Numbers 7:47

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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

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 Eliasaph {H460} the son {H1121} of Deuel {H1845}.

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 Elyasaf the son of De'u'el.

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 Eliasaph son of Deuel.

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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:47 meticulously details the specific offering presented by Eliasaph, the son of Deuel, who was the leader of the tribe of Gad, during the twelve-day dedication ceremony of the Tabernacle. This verse, like the others in Numbers chapter 7, itemizes the substantial gifts of "peace offerings," including two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs of the first year, underscoring the communal generosity, obedience, and desire for fellowship with God that characterized Israel's worship at the inception of their formalized Tabernacle service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:47 is situated within a lengthy and highly repetitive chapter that meticulously records the dedication offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders for the newly erected and consecrated Tabernacle. Following the detailed instructions for its construction in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Tabernacle Construction") and its anointing in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Anointing of the Tabernacle"), each day for twelve successive days, a different "prince" or leader presented an identical set of gifts. This structured repetition emphasizes the unity of the tribes, their collective participation in worship, and the divine order established for Israel's cultic life. Verse 47 specifically focuses on Eliasaph, the leader of the tribe of Gad, whose offering on the seventh day mirrors those of the preceding and subsequent tribal leaders, reinforcing the theme of national solidarity in devotion.
* **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. Historically, this event solidified Israel's identity as a covenant nation with a centralized place of worship, moving beyond the provisional altars of the patriarchs. The offerings themselves, particularly the "peace offerings" (Hebrew: _zevach sh'lamim_), were significant. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, peace offerings were voluntary expressions of gratitude, fulfillment of vows, or general fellowship with God. A portion of the animal was burned on the altar, a portion was given to the priests, and the remainder was consumed by the worshiper and their family in a communal meal, symbolizing a shared table with God and a state of [wholeness and well-being](/leviticus/7-15 "Leviticus 7:15 - Peace Offering Meal"). This act brought a sense of reconciliation and deep communion, reflecting the Israelites' desire to walk in harmony with their God. The substantial nature of these offerings—large quantities of animals—speaks to the immense value placed on establishing and maintaining this sacred space and relationship, reflecting the economic capacity and spiritual commitment of the tribal leaders and, by extension, the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, זֶבַח _zevach_):** This term broadly refers to an animal offering, often involving the slaughter of an animal. In the context of the peace offering, _zevach_ emphasizes the act of slaughtering and presenting the animal to God, distinguishing it from other types of offerings like grain offerings or libations. It highlights the shedding of blood as a necessary component of the sacrificial system for covenant maintenance and communion.
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, שְׁלָמִים _sh'lamim_):** Derived from the root _shalom_, meaning "peace, wholeness, completeness, well-being, harmony," this term denotes an offering that celebrated a state of right relationship with God. Unlike offerings for atonement, _sh'lamim_ were typically voluntary and expressed thanksgiving, a vow fulfilled, or a freewill desire for fellowship. The communal meal associated with this offering underscored the idea of shared peace and communion between God, the priests, and the worshiper, signifying a restored or vibrant state of _shalom_.
* **Offering (Hebrew, קָרְבָּן _qorban_):** While not explicitly in Numbers 7:47's KJV text, the broader context of Numbers 7 refers to these as "offerings." _Qorban_ is a general term for anything brought near to God, emphasizing the act of "drawing near" or "presenting" something to the divine. It encompasses all types of sacrifices and gifts, highlighting the worshiper's initiative in approaching God with a tangible expression of devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings,"**: This clause specifies the *type* of offering being presented. The focus is on _zevach sh'lamim_, highlighting that Eliasaph's contribution, like those of the other princes, was primarily for the purpose of establishing or celebrating a state of peace and fellowship with God. This was not about atoning for sin, but about communion.
* **"two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year:"**: This detailed enumeration lists the exact quantities and types of animals designated for the peace offering. The generous number of animals indicates the substantial nature of the offering, reflecting the wealth and spiritual commitment of the tribal leader. The inclusion of various animal types (oxen, rams, goats, lambs) demonstrates a comprehensive and abundant act of worship, ensuring a plentiful supply for the sacrificial rites and the communal meals that followed.
* **"this [was] the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel."**: This concluding phrase identifies the specific donor of this particular set of offerings. Eliasaph, as the leader of the tribe of Gad, is given individual recognition for his contribution, even though it was identical to the others. This personal attribution within the repetitive structure underscores the importance of individual obedience and participation within the collective worship of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:47, within its broader chapter, employs several literary devices. **Repetition** is the most prominent, as the exact same list of offerings is repeated for each of the twelve tribal leaders, emphasizing the unity, order, and comprehensive nature of the dedication ceremony. This repetition also serves to underscore the equal commitment and generosity expected from each segment of the nation. **Enumeration** is evident in the precise listing of the animals (two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs), which provides a meticulous and detailed account, conveying the thoroughness and exactitude required in divine worship. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the "peace offerings" themselves, which symbolize not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, harmony, and restored fellowship between God and His people, achieved through sacrificial giving and communal feasting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:47, as part of the Tabernacle dedication, powerfully illustrates foundational theological truths about worship, covenant, and community. The peace offering, in particular, highlights God's desire for intimate fellowship with His people, not merely a transactional relationship. It underscores that true worship involves not only obedience but also a joyful, generous giving that flows from a heart at peace with God. The uniformity of the offerings across the tribes also speaks to the unity of God's people under His covenant, where each member, regardless of tribal affiliation, contributes equally to the collective worship and maintenance of the sacred space. This dedication was a national act, signifying Israel's corporate commitment to God's presence among them.

* [Leviticus 3:1-17](/leviticus/3-1 "Leviticus 3:1-17 - Regulations for Peace Offerings") - Details the procedures and significance of the peace offering, emphasizing its voluntary nature and the communal meal.
* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - Centralized Worship and Feasting") - Commands Israel to bring their sacrifices, including peace offerings, to the centralized place of worship, where they would eat and rejoice before the Lord.
* [Psalm 116:17-19](/psalms/116-17 "Psalm 116:17-19 - Vows and Thanksgiving Offerings") - Expresses a worshiper's desire to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and fulfill vows in the presence of God's people, echoing the spirit of the peace offering.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous account of Eliasaph's offering in Numbers 7:47, mirroring the offerings of all the tribal leaders, serves as a profound reminder of the principles of generosity, unity, and intentional worship. It challenges us to consider the quality of our own "offerings" to God—not just material possessions, but our time, talents, and affections. Are we giving our best, or merely what is convenient? The emphasis on "peace offerings" also calls us to reflect on the state of our fellowship with God. Is our relationship characterized by wholeness, gratitude, and joyful communion, or by distance and obligation? This ancient text invites us to participate fully and wholeheartedly in the corporate worship of God's people, recognizing that our individual contributions, when brought together in unity, create a powerful testimony to His presence and goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my personal giving (of time, talent, or treasure) reflect the generosity and intentionality seen in Eliasaph's offering?**
* **How does my participation in corporate worship contribute to the unity and collective dedication of my faith community?**
* **What does it mean for me to experience "peace with God" in a practical, daily sense, and how can I cultivate that deeper fellowship?**
* **Considering the meticulous detail of the Tabernacle offerings, how can I bring more intentionality and reverence to my own acts of worship?**

### FAQ
**Why were the offerings of the tribal leaders identical in Numbers 7?**

Answer: The identical nature of the offerings from each of the twelve tribal leaders in Numbers 7 served several crucial purposes. First, it underscored the **unity** of the tribes under God's covenant, demonstrating that despite their distinct identities, they were one nation collectively dedicating themselves to the Lord. Second, it emphasized the **divine order and impartiality** of God's requirements; all were expected to contribute equally to the Tabernacle's service, regardless of their tribe's size or status. Third, the sheer **volume and value** of the identical offerings highlighted the immense significance of the Tabernacle's dedication as the central place of God's presence among His people, ensuring a comprehensive and abundant provision for its sacred service. This repetition reinforced the solemnity and importance of the occasion for the entire nation of Israel.

**What was the primary significance of the "peace offerings" mentioned in Numbers 7:47?**

Answer: The "peace offerings" (Hebrew: _zevach sh'lamim_) were distinct from other sacrifices like sin or burnt offerings because their primary purpose was not atonement for sin, but rather the celebration and maintenance of **fellowship and communion with God**. Derived from the Hebrew word _shalom_ (meaning wholeness, well-being, harmony), these offerings symbolized a state of peace and right relationship. They were typically voluntary offerings of thanksgiving, fulfilled vows, or freewill expressions of devotion. A unique aspect was the communal meal that followed, where the worshiper, their family, and the priests would eat a portion of the sacrificed animal in God's presence, signifying a shared table and intimate communion. This act brought a sense of joy, gratitude, and deep spiritual well-being, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Law of Peace Offerings").

**Who was Eliasaph the son of Deuel, and why is his offering specifically mentioned?**

Answer: Eliasaph the son of Deuel was the **leader (prince) of the tribe of Gad** during the wilderness wanderings. His offering is specifically mentioned in Numbers 7:47 because Numbers chapter 7 provides a day-by-day, tribe-by-tribe account of the dedication offerings for the Tabernacle. Each of the twelve tribal leaders presented an identical set of gifts on their designated day. Eliasaph's inclusion, like that of the other eleven princes (e.g., Nahshon of Judah in [Numbers 7:12](/numbers/7-12 "Numbers 7:12 - Nahshon's Offering")), serves to meticulously document the participation of every tribe in this foundational act of national worship. While his offering was identical to the others, his individual name is recorded to emphasize the personal responsibility and leadership role each prince played in representing their tribe's devotion to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:47, with its focus on the "sacrifice of peace offerings," beautifully foreshadows the ultimate peace and reconciliation accomplished through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament peace offering, though a tangible act of worship, could only provide a temporary and symbolic fellowship with God, requiring repeated sacrifices. However, Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross is the definitive and eternal "peace offering" for all humanity. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose blood establishes a new covenant and brings true _shalom_ between God and humanity. Through His death, Christ [made peace through the blood of His cross](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ's Peace Through the Cross"), breaking down the wall of hostility that separated us from God ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Now, those who believe in Him have [peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ"), gaining direct access to the Father. The communal meal of the peace offering finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, commemorating His sacrifice and celebrating their ongoing fellowship with Him and with one another, anticipating the great feast in God's eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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.