Numbers 7:48

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

On the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} Elishama {H476} the son {H1121} of Ammihud {H5989}, prince {H5387} of the children {H1121} of Ephraim {H669}, offered:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the seventh day was Elishama the son of 'Ammihud, leader of the descendants of Efrayim.

Berean Standard Bible

On the seventh day Elishama son of Ammihud, the leader of the Ephraimites, drew near.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:48 meticulously records the offering brought by Elishama, the prince of the tribe of Ephraim, on the seventh day of the dedication of the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This verse is part of a comprehensive account detailing the identical offerings from each of the twelve tribal leaders, underscoring the unity, order, and collective devotion of the Israelite nation in establishing a sacred space for God's presence among them in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:48 is situated within a lengthy and highly repetitive chapter, [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders"). This chapter meticulously details the offerings presented by the princes of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle, which had just been completed and anointed as described in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Anointing of the Tabernacle"). Following the initial anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, each tribal leader, on successive days, brought an identical set of gifts: one silver plate, one silver basin, one gold pan, various grain offerings, and specific animals for burnt, sin, and peace offerings. The structure of the chapter is a day-by-day account, with each prince's offering listed in full detail, creating a rhythmic and emphatic narrative that highlights the comprehensive and unified nature of the nation's dedication. Verse 48 specifically focuses on the offering made on the seventh day, continuing this systematic enumeration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Tabernacle was a monumental event in ancient Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. After the exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, God commanded the construction of a portable sanctuary so that He might [dwell among His people](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command for the Sanctuary"). The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship, the focal point of God's presence, and the site for atonement and communion. The offerings described in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Dedication of the Tabernacle") were not merely ceremonial but deeply significant acts of worship, consecration, and covenant renewal. The participation of each tribal prince, representing their respective tribes, underscored the national commitment to the covenant and the hierarchical structure of Israelite society. The tribe of Ephraim, represented by Elishama, was a prominent tribe, descended from Joseph, and would later play a significant role in Israel's history, often associated with the northern kingdom. The meticulous recording of these offerings reflects the importance of order, obedience, and the communal expression of faith in ancient Israelite culture.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:48, as part of the broader dedication narrative, contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Order and Obedience**, showcasing Israel's meticulous adherence to God's commands regarding worship and the Tabernacle's establishment. The repetitive nature of the offerings underscores the **Unity and Corporate Worship** of the twelve tribes, emphasizing that the nation's relationship with Yahweh was a collective covenant. Furthermore, the prominence of the tribal princes highlights the theme of **Leadership and Representation**, as figures like Elishama were entrusted with guiding their people in acts of devotion. Ultimately, the entire dedication ceremony, including Elishama's offering, reinforces the central theme of **God's Dwelling Presence** among His people, confirming His faithfulness to His covenant promise to reside in their midst as they journeyed through the wilderness, a promise first articulated in [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elishama (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ_):** From the Hebrew words for "God" and "to hear," this name literally means "God of hearing." As the leader presenting an offering to the Lord, Elishama's name carries profound significance, suggesting a divine attentiveness to the worship and prayers of His people. It implicitly conveys the hope and expectation that God would indeed hear and accept the dedication brought on behalf of the tribe of Ephraim.

* **Ammihud (Hebrew, _ʻAmmîyhûwd_):** Composed of "people" and "splendor" or "majesty," this name translates to "people of splendor." As Elishama's father, Ammihud's name reinforces the noble and distinguished lineage of the prince. It speaks to the dignity, honor, and recognized standing within the community from which Elishama, as a tribal leader, derived his authority and representation.

* **Prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to lift up" or "to exalt," properly refers to "an exalted one." In the context of ancient Israel, a _nâsîyʼ_ was a chieftain, leader, governor, or ruler of a tribe. Elishama's designation as "prince" (_nâsîyʼ_) highlights his authoritative position and the weighty responsibility he bore in representing the entire tribe of Ephraim in this sacred act of national dedication. His offering was therefore not a private act, but a corporate one on behalf of his people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the seventh day":** This phrase precisely places Elishama's offering within the twelve-day dedication ceremony of the Tabernacle. The number seven often symbolizes completion, perfection, or divine order in biblical contexts (e.g., the seven days of creation, the Sabbath). Its use here emphasizes the structured, divinely ordained nature of the dedication process, with Elishama's offering occurring on a numerically significant day that underscores the methodical and complete nature of Israel's worship.

* **"Elishama the son of Ammihud":** This identifies the specific individual making the offering and establishes his lineage. The patronymic "son of Ammihud" was crucial for establishing identity, tribal affiliation, and legitimate authority in ancient Israelite society, confirming Elishama's rightful and recognized role as a tribal leader. This detail ensures the historical and genealogical accuracy of the record.

* **"prince of the children of Ephraim":** This clause explicitly states Elishama's official title and the tribe he represents. As a "prince" (_nâsîyʼ_), he was the designated leader and representative of the powerful tribe of Ephraim, one of the two tribes descended from Joseph. His offering was therefore not merely a personal act but a corporate act on behalf of his entire tribal constituency, signifying their collective participation in the Tabernacle's consecration.

* **"[offered]:"** While the verb "offered" is supplied by the King James Version (indicated by brackets), the surrounding context of [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings for the Tabernacle") makes it abundantly clear that the action being described is the presentation of the specific dedication gifts. This implied verb underscores that Elishama fulfilled his duty as a tribal leader by bringing the prescribed offerings to consecrate the Tabernacle, participating fully and obediently in the national act of worship and covenant renewal.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 7:48, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Repetition** (also known as Enumeration). The identical description of offerings for each of the twelve tribal princes, day after day, creates a deliberate and emphatic rhythm. This extensive repetition is not redundant but serves several crucial purposes: it underscores the unity and equality of all tribes before God, emphasizes the meticulous obedience to divine commands, and highlights the sheer scale and completeness of the dedication. The chapter also employs **Symbolism**, where the Tabernacle itself symbolizes God's dwelling place among His people, and the various offerings symbolize atonement, communion, and dedication. The specific mention of the "seventh day" for Elishama's offering also carries **Numerological Significance**, associating his act with divine completion and perfection, aligning it with the sacred pattern of creation and rest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:48, within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, speaks profoundly to the themes of divine order, corporate worship, and the importance of leadership in guiding God's people in acts of devotion. The meticulous detail and repetitive nature of the offerings emphasize that God desires worship that is not only sincere but also orderly, obedient, and comprehensive. Each tribe's participation, through its designated prince, underscores the unity of the nation in their covenant relationship with Yahweh, highlighting that dedication to God is a collective endeavor. This act of offering also foreshadows the principle that true worship involves costly sacrifice and wholehearted giving, setting apart the best for the Lord, and demonstrating a profound commitment to God's presence and commands.

* [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle") – This verse highlights the freewill nature of offerings for the Tabernacle's construction, providing a foundational context for the spirit of generosity and willing participation seen in the dedication.
* [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - David's Temple Offerings") – This passage describes the joyful and willing offerings for the Temple, echoing the spirit of dedication and collective participation seen in Numbers 7, demonstrating a consistent pattern of generous giving for God's dwelling.
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices") – Paul's exhortation to present our bodies as living sacrifices connects the Old Testament concept of physical offerings to a New Testament call for holistic, spiritual dedication of one's entire life to God as an act of worship.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:48, though a seemingly small detail in a long list, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our worship, whether personal or corporate, should be intentional, ordered, and offered with reverence, reflecting the character of the God we serve. Just as the princes brought their offerings on behalf of their tribes, we are called to participate actively and generously in the life of the church, contributing our time, talents, and resources as acts of worship and dedication. Leaders, in particular, are challenged by Elishama's example to model devotion and obedience, guiding others in their walk with God and fostering a spirit of collective faith and service within the community. This verse encourages us to consider the quality and intentionality of our spiritual offerings, ensuring they are truly set apart for the Lord, not merely as obligation, but as a joyful response to God's dwelling presence among us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does the meticulous detail of the Tabernacle offerings challenge or affirm your understanding of worship today?**
* **How can you, as an individual or as part of a community, better embody the spirit of collective dedication and unity seen in the tribal offerings?**
* **What "offerings"—whether of time, talent, or treasure—are you called to bring to the Lord with intentionality and reverence in your current season of life, recognizing God's desire for orderly and wholehearted devotion?**

### FAQ
**Why is so much detail given to each tribal offering in Numbers 7, including Elishama's?**

Answer: The extensive detail and repetition in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - The Tribal Offerings") serve several crucial purposes. First, it emphasizes the importance and sacredness of the Tabernacle's dedication, highlighting that this was a monumental event for the entire nation. Second, the identical nature of each offering underscores the equality of all the tribes before God, demonstrating that no single tribe was favored or diminished in its contribution; all stood equally before Him in worship. Third, it showcases the meticulous obedience of the Israelites to God's precise instructions, reinforcing the theme of divine order and human faithfulness as a response to divine command. Finally, the sheer volume of detail provides a thorough historical and theological record, affirming the comprehensive participation of all twelve tribes in establishing God's dwelling place among them, a foundational act for their identity as a covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous offerings for the Tabernacle, including Elishama's on the seventh day, find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, as God's dwelling place among His people, was a profound shadow of the ultimate reality of God dwelling among humanity in the incarnate Christ, as John declares, "[the Word became flesh and dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of Jesus")" (literally, "tabernacled among us"). The countless sacrifices and offerings, though essential for temporary atonement under the Old Covenant, pointed forward to the [once-for-all perfect sacrifice of Jesus](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") on the cross, which truly takes away sin and perfects those who are sanctified. Just as the tribal princes led their people in bringing offerings, Christ, our true and eternal High Priest, offered Himself as the spotless Lamb, becoming both the ultimate priest and the perfect, sufficient sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ Our High Priest and Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, believers are now made members of a spiritual temple, the Church, where God's Spirit dwells ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")), fulfilling the desire for God to be intimately present with His people, not in a temporary tent, but in a new and living way through Christ's perfect dedication and His ongoing presence by the Spirit.

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 1:10

Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

Numbers 2:18

On the west side [shall be] the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim [shall be] Elishama the son of Ammihud.