Numbers 7:35

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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.

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 Elizur {H468} the son {H1121} of Shedeur {H7707}.

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 Elitzur the son of Sh'de'ur.

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 Elizur son of Shedeur.

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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:35 meticulously details a specific component of the peace offering presented by Elizur, the leader of the tribe of Reuben, during the twelve-day dedication ceremony of the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This verse, part of a larger record of tribal leaders' contributions, enumerates the animals—two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs of the first year—underscoring the Israelites' obedient and generous participation in corporate worship, and highlighting the nature of the *shelamim* (peace offering) as a joyful expression of peace and fellowship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:35 is situated within a lengthy and highly repetitive chapter (Numbers 7:1-88) that meticulously records the offerings brought by the leaders of each of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the newly erected Tabernacle. This dedication follows the Tabernacle's completion and anointing, as described in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Dedication of the Tabernacle"). The chapter details a twelve-day ceremony where one tribal leader presents their gifts each day, with Elizur's offering, representing the tribe of Reuben, being presented on the second day (Numbers 7:30-35). The deliberate repetition of similar offerings across all tribes emphasizes the comprehensive and unified dedication of the entire nation to God's service, following the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and the ordination of the priests found in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Instructions and Construction") and [Leviticus 8-10](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8-10 - Ordination of Priests").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 7 unfold in the wilderness, shortly after the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle served as the physical dwelling place of God among His people, the central hub for Israelite worship, and the visible sign of His covenant presence. Its dedication was a monumental event, signifying the full establishment of God's covenant relationship with Israel. Offerings were integral to Israelite worship, categorized by their specific purpose (e.g., sin, guilt, burnt, grain, peace offerings). The "peace offering" (*shelamim*) was unique among these, as it involved a communal meal shared between the offerer, the priests, and symbolically, God Himself. This type of offering was not primarily for atonement but for expressing gratitude, fulfilling vows, or celebrating a state of peace and fellowship. The animals chosen for Elizur's offering—oxen, rams, goats, and lambs—were standard sacrificial animals, reflecting the agricultural wealth of the people and adhering to the prescribed purity for offerings. The substantial nature of the leaders' contributions highlighted their role as representatives and the nation's collective devotion to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace offerings (Hebrew, _shelamim'_):** This term (שְׁלָמִים) derives from the root *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם), which encompasses meanings of "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," "well-being," and "prosperity." Unlike sin or guilt offerings, which were expiatory and dealt with specific transgressions, *shelamim* were voluntary offerings that celebrated a state of reconciliation, fellowship, and gratitude with God. A unique characteristic was the communal meal shared by the offerer, their family, priests, and symbolically God (through the burnt portions), signifying a harmonious and intimate relationship.
* **Elizur (Hebrew, _'Elitsur'_):** The name (אֱלִיצוּר) means "My God is a rock" or "God is my rock." Elizur, the son of Shedeur, was the recognized leader (prince) of the tribe of Reuben (Numbers 1:5; 2:10; 7:30). His name itself carries theological weight, reflecting trust and stability in God, which is fitting for a leader presenting a significant offering on behalf of his tribe and the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings":** This phrase immediately identifies the specific type of offering being presented. The peace offering (*shelamim*) was distinct from other sacrifices like burnt offerings (which were entirely consumed), sin offerings (for unintentional sins), or guilt offerings (for specific transgressions requiring restitution). The peace offering was uniquely characterized by a portion being consumed by the offerer and their household, symbolizing a shared meal with God and a state of peace and communion.
* **"two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year":** This precise enumeration highlights the meticulous nature of Mosaic law and the specific requirements for worship. The quantity of animals signifies a generous and substantial offering, reflecting both the wealth and devotion of the tribal leader. The specification of "lambs of the first year" indicates that these were young, unblemished animals, signifying purity and prime condition, as was consistently required for all sacrifices to God.
* **"this [was] the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur."**: This concluding clause identifies the specific individual responsible for this offering: Elizur, the leader of the tribe of Reuben. It reinforces the individual responsibility and participation of each tribal head in this national act of dedication, while simultaneously emphasizing the collective unity of Israel through their representative leaders.

#### Literary Devices
**Enumeration** and **Repetition** are the most prominent literary devices employed in Numbers 7, and specifically in verse 35. The detailed listing of each animal for the peace offering (two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs) is a clear example of **enumeration**, which serves to emphasize the meticulousness required in worship and the substantial nature of the gifts. This precise enumeration is then **repeated** almost verbatim for each of the twelve tribal leaders throughout the entire chapter, creating a powerful rhythmic structure. This **repetition** underscores the unity and comprehensive participation of all Israel in the Tabernacle's dedication, demonstrating that every tribe, through its leader, contributed equally and obediently. Furthermore, the very act of listing specific, unblemished animals functions as **Symbolism**, where the purity and costliness of the offering signify devotion and the high value placed on communion with God. The peace offering itself is a profound **symbol** of restored fellowship, gratitude, and a shared meal between God and His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The peace offering, as exemplified by Elizur's contribution in Numbers 7:35, profoundly illustrates the Old Covenant's emphasis on relational worship. It was not merely about appeasing an angry deity but cultivating a joyful fellowship with a God who desired to dwell among His people. The communal meal aspect of the *shelamim* underscored God's invitation to His people to share in His presence and blessings, fostering a sense of peace and gratitude. This foreshadows the New Covenant reality where believers are invited into intimate communion with God through Christ, the ultimate peace offering, establishing a lasting peace that transcends the temporary nature of the Old Testament sacrifices.

* [Leviticus 3:1-17](/leviticus/3-1 "Leviticus 3:1-17 - The Law of Peace Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 27:7](/deuteronomy/27-7 "Deuteronomy 27:7 - Eating Peace Offerings Before the Lord")
* [Psalm 107:22](/psalms/107-22 "Psalm 107:22 - Offer Sacrifices of Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:35, though detailing an ancient ritual, speaks timeless truths about our relationship with God. The meticulousness of Elizur's offering challenges us to consider the intentionality and quality of our own worship—do we offer God our best, not merely our leftovers? The essence of the peace offering, fostering fellowship and gratitude, calls us to cultivate a daily communion with God, recognizing His presence and blessings in our lives. In a world often marked by discord, the pursuit of peace with God and with others, as symbolized by the *shelamim*, remains a vital spiritual discipline. Our giving, whether of time, talent, or resources, should be an overflow of a heart dedicated to God, reflecting His boundless generosity to us and our desire for deeper communion with Him and with fellow believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Elizur's offering challenge my own approach to worship and giving, prompting me to consider the quality and intentionality of what I offer to God?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of peace and fellowship with God in my daily life, reflecting the heart of the peace offering as a joyful communion?**
* **How can my actions and offerings today contribute to the unity and corporate worship of the body of Christ, mirroring the unified dedication of the tribes in Numbers 7?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "peace offering" (shelamim)?**

Answer: The "peace offering" (*shelamim*) was one of the voluntary offerings in Israelite worship, distinct from mandatory sin or guilt offerings. Its primary significance was to express gratitude, fulfill vows, or simply celebrate a state of peace and fellowship with God. Unlike other sacrifices where the animal was wholly consumed or given entirely to the priests, a significant portion of the peace offering was returned to the offerer and their family or friends for a communal meal. This shared meal symbolized a shared table with God and a harmonious, reconciled relationship, emphasizing communion rather than atonement. Detailed instructions for the peace offering are found in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - The Law of Peace Offerings").

**Why is the same offering repeated for each tribal leader in Numbers 7?**

Answer: The repetition of similar offerings from each of the twelve tribal leaders throughout [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders") serves several important theological and practical purposes. First, it underscores the profound unity of the twelve tribes in their dedication to God and His newly erected Tabernacle. Despite their distinct identities, they were united in a singular act of worship. Second, it emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the dedication—every segment of Israel participated through its representative leader. Third, the meticulous record-keeping highlights God's demand for precise obedience to His commands and the Israelites' faithful adherence. Finally, it demonstrates the leaders' crucial role as representatives of their respective tribes in acts of national worship and devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:35, with its focus on the peace offering and the desire for fellowship with God, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament *shelamim* offered a temporary, symbolic peace and communion with God through animal sacrifice, Christ is our true and eternal [Peace Offering](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace"). Through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, Jesus did not merely symbolize peace; He *made* peace between God and humanity, reconciling us to the Father and breaking down the wall of hostility ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose blood cleanses us from sin, enabling us to enter into genuine, unhindered communion with a holy God. The communal meal aspect of the Old Testament peace offering is powerfully echoed in the New Covenant through the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in a meal that commemorates Christ's sacrifice and celebrates our ongoing [fellowship with Him](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread") and with one another. Thus, Elizur's offering, a tangible expression of ancient Israel's desire for peace with God, points forward to the definitive and complete peace secured for us by our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our peace.

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.