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 records the specific offering brought by Eliasaph, the leader of the tribe of Gad, for the dedication of the Tabernacle. This verse is part of a lengthy and repetitive chapter detailing identical contributions from each of the twelve tribal leaders, emphasizing the communal commitment to establishing God's dwelling place among Israel and highlighting divine principles of order, precision, and the significance of consecrated giving in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:43 is situated within a highly structured and repetitive narrative that spans the entirety of Numbers chapter 7, from verse 10 to verse 88. This extensive passage meticulously lists 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, follows the exact same pattern and includes the same items, underscoring a profound theological point about unity, obedience, and the divine demand for precise adherence to covenant stipulations. The repetition serves not as mere redundancy but as a powerful literary device to emphasize the comprehensive and unified nature of Israel's dedication to God and His dwelling place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 7 occur shortly after the erection and anointing of the Tabernacle, as detailed in [Exodus 40:1-33](/exodus/40-1 "Exodus 40:1-33 - The Tabernacle Erected"). This period marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, as God's presence was now visibly established in their midst. The offerings described in Numbers 7, including the specific items in Numbers 7:43, were not arbitrary but were prescribed for the maintenance and service of the Tabernacle. The "shekel of the sanctuary" mentioned here refers to a standardized, sacred weight, distinct from common commercial weights, ensuring integrity and uniformity in all sacred transactions. Such detailed records of offerings were common in ancient Near Eastern temple dedications, but 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Charger (Hebrew, _qəʿārâ'_):** This term refers to a large, flat dish or platter, likely used for serving or presenting offerings. Its substantial weight ("an hundred and thirty shekels") indicates a significant and valuable item, underscoring the preciousness of the gift brought to the Tabernacle. In the context of the Tabernacle, such vessels were essential for the various sacrificial rituals.
* **Bowl (Hebrew, _mizrāq'_):** This word denotes a sprinkling bowl, typically used for collecting and sprinkling blood in sacrificial rites, or for holding liquids. The fact that both the charger and the bowl were silver, and of specific weights, highlights the value placed on these sacred vessels and the meticulousness required in the Tabernacle service.
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minḥâ'_):** In the KJV, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of _minḥâ_, which actually refers to a **grain offering** or **meal offering**, not animal flesh. This offering typically consisted of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. It was a bloodless sacrifice, symbolizing dedication, thanksgiving, and communion with God, often presented alongside burnt offerings or as an independent act of worship. The inclusion of "fine flour mingled with oil" specifies the exact composition of this particular _minḥâ_.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His offering [was] one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty [shekels],":** This clause introduces the first significant item of Eliasaph's contribution: a large silver platter. The specific weight of 130 shekels (approximately 3.25 pounds or 1.47 kilograms of silver) denotes its considerable value and the generosity of the gift. The precision in detailing the weight emphasizes the meticulous nature of the divine instructions and the exactness required in the 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 phrase "after the shekel of the sanctuary" is crucial, indicating that the weight was measured according to the standardized, sacred system used for all Tabernacle-related items, ensuring accuracy and preventing fraud or deviation from divine standards. This highlights the integrity and sanctity of all dealings with 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 silver vessels. They were filled with "fine flour mingled with oil," which constituted a "meat offering" (or grain offering). This offering was a staple 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. This **Anaphora** (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) across the chapter, though not within the single verse itself, is reflected in the verse's precise and formulaic language. 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 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 and value, fine flour and oil representing sustenance and consecration—adds layers of meaning to the physical acts of dedication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:43, as 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 atonement, 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 "Exodus 25:1-9 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and its Offerings") – Details God's call for freewill offerings for the Tabernacle's construction, establishing the principle of voluntary, generous giving for sacred purposes.
* [Leviticus 2:1-16](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1-16 - The Law of the Grain Offering") – Provides the specific regulations for the grain offering (_minḥâ_), explaining its components (fine flour, oil, frankincense) and its significance as a bloodless offering of dedication and thanksgiving.
* [1 Chronicles 29:1-9](/1_chronicles/29-1 "1 Chronicles 29:1-9 - David's and the People's Offerings for the Temple") – Illustrates a later instance of lavish, voluntary offerings for the building of the Temple, echoing the spirit of generosity and communal dedication seen in Numbers 7.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Eliasaph's offering in Numbers 7:43, 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. It encourages us to find unity in our collective worship, recognizing that our individual contributions, when offered in obedience, build up the spiritual dwelling place of God among us.

#### 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 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. Liturgically, the repetition validates each tribe's equal participation and commitment, ensuring that no tribe felt overlooked or less significant. 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").

### 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 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 atonement for humanity's sins ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "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")). 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.

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.