What number verse is Numbers 7:46 in the Bible?

Numbers 7:46 is the 3,897th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 7:46 sits at position 3,897.

Translation

King James Version

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

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KJV (with Strong's)

One ^H259 kid ^H8163 of the goats ^H5795 for a sin offering ^H2403:

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Complete Jewish Bible

one male goat as a sin offering,

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Berean Standard Bible

one male goat for a sin offering;

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American Standard Version

one male of the goats for a sin-offering;

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World English Bible Messianic

one male goat for a sin offering;

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Geneva Bible (1599)

An hee goate for a sinne offring,

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Young's Literal Translation

one kid of the goats for a sin-offering;

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In the KJVVerse 3,897 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 7:46, nestled within the meticulous record of the dedication offerings for the newly consecrated Tabernacle, specifies "one kid of the goats for a sin offering" presented by Eliasaph, leader of the tribe of Gad. This seemingly minor detail carries profound theological weight, underscoring that even amidst joyous celebration and meticulous adherence to divine commands, the inherent sinfulness of humanity necessitated a constant provision for atonement and purification. It served as a vital reminder that a holy God could only dwell among an imperfect people through a divinely instituted means of dealing with sin, ensuring ritual purity and maintaining a vibrant covenant relationship.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers 7 meticulously records the dedication offerings presented by each of the twelve tribal leaders of Israel over twelve consecutive days, immediately following the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle in Numbers 7:1. Each leader brought an identical set of gifts, including wagons, oxen, silver dishes, gold pans, and various animals for burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings. This extensive chapter emphasizes the unified, yet individually presented, devotion of the tribes to Yahweh and the precise fulfillment of divine instruction. Verse 46 specifically details a component of the seventh day's offering, brought by Eliasaph, son of Deuel, from the tribe of Gad, demonstrating the consistent inclusion of a sin offering as a non-negotiable element in every tribal dedication. This repetition highlights the pervasive need for purification even during a celebratory and holy event.
Historical & Cultural Context: The dedication of the Tabernacle marked a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, establishing a central, mobile sanctuary for God's dwelling among His people after the giving of the Law at Sinai. The offerings described in Numbers 7 were not merely ceremonial but deeply significant acts of worship, designed to consecrate the sanctuary and maintain the purity of the people in the presence of a holy God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, offerings were common, but Israel's system, detailed extensively in Leviticus, was unique in its divine origin and its emphasis on atonement for sin. The "kid of the goats for a sin offering" (Hebrew: chaṭṭâʼâh) was crucial for purifying the worshiper and the sanctuary from unintentional sins or ritual impurities that could inadvertently defile the holy space and jeopardize God's presence. Its inclusion, even during a celebratory dedication, underscored the pervasive nature of human sin and the constant need for divine provision for reconciliation, ensuring that the covenant relationship remained intact.
Key Themes: The verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of God's Holiness and Man's Sinfulness, highlighting the absolute purity required for God's presence and humanity's inherent inability to meet that standard without divine provision. The meticulous details of the offerings underscore the theme of Divine Order and Obedience, showing Israel's adherence to God's precise instructions for worship and communal life. Furthermore, the consistent inclusion of the sin offering throughout the twelve days of dedication emphasizes the theme of Atonement and Purification, revealing God's gracious provision for dealing with sin and maintaining covenant fellowship. This particular offering, a "kid of the goats," also subtly points to the broader theme of Substitutionary Sacrifice, a foundational concept for understanding God's plan of redemption, which finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament (Hebrews 9:22).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Kid (Hebrew, sâʻîyr', H8163): This term refers to a young male goat, specifically a "he-goat." In the context of the Mosaic Law, various types of animals were specified for different offerings. The "kid" was a common and accessible animal often designated for sin offerings, particularly for leaders or the congregation, as seen in Leviticus 4:23. The selection of a specific, unblemished animal underscored the seriousness of the offering and the need for a pure substitute. Its use symbolized the transfer of impurity or guilt onto an innocent life, which was then sacrificed to effect purification and restore ritual purity.
Sin offering (Hebrew, chaṭṭâʼâh', H2403): This word is derived from the root chata', meaning "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to fall short." While often translated as "sin offering," it carries a broader sense of purification or cleansing. This offering was primarily for unintentional sins, errors, or ritual impurities that rendered a person or object unclean and thus unfit to be in God's holy presence or to participate in worship. The chaṭṭâʼâh was not primarily about guilt for deliberate rebellion but about restoring a right ceremonial or spiritual standing before God that might have been compromised. Its purpose was to "de-sin" or "purify" the worshiper and the sanctuary, enabling God's continued dwelling among His people. It could also refer to the penalty of sin or the offender themselves, highlighting the comprehensive nature of sin's impact.

Verse Breakdown

"One kid of the goats for a sin offering": This concise phrase encapsulates the essence of this particular component of the tribal offering. "One kid of the goats" meticulously specifies the exact animal required, highlighting the meticulous detail of God's commands and the specific nature of the sacrifice. The animal's life was given in substitution, representing the purification necessary for the offerer. The phrase "for a sin offering" explicitly states the purpose: to atone for unintentional transgressions or to cleanse from ritual impurity. In the context of the Tabernacle's dedication, it acknowledged that even in their most devout and celebratory moments, Israel, as a sinful people, required a divinely appointed means to deal with their inherent imperfections and maintain a holy relationship with God. This offering ensured that the dedication was not merely a human act of generosity but a sacred act of purification, allowing God's unblemished presence to remain among them.

Literary Devices

The verse, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. Specificity is profoundly evident in the precise mention of "one kid of the goats," emphasizing the exactness required in Old Covenant worship and God's detailed provision for atonement. This precision contrasts sharply with vague or arbitrary pagan rituals. Symbolism is deeply embedded: the "kid of the goats" symbolizes an innocent substitute whose life is given to cover the defilement of the offerer. This animal, without blemish, represents the purity required for an effective sacrifice. Furthermore, the very act of offering a "sin offering" carries deep typological significance, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, who would truly take away the sin of the world. The inclusion of this offering within a larger narrative of dedication also highlights contrast, juxtaposing the joy and celebration of consecration with the solemn reality of human sin and the constant need for divine grace and purification.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 7:46 profoundly illustrates the Old Covenant reality that human sin, even unintentional, created a barrier between a holy God and His people, necessitating a divinely ordained means of atonement. The sin offering, represented by the "kid of the goats," served as a constant reminder of God's absolute holiness, humanity's pervasive sinfulness, and His gracious provision for reconciliation. It taught Israel that access to God's presence and the maintenance of their covenant relationship were predicated not on their own perfection, but on God's initiative to provide a way for their purification. This theological principle of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent life is given for the guilty, is a foundational theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the New Covenant.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The inclusion of a sin offering, even during a celebratory dedication, serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of our perpetual need for God's grace and atonement, regardless of our spiritual achievements or joyful circumstances. It underscores that human imperfection is a constant reality, and our access to God's holy presence is always by His provision, not our merit. For believers today, this truth translates into a deep appreciation for the finished work of Christ. We are no longer bound by the ritualistic sacrifices of the Old Covenant, but the underlying principle—the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a perfect sacrifice for its atonement—remains eternally relevant. This verse calls us to humility, acknowledging our ongoing need for cleansing, and to profound gratitude for the complete and final purification offered through Jesus. It encourages us to live in light of this incredible grace, striving for holiness not to earn salvation, but as a response to the perfect sacrifice already made on our behalf, allowing us to walk in genuine fellowship with a holy God.

Questions for Reflection

How does the inclusion of a sin offering during a dedication ceremony challenge our assumptions about holiness and celebration?
In what ways does the Old Testament sin offering deepen your appreciation for the completeness of Christ's sacrifice?
How can the principle of acknowledging our need for atonement, even in moments of spiritual triumph, shape our daily walk with God?

FAQ

Why was a sin offering necessary during the dedication of the Tabernacle, a seemingly joyous and holy event?

Answer: The necessity of a sin offering, even amidst the joyous dedication of the Tabernacle, highlights several crucial theological points. First, it underscored the pervasive reality of human sinfulness. Even the most devout Israelites, including the tribal leaders, were imperfect and prone to unintentional sins or ritual impurities. Second, it emphasized God's absolute holiness. The Tabernacle was God's dwelling place, and His presence demanded unblemished purity. Any inadvertent transgression or defilement, even minor, could compromise this sacred space and the relationship between God and His people. The sin offering served as a divinely appointed means to purify the worshiper and the sanctuary, ensuring that God's holy presence could remain among them without being defiled by human imperfection. It was a recognition that even in their best efforts, Israel needed God's gracious provision to bridge the gap created by sin and maintain communion with Him, as detailed in the laws of Leviticus 4.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The "kid of the goats for a sin offering" in Numbers 7:46, like all Old Testament sacrifices, functions as a powerful type pointing to the ultimate antitype: Jesus Christ. These animal sacrifices were temporary and imperfect, needing to be repeated continually because they could not truly take away sin, only cover it (Hebrews 10:1-4). Jesus, however, is the perfect and final fulfillment of every sin offering. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, whose spotless life and sacrificial death on the cross served as the once-for-all atonement for humanity's sin (Hebrews 9:26). Unlike the blood of goats and calves, Christ entered the holy places "once for all, having obtained eternal redemption" through His own precious blood (Hebrews 9:11-14). Through His perfect sacrifice, God condemned sin in the flesh, making a way for us to be declared righteous and reconciled to Him (Romans 8:3). Thus, the "kid of the goats" serves as a poignant shadow, directing our gaze to the glorious reality of Christ, our perfect sin offering, who provides complete and eternal purification for all who believe (1 John 1:7).

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Commentary on Numbers 7 verses 10–89

10 ¶ And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.

11 And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.

12 And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:

13 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

14 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:

15 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

16 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

17 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 Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

18 On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer:

19 He offered for his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof was an 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 meat offering:

20 One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:

21 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

22 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

23 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 Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:

25 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an 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 meat offering:

26 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

27 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

28 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

29 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 Eliab the son of Helon.

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

31 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an 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 meat offering:

32 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

33 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

34 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

35 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.

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

37 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an 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 meat offering:

38 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

39 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

40 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

41 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 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

42 On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:

43 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:

44 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

45 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

46 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

47 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered:

49 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an 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 meat offering:

50 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

51 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

52 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

53 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 Elishama the son of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:

55 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an 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 meat offering:

56 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

58 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

59 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 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:

61 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an 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 meat offering:

62 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

63 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

64 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

65 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 Abidan the son of Gideoni.

66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered:

67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an 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 meat offering:

68 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

69 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

70 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

71 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 Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered:

73 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an 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 meat offering:

74 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

75 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

76 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

77 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 Pagiel the son of Ocran.

78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:

79 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an 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 meat offering:

80 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

81 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

82 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

83 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 Ahira the son of Enan.

84 This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:

85 Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

86 The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and twenty shekels.

87 All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.

88 And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.

89 And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We have here an account of the great solemnity of dedicating the altars, both that of burnt-offerings and that of incense; they had been sanctified before, when they were anointed (Lev 8:10, Lev 8:11), but now they were handselled, as it were, by the princes, with their free-will offerings. They began the use of them with rich presents, great expressions of joy and gladness, and extraordinary respect to those tokens of God's presence with them. Now observe here,

I. That the princes and great men were first and forwardest in the service of God. Those that are entitled to precedency should go before in good works, and that is true honour. Here is an example to the nobility and gentry, those that are in authority and of the first rank in their country; they ought to improve their honour and power, their estate and interest, for the promoting of religion, and the service of God, in the places where they live. It is justly expected that those who have more than others should do more good than others with what they have, else they are unfaithful stewards, and will not make up their account with joy. Nay, great men must not only with their wealth and power assist and protect those that serve God, but they must make conscience of being devout and religious themselves, and employing themselves in the exercises of piety, which will greatly redound to the honour of God (Psa 138:4, Psa 138:5), and have a good influence upon others, who will be the more easily persuaded to acts of devotion when they see them thus brought into reputation. It is certain that the greatest of men is less than the least of the ordinances of God; nor are the meanest services of religion any disparagement to those that make the greatest figure in the world.

II. The offerings they brought were very rich and valuable, so rich that some think there was not so great a difference in estate between them and others as that they were able to bear the expense of them themselves, but that the heads of each tribe contributed to the offering which their prince brought.

1.They brought some things to remain for standing service, twelve large silver dishes, each about sixty ounces weight, as many large silver cups, or bowls, of about thirty-five ounces - the former to be used for the meat-offerings, the latter for the drink-offerings - the former for the flesh of the sacrifices, the latter for the blood. The latter was God's table (as it were), and it was fit that so great a King should be served in plate. The golden spoons being filled with incense were intended, it is probable, for the service of the golden altar, for both the altars were anointed at the same time. Note, In works of piety and charity we ought to be generous according as our ability is. He that is the best should be served with the best we have. The Israelites indeed might well afford to part with their gold and silver in abundance to the service of the sanctuary, for they needed it not to buy meat and victual their camp, being daily fed with bread from heaven; nor did they need it to buy land, or pay their army, for they were shortly to be put in possession of Canaan.

2.They brought some things to be used immediately, offerings of each sort, burnt-offerings, sin-offerings, and a great many peace-offerings (on part of which they were to feast with their friends), and the meat-offerings that were to be annexed to them. Hereby they signified their thankful acceptance of, and cheerful submission to, all those laws concerning the sacrifices which God had lately by Moses delivered to them. And, though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet it is observable that still in the midst of their sacrifices we find a sin-offering. Since in our best services we are conscious to ourselves that there is a mixture of sin, it is fit that there should be even in our most joyful services a mixture of repentance. In all our approaches to God, we must by faith have an eye to Christ as the great sin-offering, and make mention of him.

3.They brought their offerings each on a separate day, in the order that they had been lately put into, so that the solemnity lasted twelve days. So God appointed (Num 7:11): They shall bring their offering, each prince on his day, and so they did. One sabbath must needs fall within the twelve days, if not two, but it should seem they did not intermit on the sabbath, for it was holy work, proper enough for a holy day. God appointed that it should thus be done on several days, (1.) That solemnity might be prolonged, and so might be universally taken notice of by all Israel, and the remembrance of it more effectually preserved. (2.) That an equal honour might thereby be put upon each tribe respectively; in Aaron's breast-plate each had his precious stone, so in this offering each had his day. (3.) Thus it would be done more decently and in order; God's work should not be done confusedly, and in a hurry; take time, and we shall have done the sooner, or at least we shall have done the better. (4.) God hereby signified how much pleased he is, and how much pleased we should be, with the exercises of piety and devotion. The repetition of them should be a continual pleasure to us, and we must not be weary of well doing. If extraordinary service be required to be done for twelve days together, we must not shrink from it, nor call it a task and a burden. (5.) The priests and Levites, having this occasion to offer the same sacrifices, and those some of every sort, every day, for so many days together, would have their hands well set in, and would be well versed in the laws concerning them. (6.) The peace-offerings were all to be eaten the same day they were offered, and two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs, were enough for one day's festival; had there been more, especially if all had been brought on one day, there might have been danger of excess. The virtue of temperance must not be left, under pretence of the religion of feasting.

4.All their offerings were exactly the same, without any variation, though it is probable that neither the princes nor the tribes were all alike rich; but thus it was intimated that all the tribes of Israel had an equal share in the altar, and an equal interest in the sacrifices that were offered upon it. Though one tribe was posted more honourably in the camp than another, yet they and their services were all alike acceptable to God. Nor must we have faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect to persons, Jam 2:1.

5.Nahshon, the prince of the tribe of Judah, offered first, because God had given that tribe the first post of honour in the camp; and the rest of the tribes acquiesced, and offered in the same order in which God had appointed them to encamp. Judah, of which tribe Christ came, first, and then the rest; thus, in the dedication of souls to God, every man is presented in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, Co1 15:23. Some observe that Nahshon is the only one that is not expressly called a prince (Num 7:12), which the Jews give this account of: he is not called a prince, that he might not be puffed up because he offered first; and all the others are called princes because they (though some of them of the elder house) submitted, and offered after him. Or, because the title of prince of Judah did more properly belong to Christ, for unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

6.Though the offerings were all the same, yet the account of them is repeated at large for each tribe, in the same words. We are sure there are no vain repetitions in scripture; what then shall we make of these repetitions? Might it not have served to say of this noble jury that the same offering which their foreman brought each on his day brought likewise? No, God would have it specified for each tribe: and why so? (1.) It was for the encouragement of these princes, and of their respective tribes, that each of their offerings being recorded at large no slight might seem to be put upon them; for rich and poor meet together before God. (2.) It was for the encouragement of all generous acts of piety and charity, by letting us know that what is so given is lent to the Lord, and he carefully records it, with every one's name prefixed to his gift, because what is so given he will pay again, and even a cup of cold water shall have its reward. He is not unrighteous, to forget either the cost or the labour of love, Heb 6:10. We find Christ taking particular notice of what was cast into the treasury, Mar 12:41. Though what is offered be but little, though it be a contribution to the charity of others, yet if it be according to our ability it shall be recorded, that it may be recompensed in the resurrection of the just.

7.The sum total is added at the foot of the account (Num 7:84-88), to show how much God was pleased with the mention of his freewill-offerings, and what a great deal they amounted to in the whole, when every prince brought in his quota! How greatly would the sanctuary of God be enriched and beautified if all would in their places do their part towards it, by exemplary purity and devotion, extensive charity, and universal usefulness!

8.God signified his gracious acceptance of these presents that were brought him, by speaking familiarly to Moses, as a man speaks to his friend, from off the mercy-seat (Num 7:89, Num 12:8); and in speaking to him he did in effect speak to all Israel, showing them this token for good, Psa 103:7. Note, By this we may know that God hears and accepts our prayers if he gives us grace to hear and receive his word, for thus our communion with him is maintained and kept up. I know not why we may not suppose that upon each of the days on which these offerings were brought (probably while the priests and offerers were feasting upon the peace-offerings) Moses was in the tabernacle, receiving some of those laws and orders which we have already met with in this and the foregoing book. And here the excellent bishop Patrick observes that God's speaking to Moses thus by an audible articulate voice, as if he had been clothed with a holy body, might be looked upon as an earnest of the incarnation of the Son of God in the fulness of time, when the Word should be made flesh, and speak in the language of the sons of men. For, however God at sundry times and in divers manners spoke unto the fathers, he has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. And that he who now spoke to Moses, as the shechinah or divine Majesty, from between the cherubim, was the eternal Word, the second person in the Trinity, was the pious conjecture of many of the ancients; for all God's communion with man is by his Son, by whom he made the world, and rules the church, and who is the same yesterday, today, and for ever.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–89. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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