Numbers 7:43

KJV

His offering [was] one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty [shekels], a 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

His offering {H7133} was one {H259} silver {H3701} charger {H7086} of the weight {H4948} of an hundred {H3967} and thirty {H7970} shekels, a 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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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;

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:43 meticulously chronicles the specific offering presented by Eliasaph, the leader of the tribe of Gad, for the solemn dedication of the Tabernacle. This verse is part of a lengthy and highly repetitive chapter that details the identical contributions from each of the twelve tribal leaders, powerfully underscoring Israel's communal commitment to establishing God's dwelling place in their midst, and highlighting profound divine principles of order, precision, unity, and the sacred significance of consecrated giving in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:43 is deeply embedded within a highly structured and repetitive narrative that encompasses the entirety of Numbers chapter 7, from verse 10 to verse 88. This extensive passage meticulously enumerates the identical offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel over twelve consecutive days for the dedication of the Tabernacle, which had just been completed and consecrated as described in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Completed and Consecrated"). Each tribal leader's offering, including Eliasaph’s in this verse, adheres to the exact same pattern and includes the same items. This deliberate repetition serves not as mere redundancy but as a profound literary and theological device, emphasizing the comprehensive, unified, and obedient nature of Israel's dedication to God and His newly established dwelling place. It underscores the divine demand for precise adherence to covenant stipulations and the importance of communal participation in worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Numbers 7 unfold shortly after the erection and anointing of the Tabernacle, as detailed in [Exodus 40:1-33](/exodus/40-1-33 "Exodus 40:1-33 - The Tabernacle Erected and Anointed"). This period marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, as God's tangible presence was now visibly established in their midst. The offerings, including the specific items in Numbers 7:43, were not arbitrary but were prescribed for the ongoing maintenance and sacred service of the Tabernacle. The crucial phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" refers to a standardized, sacred weight, distinct from common commercial weights, which ensured integrity, uniformity, and purity in all sacred transactions. While detailed records of offerings were common in ancient Near Eastern temple dedications, here they uniquely highlight Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh and their collective responsibility in supporting the worship system He ordained. This act of giving was a public demonstration of their commitment to the covenant and their recognition of God's sovereignty and provision.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:43, as part of the broader Tabernacle dedication, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, demonstrating God's meticulousness in establishing His worship and His expectation of exact obedience from His people. The identical offerings from each tribe underscore the theme of **Unity in Worship**, emphasizing that while individual tribes maintained their identity, they were united in their devotion and service to God. The substantial value of the offerings, particularly the silver vessels and the fine flour, points to the theme of **Generous and Consecrated Giving**, where Israel was called to offer their best to God as an act of gratitude and recognition of His supreme worth. Finally, the entire dedication process, including these offerings, reinforces the theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**, establishing the Tabernacle as the tangible center of Israel's life and the place where God's presence was accessible, a theme central to the wilderness narrative found throughout [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Charger (Hebrew, _qᵉʻârâh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to cut out hollow," refers to a large, flat dish or platter, likely designed for serving or presenting offerings. The substantial weight of "an hundred and thirty shekels" indicates its significant value and the generosity of the gift brought to the Tabernacle. In the context of Tabernacle service, such vessels were essential for the various sacrificial rituals and presentations.
* **Bowl (Hebrew, _mizrâq'_):** This word denotes a vessel "as if for sprinkling," typically used for collecting and sprinkling blood in sacrificial rites, or for holding other liquids like oil or water. The fact that both the charger and the bowl were made of silver and of specific, substantial weights underscores the meticulousness required in the Tabernacle service and the high value placed on these sacred vessels dedicated to God.
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** In the KJV, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of _minchâh_, which properly refers to a **grain offering** or **meal offering**, not animal flesh. This term signifies "a donation" or "sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)." It typically consisted of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. As a bloodless sacrifice, it symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, and communion with God, often presented alongside burnt offerings or as an independent act of worship, acknowledging God's provision and sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His offering [was] one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty [shekels],":** This clause introduces the initial and most substantial item of Eliasaph's contribution: a single, large silver platter. The precise weight of 130 shekels (approximately 3.25 pounds or 1.47 kilograms of silver) emphasizes the considerable material value of the gift and highlights the generosity and devotion of the giver. The meticulous detail in specifying the weight underscores the divine demand for precision and the exactness required in all aspects of Tabernacle service.
* **"a silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary;":** This specifies the second silver vessel, a bowl, weighing 70 shekels (approximately 1.75 pounds or 0.79 kilograms). The crucial phrase "after the shekel of the sanctuary" indicates that the weight was measured according to the standardized, sacred system used exclusively for all Tabernacle-related items. This ensured accuracy, prevented fraud or deviation from divine standards, and underscored the integrity and sanctity of all dealings related to God's house.
* **"both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:":** This final clause describes the contents of the two silver vessels. They were filled with "fine flour mingled with oil," which collectively constituted a "meat offering" (or grain offering). This offering was a fundamental component of Israelite worship, symbolizing the firstfruits of the harvest and representing a grateful acknowledgment of God's provision and sustenance. The combination of flour and oil was a common and essential component of this bloodless sacrifice, signifying dedication, communion, and peace with God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 7:43, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Repetition**. The identical description of each tribal leader's offering, including the specific items, weights, and contents, serves a powerful rhetorical and theological purpose. While **Anaphora** (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) is more evident across the chapter in the recurring formula for each leader's offering, within this single verse, the meticulous detail in listing the items—the silver charger, the silver bowl, the specific weights, and the exact composition of the grain offering—demonstrates **Precision** and **Emphasis**. This is not merely a dry record but a divinely inspired blueprint, underscoring the importance of exact obedience to God's commands and the value placed on order and uniformity in worship. The **Symbolism** of the offerings themselves—silver representing purity, value, and redemption; fine flour representing the best of the harvest and sustenance; and oil representing anointing, consecration, and the Holy Spirit—adds profound layers of meaning to the physical acts of dedication and worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:43, as an integral part of the broader narrative of Tabernacle dedication, profoundly illuminates several key theological themes. It underscores God's meticulous nature and His demand for order and precision in worship, demonstrating that true devotion is not casual but intentional and structured. The identical nature of the offerings from each tribe also highlights the theme of unity in worship, where individual contributions coalesce into a collective act of adoration and commitment to God's presence. Furthermore, the substantial value of the silver vessels and the inclusion of the "meat offering" (grain offering) speak to the principle of giving one's best to God, recognizing His supreme worth and His role as the ultimate provider. This act of giving was an expression of gratitude, a means of seeking favor, and a symbol of communion, establishing the foundation for Israel's ongoing relationship with Yahweh through the Tabernacle system.

* [Exodus 25:1-9](/exodus/25-1-9 "Exodus 25:1-9 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and its Offerings")
* [Leviticus 2:1-16](/leviticus/2-1-16 "Leviticus 2:1-16 - The Law of the Grain Offering")
* [1 Chronicles 29:1-9](/1_chronicles/29-1-9 "1 Chronicles 29:1-9 - David's and the People's Offerings for the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Eliasaph's offering in Numbers 7:43, situated within the larger framework of the Tabernacle dedication, serves as a timeless reminder of the principles governing our approach to God. It teaches us that our worship and service should be characterized by intentionality, precision, and a spirit of generous dedication. Just as the Israelites brought their best and followed specific divine instructions, we are called to offer our lives, talents, and resources with reverence and a desire to honor God in every detail. This passage challenges us to consider not just the quantity of our giving, but the quality and the heart behind it, ensuring that our acts of devotion are truly "after the shekel of the sanctuary"—measured by God's standards, not our own convenience or fleeting impulses. It encourages us to find unity in our collective worship, recognizing that our individual contributions, when offered in obedience and a spirit of unity, build up the spiritual dwelling place of God among us and advance His kingdom in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to offer my "best" to God, beyond just financial contributions?**
* **How does the meticulous detail in Numbers 7:43 challenge my understanding of intentionality and precision in my personal worship and service?**
* **What does "after the shekel of the sanctuary" mean for my integrity and authenticity in my dealings with God and others today?**
* **How can I contribute to the unity and collective purpose of God's people in my community, mirroring the tribal leaders' unified offerings?**

### FAQ
**Why is the offering of each tribal leader described in such repetitive detail in Numbers 7?**

Answer: The extensive repetition in Numbers 7, including the description in Numbers 7:43, serves several critical purposes. Theologically, it emphasizes the absolute uniformity and precision required in the Tabernacle service, underscoring God's demand for exact obedience to His commands. It highlights the profound unity of the twelve tribes in their dedication to God and His dwelling place, demonstrating that despite their distinct identities, they were one people united in worship and purpose. Liturgically, the repetition validates each tribe's equal participation and commitment, ensuring that no tribe felt overlooked or less significant in this foundational act of national worship. From a literary perspective, it acts as a powerful rhetorical device, impressing upon the reader the immense value and sacredness of the Tabernacle and the offerings, reinforcing the divine emphasis on order and the comprehensive nature of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. This detailed record also served as a legal and historical document, affirming the proper establishment and support of the central place of worship for future generations, much like the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and its Furnishings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:43, with its focus on precise offerings for the Tabernacle's dedication, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The meticulous details of the silver vessels and the grain offering point forward to Jesus as the perfect and ultimate offering. The "shekel of the sanctuary" foreshadows the absolute perfection and unblemished nature of Christ, who was "without blemish or spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")). While the grain offering symbolized dedication and sustenance, it was a bloodless sacrifice that, by itself, could not fully atone for sin. Christ, however, offered Himself as the living and perfect "grain offering" in His sinless life of obedience, and as the ultimate "burnt offering" through His sacrificial death, providing complete and eternal atonement for humanity's sins ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The Tabernacle, which these offerings dedicated, was the dwelling place of God among His people; Jesus is the true Tabernacle, God incarnate, "who tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making God fully accessible. Our offerings now are not of silver and flour, but the offering of our very lives as "living sacrifices" in response to His finished work ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), empowered by His Spirit, and offered in union with Him, the One who fulfilled every type and shadow of the Old Covenant offerings, bringing us into a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Our Access to God Through Christ")).

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

Leviticus 2:5

And if thy oblation [be] a meat offering [baken] in a pan, it shall be [of] fine flour unleavened, mingled with oil.

Leviticus 14:10

¶ And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.

Hebrews 1:9

Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.