presence of God. This act symbolized reconciliation, fellowship, and a state of well-being (shalom) between God and His people, fostering a sense of divine presence and communal unity. The sheer volume of animals listed for each leader's offering, as seen in [Numbers 7:17](/numbers/7-17 "Numbers 7:17 - Nahshon's Peace Offering") and [Numbers 7:23](/numbers/7-23 "Numbers 7:23 - Nethanel's Peace Offering"), highlights the immense resources and devotion invested in honoring God and obeying His precise commands for worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shelamim'_):** This term translates the Hebrew word שְׁלָמִים (_shelamim_), which is plural and closely related to שָׁלוֹם (_shalom_), meaning "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," or "well-being." Unlike burnt offerings (which were entirely consumed by fire as an act of complete devotion) or sin offerings (for atonement for unintentional sin), the peace offering was primarily an expression of thanksgiving, a fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering. A significant portion of the animal was returned to the offerer and shared in a joyful, communal meal before God, symbolizing a state of peace, reconciliation, and flourishing fellowship between God and His people. It was a celebration of an existing right relationship rather than a means to establish one.
* **Eliab the son of Helon (Hebrew, _'Eli'av ben Helon'_):** Eliab is identified as the leader (נָשִׂיא, _nasi'_) of the tribe of Zebulun (see [Numbers 7:24](/numbers/7-24 "Numbers 7:24 - Eliab's Introduction")). His specific mention here underscores the highly organized and tribal nature of Israelite society and worship. Each tribal leader was responsible for presenting an identical set of offerings, signifying the unified participation of all twelve tribes in the Tabernacle's dedication. Eliab's contribution was not unique in quantity or type but was a vital part of the collective national act of worship and commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings,"**: This phrase immediately identifies the specific category of offering being described. The peace offering was distinct in its purpose and ritual, focusing on communion and fellowship with God rather than atonement or complete surrender. It was an act of worship that culminated in a shared meal, signifying a harmonious relationship.
* **"two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year:"**: This detailed enumeration specifies the exact animals and their quantities designated for Eliab's peace offering. The variety and number of animals—two large oxen, five mature rams, five male goats, and five young lambs—demonstrate the generosity and the significant resources dedicated by the tribal leader. The phrase "lambs of the first year" indicates young, unblemished animals, emphasizing the quality and purity required for offerings to God.
* **"this [was] the offering of Eliab the son of Helon."**: This concluding statement clearly attributes the offering to Eliab, the leader of the tribe of Zebulun. It reinforces the individual responsibility within the collective act of dedication and highlights the meticulous record-keeping inherent in the Mosaic Law, ensuring that each tribal leader's contribution was duly noted and recognized.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 7, and specifically highlighted in verse 29, is **Repetition**. The entire chapter is structured around the identical listing of offerings from each of the twelve tribal leaders. While it might seem redundant to a modern reader, this repetition serves several crucial theological and literary purposes: it emphasizes the unity and equal participation of all tribes in the Tabernacle's dedication, underscores the divine order and precision required in worship, and reinforces the completeness of the national commitment to God. This meticulous cataloging also employs **Enumeration**, providing a precise list of animals for the offering, which speaks to the exactness of God's commands and the Israelites' obedience. Furthermore, the "peace offering" itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not merely an animal sacrifice but a profound theological concept of reconciliation, fellowship, and well-being (shalom) between God and humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The peace offering, as exemplified by Eliab's contribution in Numbers 7:29, stands as a profound Old Testament type of communion and reconciliation with God. It was not primarily about atoning for sin, but about celebrating an existing state of peace and fellowship, often accompanied by thanksgiving or the fulfillment of a vow. The communal meal that followed the sacrifice underscored the joy and intimacy of sharing in God's presence. This practice foreshadows the ultimate peace and reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ, who, by His perfect sacrifice, has made it possible for humanity to enter into a state of true peace and unbroken fellowship with God. Our ability to approach God today is not through animal sacrifices, but through the finished work of Christ, who is our ultimate peace.

* [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ Reconciles All Things")
* [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")
* [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eliab's generous peace offering, meticulously detailed in Numbers 7:29, invites us to reflect on the nature of our own offerings to God and the quality of our fellowship with Him. The peace offering was a joyful, communal act, a celebration of an established relationship. For us today, while the animal sacrifices are obsolete, the underlying principles of gratitude, devotion, and a desire for communion with God remain profoundly relevant. We are called to live in a state of peace with God, made possible through Christ, and to express that peace through our lives—our worship, our service, our resources, and our relationships. Are we offering our "best" to God, not out of obligation, but out of a heart of thanksgiving and a desire for deeper fellowship? Do we actively pursue and celebrate the peace we have with God, and how does that manifest in our daily walk and our interactions with others?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "peace offerings" in the Old Testament deepen your understanding of the peace we have with God through Jesus Christ?**
* **In what ways can you offer "spiritual sacrifices" of thanksgiving and praise to God in your daily life, reflecting a desire for deeper communion?**
* **How does the communal aspect of the peace offering challenge or encourage your participation in Christian fellowship and corporate worship?**
* **Considering the generosity of Eliab, what does it mean for you to give your "first year" (your best, your prime) to God in your time, talents, and resources?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the "peace offering" in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The peace offering (Hebrew: _shelamim_) was one of the voluntary sacrifices in ancient Israel, distinct from sin or burnt offerings. Its primary purpose was not atonement for sin, but rather an expression of thanksgiving, the fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering. It symbolized and celebrated a state of peace, wholeness, and harmonious fellowship between God and the offerer. Uniquely, a portion of the animal was returned to the offerer and shared in a communal meal with family, friends, and the priests in the presence of God, signifying joyful communion and a right relationship. This communal aspect is vital to understanding its function, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Law of the Sacrifice of Peace Offerings").

**Why is Numbers chapter 7 so repetitive in detailing the offerings of each tribal leader?**

Answer: The repetition in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders") serves several important theological and practical purposes. First, it emphasizes the unity and equal participation of all twelve tribes in the dedication of the Tabernacle. Each tribe, through its leader, contributed the exact same set of valuable offerings, demonstrating a collective commitment to God's dwelling place. Second, it highlights the divine order and precision required in worship and obedience to God's commands. The meticulous listing underscores that every detail was important to God. Third, it ensures that each tribal leader's contribution was formally recorded and recognized, reinforcing their individual responsibility within the national covenant. Finally, the sheer volume of detail conveys the immense significance of the Tabernacle's dedication as the central point of Israel's worship and national identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The peace offering, as exemplified by Eliab's generous gift in Numbers 7:29, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament sacrifices provided a temporary means of fellowship and reconciliation, they pointed forward to the definitive work of the Messiah. Jesus is our true and eternal "peace offering," for through His sacrificial death on the cross, He reconciled humanity to God, breaking down the wall of hostility and establishing lasting peace between a holy God and sinful humanity (as beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making true peace and fellowship with God possible for all who believe ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as the peace offering culminated in a shared meal, believers now partake in spiritual communion with God through Christ, remembering His sacrifice in the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 10:16](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")). Our response is no longer animal sacrifice, but to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Through Christ, we now have confident access to God's presence, living in the very peace that the ancient offerings foreshadowed ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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.