Numbers 7:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

On the fourth {H7243} day {H3117} Elizur {H468} the son {H1121} of Shedeur {H7707}, prince {H5387} of the children {H1121} of Reuben {H7205}, did offer:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the fourth day was Elitzur the son of Sh'de'ur, leader of the descendants of Re'uven.

Berean Standard Bible

On the fourth day Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the Reubenites, drew near.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:30 meticulously records the specific offering presented by Elizur, son of Shedeur, the appointed prince of the tribe of Reuben, on the fourth day of the extended dedication ceremonies for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This verse is an integral part of the comprehensive and highly structured account in Numbers chapter 7, which systematically details the identical, lavish offerings brought by each of the twelve tribal leaders of Israel over twelve consecutive days. The inclusion of this precise record underscores God's divine order, the profound unity of the tribes in their collective worship, and the paramount importance of dedicated and obedient worship in the life of the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:30 is situated within the expansive and highly repetitive narrative of [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Princes"), which spans the entire chapter. This chapter immediately follows the completion, erection, and consecration of the Tabernacle in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Tabernacle Consecration"), marking a pivotal transition in Israel's worship life from receiving the Law at Sinai to establishing the practicalities of communal worship. The initial verses of the chapter ([Numbers 7:1-11](/numbers/7-1-11 "Numbers 7:1-11 - Initial Offerings for Levites")) describe the offerings of wagons and oxen for the Levites' service, followed by the detailed listing of the first three days' offerings by the princes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. Numbers 7:30 continues this precise chronological account, detailing the fourth day's contribution. Each prince's offering is identical in content and value, as initially prescribed and described in [Numbers 7:13-17](/numbers/7-13-17 "Numbers 7:13-17 - The Standard Offering"). The deliberate and extensive repetition across verses 12-83 serves not as mere redundancy, but to profoundly emphasize the unity of the tribes in their collective devotion, the divine meticulousness in recording every detail of obedience, and the comprehensive nature of the Tabernacle's dedication as the central place of God's presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 7:30 is the wilderness encampment of the Israelite nation, approximately one year after their exodus from Egypt and the momentous giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle, having been constructed according to divine blueprints and subsequently consecrated, represented the tangible presence of Yahweh among His people, serving as the central hub for worship, sacrifice, and direct divine communication. Tribal princes, such as Elizur, were not merely ceremonial figures but held significant authority and weighty responsibility, acting as the primary representatives of their respective tribes before God and the nation. Their offerings, therefore, were not personal gifts but solemn corporate acts of dedication on behalf of their entire tribe, signifying a collective commitment to the Mosaic covenant and the ongoing maintenance of the Tabernacle service. Reuben, as Jacob's firstborn son, traditionally held a position of initial prominence among the tribes, though this preeminence was later diminished due to Jacob's prophetic pronouncements in [Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3-4 "Genesis 49:3-4 - Jacob's Prophecy Regarding Reuben"). Nevertheless, Elizur's participation on the fourth day, alongside other leading tribes, reaffirms Reuben's integral and active role within the twelve tribes of Israel's national and religious life.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:30, as part of the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. A primary theme is **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, evident in the precise instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and the systematic, day-by-day recording of the offerings. This highlights God's demand for reverence and exactitude in worship, as seen in the broader laws given in [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus"). Another crucial theme is **Corporate Worship and National Unity**. The identical offerings from each prince symbolize the unified devotion of all twelve tribes, emphasizing their collective identity as God's covenant people, a theme also reflected in their ordered encampment around the Tabernacle in [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Order of the Tribes"). The **Responsibility of Leadership** is also prominent, as the tribal princes are depicted fulfilling their duty to represent and lead their people in acts of obedience and dedication. Finally, the entire chapter underscores the theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**, as the Tabernacle's consecration establishes a sacred space for Yahweh's presence, fulfilling the promise made in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this word refers to a literal day (from sunrise to sunset or one sunset to the next) or a figurative period of time. In Numbers 7:30, "fourth day" precisely marks the chronological sequence of the dedication ceremony, underscoring the divine order and the structured progression of the Tabernacle's consecration. It emphasizes the specific moment in a divinely appointed sequence.
* **Elizur (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîytsûwr'_):** This name means "God of (the) rock." As the prince of Reuben, Elizur's name carries a profound theological resonance, serving as a confession of faith in God's steadfastness, immutability, and protective strength. In the context of dedicating God's dwelling place, his name implicitly acknowledges that the foundation and strength for all worship and national life ultimately derive from the unshakeable nature of God Himself.
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** Properly meaning "an exalted one," this term denotes a chief, leader, or ruler. It signifies a position of significant authority, responsibility, and representation within the tribal structure of Israel. Elizur, as the _nasi'_ of Reuben, was the officially designated head, responsible for leading his people in civil and religious matters. His title underscores that the offering was not a private gift but an official, representative act on behalf of the entire tribe of Reuben, highlighting the corporate nature of Israel's worship and dedication to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the fourth day":** This introductory phrase precisely situates Elizur's offering within the meticulously planned twelve-day dedication ceremony of the Tabernacle. It highlights the chronological order and the divine intentionality behind the entire process, demonstrating that every detail of worship, including its timing, was preordained and followed a divine blueprint for the establishment of God's presence among His people.
* **"Elizur the son of Shedeur":** This clause identifies the specific individual making the offering, emphasizing his personal identity and lineage. The inclusion of the father's name (patronymic) was a standard practice in ancient Near Eastern genealogies, serving to affirm the individual's tribal affiliation, established standing, and the continuity of leadership within the community. Shedeur's name, meaning "spreader of light," further adds a layer of symbolic significance to this lineage.
* **"prince of the children of Reuben":** This clause explicitly states Elizur's official capacity and the tribe he represents. As the _nasi'_ of Reuben, he was the designated representative and leader, entrusted with the solemn task of presenting the offering on behalf of his entire tribe. This reinforces the corporate nature of the Tabernacle's dedication and the unity of the twelve tribes in their collective act of worship and commitment to the covenant.
* **"[did offer]:"** Although the King James Version uses brackets to indicate that the verb "did offer" is supplied for clarity in English, the Hebrew context clearly implies this action as the purpose of the preceding identification. This phrase denotes the physical act of presenting the prescribed offerings—a silver charger, a silver bowl, a golden spoon, various sacrificial animals, and fine flour mixed with oil—for the Tabernacle's service. It signifies an act of obedience, dedication, and active participation in the national worship, bringing the required sacrifices and utensils for the holy place.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device employed throughout Numbers 7, and clearly exemplified in verse 30, is **Repetition**. The identical phrasing and detailed listing of each tribal prince's offering for twelve consecutive days serve a crucial theological and narrative purpose. This extensive **Enumeration** or **Cataloging** emphasizes not redundancy, but rather the divine meticulousness and the thoroughness of the Tabernacle's dedication process. It highlights that no tribe was overlooked, and each participated equally and fully in this foundational act of worship, thereby reinforcing the profound **Unity** of the diverse tribes under God's covenant. Furthermore, the selection of a single individual, the "prince," to represent the entire "children of Reuben" is a clear example of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the designated leader) stands in for the whole (the tribe). This device powerfully underscores the concept of corporate representation and the vital responsibility of leadership in facilitating communal worship and covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:30, as part of the larger narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, powerfully conveys several enduring theological truths that resonate throughout biblical theology. It highlights God's demand for order, precision, and reverence in worship, demonstrating that every detail, even the sequence and uniformity of offerings, matters deeply to Him. The unified participation of each tribal prince, bringing an identical offering, profoundly underscores the themes of corporate worship, national unity, and shared commitment under God's covenant. It also speaks to the solemn responsibility of leadership to model and facilitate faithful obedience, generous giving, and collective dedication to God's purposes. The meticulous record-keeping reflects God's attentive gaze upon the obedience and dedication of His people, valuing every act of worship, no matter how seemingly small or repetitive, as a genuine expression of their devotion.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God Commands a Sanctuary")
* [1 Chronicles 29:6-9](/1_chronicles/29-6-9 "1 Chronicles 29:6-9 - Generous Offerings for the Temple")
* [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow of Good Things to Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:30, though a seemingly small detail within a lengthy and repetitive list, offers profound and timeless insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our acts of worship and service, even those that appear routine, repetitive, or perhaps insignificant in our eyes, are seen, valued, and meticulously recorded by God. The emphasis on divine order and intentionality in the Tabernacle's dedication calls us to approach our own spiritual disciplines, personal devotion, and corporate gatherings with reverence, thoughtful preparation, and a sincere desire for excellence. Just as Elizur represented his tribe in an act of communal dedication, we are called to live as faithful representatives of Christ in our families, communities, and workplaces, leading by example in our faith, integrity, and generosity. Our giving, whether of our time, talents, or material resources, should be a purposeful and joyful act of dedication, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and abundant provision, and contributing wholeheartedly to the building up of His kingdom. The remarkable unity displayed by the tribes in their identical offerings challenges us to actively pursue and preserve unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that our individual contributions, when brought together in common purpose and Spirit, profoundly glorify God and advance His redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Numbers 7, including Elizur's specific offering, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's attention to our acts of worship and obedience, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as an individual or as part of your spiritual community, better reflect God's desire for order, intentionality, and excellence in your worship and service?**
* **Considering Elizur's role as a prince representing his tribe, what is your personal responsibility in leading, participating in, or supporting corporate acts of giving and dedication within your local church or broader spiritual community?**

### FAQ
**Why is each tribal prince's offering listed individually in Numbers 7, even though they are identical?**

Answer: The detailed, day-by-day listing of each prince's identical offering serves multiple critical purposes beyond mere redundancy. Firstly, it profoundly underscores God's meticulousness and His valuing of every individual act of obedience and dedication. It demonstrates that God sees and acknowledges each tribe's unique participation, even within a unified national effort. Secondly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of national unity, showing that despite their distinct tribal identities and encampment positions, all twelve tribes were united in their commitment to the Tabernacle and their covenant with God. The uniformity of the offerings symbolized their shared devotion and collective purpose. Thirdly, it highlights the importance of the tribal princes as divinely appointed representatives, emphasizing their leadership role in facilitating corporate worship and giving on behalf of their people. This repetitive structure, therefore, is not superfluous but powerfully communicates divine order, comprehensive dedication, and the corporate identity of Israel as God's chosen nation.

**What was the significance of the tribe of Reuben in this context, given Elizur was its prince?**

Answer: The tribe of Reuben held a unique, albeit complex, position among the tribes of Israel. As Jacob's firstborn son, Reuben's tribe traditionally held the birthright, symbolizing preeminence and a double portion. However, due to Reuben's grave transgression (recorded in [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Genesis 35:22 - Reuben's Transgression") and lamented in Jacob's dying prophecy in [Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3-4 "Genesis 49:3-4 - Jacob's Prophecy for Reuben")), the birthright was effectively forfeited and later distributed among other tribes (e.g., Judah received the kingly line, Joseph's sons received the double portion). Despite this historical setback and diminished preeminence, Reuben remained a significant and integral tribe within the Israelite confederation, often encamping on the south side of the Tabernacle with Simeon and Gad ([Numbers 2:10](/numbers/2-10 "Numbers 2:10 - Reuben's Encampment")). Elizur's participation on the fourth day, alongside other prominent tribes, demonstrates that Reuben, despite its past, was still an active and essential part of the Israelite nation, fully participating in the sacred and unifying act of dedicating God's dwelling place. This inclusion underscores God's grace and His continued covenant relationship with all the tribes of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous offerings for the Tabernacle, as exemplified by Elizur's dedication in [Numbers 7:30](/numbers/7-30 "Numbers 7:30 - Elizur's Offering"), find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, with its precise construction, elaborate sacrificial system, and the very concept of God dwelling among His people, was a profound shadow pointing to the greater reality to come. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," with the Greek word for "dwelt" (ἐσκήνωσεν, _eskēnōsen_) literally meaning "tabernacled," signifying that Jesus is the true and living Tabernacle, the ultimate and perfect presence of God with humanity. The offerings brought by the princes, though valuable and commanded by God, were inherently imperfect and temporary, requiring continual repetition to cover sin. In stark contrast, Christ offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, as powerfully detailed in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"), effectively consecrating a new and living way to God. The Old Testament system, with its emphasis on meticulous order, prescribed rituals, and specific offerings, foreshadowed the perfect obedience and complete dedication of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled every jot and tittle of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Our "offerings" now are not material sacrifices for atonement, but spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and the dedication of our very lives, presented to God through Christ ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"); [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")). Thus, Elizur's act of dedication, part of a divinely ordained system designed to draw Israel closer to God, ultimately points forward to the One who perfectly accomplished that reconciliation and opened the way for all to draw near to the Father.

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 1:5

And these [are] the names of the men that shall stand with you: of [the tribe of] Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Numbers 2:10

On the south side [shall be] the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben [shall be] Elizur the son of Shedeur.