Numbers 7:36

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

On the fifth {H2549} day {H3117} Shelumiel {H8017} the son {H1121} of Zurishaddai {H6701}, prince {H5387} of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095}, did offer:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the fifth day was Shlumi'el the son of Tzurishaddai, leader of the descendants of Shim'on.

Berean Standard Bible

On the fifth day Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, the leader of the Simeonites, drew near.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:36 meticulously records the offering presented by Shelumiel, the prince of the tribe of Simeon, on the fifth day of the Tabernacle's dedication ceremony. This verse is an integral part of a comprehensive chapter that chronicles the identical, costly gifts brought by each of the twelve tribal leaders over twelve consecutive days. It highlights the structured nature of Israel's communal worship, the profound significance of consecrating God's dwelling place among His people, and the importance of obedience and representation within the covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:36 is embedded within a lengthy and highly repetitive narrative (Numbers 7:10-88) that meticulously details the dedication offerings for the newly erected and anointed Tabernacle. Following the completion of the Tabernacle's construction and its anointing (Numbers 7:1-9), the tribal leaders present their gifts in a precise, day-by-day sequence. This process begins with Nahshon of Judah on the first day (Numbers 7:12) and culminates with Ahira of Naphtali on the twelfth day (Numbers 7:78). Each offering, though presented by a different prince, is identical in its components—silver plates, silver bowls, gold pans, and various animals for burnt, grain, sin, and peace offerings—underscoring the unity of the tribes and their equal participation in this sacred act. Verse 36 specifically marks the midpoint of this twelve-day dedication, emphasizing the consistent pattern of worship and the communal commitment to God's presence. The deliberate repetition throughout [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders") serves to underscore the profound significance of the Tabernacle's consecration and the unwavering obedience required in Israel's worship.
* **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 following their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle, constructed according to the precise divine specifications detailed in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), served as the central place of worship, sacrifice, and divine communication for the entire Israelite nation. The role of the "prince" (Hebrew: *nasi'*) was not merely political; these individuals were also spiritual representatives of their respective tribes, entrusted with guiding their people in matters of faith and obedience. The offerings themselves were substantial and costly, reflecting the immense value placed on God's presence and the seriousness of approaching a holy God. The meticulous record of each tribe's participation, down to the specific day of their offering, reinforced both the individual tribal identity within the larger Israelite nation and their collective covenant relationship with Yahweh. This act of dedication established a foundational pattern for Israelite worship and communal life, demonstrating the paramount importance of ordered worship and the principle of corporate representation.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:36 contributes to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. A primary theme is **Divine Order and Obedience**, as the entire dedication process is meticulously structured and executed according to God's precise commands, emphasizing the necessity of adherence to divine instruction in worship. Another key theme is **Communal Worship and Unity**, highlighted by the identical nature of the offerings from all twelve tribes, signifying their collective participation and shared commitment to the covenant. The chapter also underscores the theme of **God's Presence Among His People**, as the Tabernacle's dedication solidifies its role as the physical manifestation of Yahweh's dwelling in the midst of Israel (cf. [Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34-38 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")). Finally, the role of the tribal prince points to the theme of **Representation and Leadership**, where designated leaders act on behalf of the entire community in their approach to God, a concept deeply woven into Israelite theology and later fulfilled in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shelumiel (Hebrew, _Shᵉlumîyʼêl'_):** This personal name, meaning "peace of God," is a compound of "shalom" (peace, completeness, well-being) and "El" (God). As with many biblical names, it often reflects the faith or hope of the parents or serves as a theological statement about God's character. In the context of an offering for the Tabernacle, a name signifying "God is my peace" is particularly poignant, as the Tabernacle was the divinely appointed place where peace and reconciliation with God were mediated through sacrifice and worship.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This word signifies a male offspring, but in its widest sense, it can refer to any literal or figurative relationship, including a descendant, subject, or member of a nation. In this verse, it clearly identifies Shelumiel's direct lineage, "the son of Zurishaddai," establishing his identity within the patriarchal and tribal structure of Israel. This emphasizes the importance of family and heritage in Israelite society and in the divine record.
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** Properly translated as "an exalted one," this term refers to a king, sheik, or, in the context of Israel, a tribal chief or ruler. The *nasi'* was not merely a political leader but held significant authority and responsibility as a representative of his tribe before God and the community. Shelumiel's title as "prince of the children of Simeon" highlights his leadership role and the communal nature of his offering, which was presented on behalf of his entire tribe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the fifth day":** This phrase precisely places Shelumiel's offering within the meticulously ordered twelve-day dedication ceremony of the Tabernacle. It underscores the divine precision and the systematic nature of the consecration, where each tribe had its designated turn. The repetition of this temporal marker throughout [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders") emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's schedule and the orderly progression of worship.
* **"Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai":** This clause identifies the specific individual making the offering. The inclusion of his father's name, Zurishaddai ("rock of the Almighty"), provides his full lineage, connecting him to his family and establishing his identity within the tribal structure. This detail highlights both the personal responsibility of the leader and his rootedness in the broader heritage of Israel.
* **"prince of the children of Simeon":** This identifies Shelumiel's official capacity and the people he represents. As the "prince" (*nasi'*) of Simeon, he was the recognized leader and representative of that tribe. His offering was therefore not merely a personal act but a communal one, made on behalf of the entire tribe, signifying their collective participation and dedication to the Lord and His newly consecrated dwelling place.
* **"[did offer]":** This phrase, supplied for clarity in the KJV (the Hebrew verb is implied from the preceding verses in the chapter), refers to the act of presenting the prescribed dedication gifts. It signifies the culmination of the tribe's participation in the Tabernacle's consecration, an act of worship and obedience, bringing valuable resources and sacrifices near to God as an expression of devotion and covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The overarching literary device employed throughout Numbers 7, prominently featured in verse 36, is **Repetition**. The identical description of each day's offering, repeated twelve times for each tribal prince, serves as a powerful rhetorical tool. This repetition is not mere redundancy but emphasizes the unity of the tribes in their worship, the meticulousness required in divine service, and the completeness of the Tabernacle's dedication. It underscores the solemnity and significance of the event. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the offerings themselves; the costly silver, gold, and various animals symbolize the immense value and cost of approaching a holy God, as well as the different aspects of atonement, fellowship, and thanksgiving inherent in Israelite worship. The act of the "prince" offering on behalf of his tribe can also be understood as **Representation**, a foundational biblical concept where one individual stands in for the many, mediating their devotion and participation before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:36, as an integral part of the broader Tabernacle dedication narrative, powerfully illustrates several core theological principles. It underscores God's demand for order and obedience in worship, revealing that even seemingly minor details in divine commands are profoundly significant. The meticulous, identical offerings from each tribe highlight the unity of God's people in their communal devotion and shared covenant relationship, emphasizing that every part of the community contributes to the whole. This act of dedication also emphasizes the consecration of sacred space and the acknowledgment of God's dwelling among His people, establishing the Tabernacle as the focal point of Israel's spiritual life and the place where humanity could meet with the divine. Finally, the role of Shelumiel as a representative leader points to the importance of faithful leadership in guiding the community in acts of worship and obedience, mediating the people's devotion before God.

* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 1:1-2](/leviticus/1-1-2 "Leviticus 1:1-2 - The Lord Calls Moses from the Tabernacle")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual of Shelumiel's offering, though culturally and historically distinct from our modern context, provides profound and enduring insights for contemporary faith and practice. It calls us to consider the intentionality, reverence, and meticulousness with which we approach God in worship, both personally and corporately. Just as the tribal prince brought a specific and costly offering, we are invited to offer our "best" – not primarily in material sacrifice, but in sincere devotion, dedicated lives, and the intentional use of our gifts, talents, and resources for God's glory. This passage also serves as a powerful reminder of our communal responsibility within the body of Christ. Our individual acts of faith are not isolated but are part of a larger, unified tapestry of corporate worship and service, where each member contributes uniquely to the whole, reflecting the unity of believers in Christ. Ultimately, Numbers 7:36 encourages us to live lives of ongoing consecration, recognizing that as New Covenant believers, we are now the very dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, called to dedicate our entire being—body, mind, and spirit—to God's purposes and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the Tabernacle dedication, as exemplified in Numbers 7:36, inform our understanding of God's desire for order and intentionality in our personal and corporate worship today?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals and as a community of believers, emulate the spirit of communal participation and unity demonstrated by the tribes of Israel in their offerings to God?**
* **Considering that believers are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")), how can we practically dedicate our lives, talents, and resources as a "living sacrifice" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")) to God's will and purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why is the entire chapter 7 of Numbers so repetitive, detailing the same offering for each tribe?**

Answer: The extensive repetition in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders") serves several crucial theological and literary purposes. Theologically, it underscores the completeness and totality of the dedication; every tribe, without exception, participated equally in consecrating God's dwelling place, signifying their unity and shared commitment to the covenant. Liturgically, it emphasizes the precision and order God demanded in worship, highlighting that obedience to divine instruction was paramount. The repetition also functions as a powerful literary device, reinforcing the profound significance of the Tabernacle's establishment as the central point of Israel's life and worship. It communicates that while each tribe's offering was uniquely important, collectively they formed one unified, comprehensive act of worship and dedication to Yahweh.

**What was the significance of Simeon's offering being on the fifth day?**

Answer: While the biblical text does not ascribe specific theological significance to Simeon's offering being on the fifth day over any other day, its placement within the twelve-day sequence underscores the systematic and ordered nature of the dedication process. The tribes were arranged according to their encampment around the Tabernacle (see [Numbers 2](/numbers/2 "Numbers 2 - The Encampment of Israel")), and their offerings followed a logical, predetermined sequence. The fact that Simeon, a tribe that would later face significant challenges and a reduction in size (e.g., [Numbers 25:14](/numbers/25-14 "Numbers 25:14 - Zimri, a leader of Simeon") and its smaller numbers in later censuses), still participated fully and equally in this foundational act of worship highlights God's covenant faithfulness to all His people, regardless of their future trajectory. Every tribe had its designated place and its turn in drawing near to God, affirming their equal standing in the covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Tabernacle, with its meticulous dedication and the costly offerings presented by the tribal princes like Shelumiel, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very purpose of the Tabernacle was to provide a way for a holy God to dwell among an unholy people, and for them to draw near to Him through prescribed sacrifices and rituals. This finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ, who is the true and perfect [Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God with humanity](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The repetitive offerings of animals, like those brought by Shelumiel on behalf of Simeon, were temporary and imperfect, serving as a shadow that pointed forward to the [once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of Jesus](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - By God's Will We Have Been Sanctified"). He is the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), rendering all previous sacrifices obsolete. Furthermore, just as Shelumiel represented the tribe of Simeon, Christ serves as the ultimate Representative and High Priest for all humanity, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice and enabling believers to [draw near to God with confidence](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") through His shed blood. The dedication of the physical Tabernacle culminates in the new covenant, where believers themselves become the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit"), consecrated not by animal blood but by Christ's finished work, and indwelt by God's very presence.

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 1:6

Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Numbers 2:12

And those which pitch by him [shall be] the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon [shall be] Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.