TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 7:1–9. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is the offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle. Observe,
I.When it was; not till it was fully set up, Num 7:1.
When all things were done both about the tabernacle itself, and the camp of Israel which surrounded it, according to the directions given, then they began their presents, probably about the eighth day of the second month. Note, Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings: first those, and then these.
II.Who it was that offered:
The princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, Num 7:2. Note, Those that are above others in power and dignity ought to go before others, and endeavour to go beyond them, in every thing that is good. The more any are advanced the more is expected from them, on account of the greater opportunity they have of serving God and their generation. What are wealth and authority good for, but as they enable a man to do so much the more good in the world?
III.What was offered:
six wagons, with each of them a yoke of oxen to draw them, Num 7:3. Doubtless these wagons were agreeable to the rest of the furniture of the tabernacle and its appurtenances, the best of the kind, like the carriages which great princes use when they go in procession. Some think that God, by Moses, intimated to them what they should bring, or their own consideration perhaps suggested to them to make this present. Though God's wisdom had ordained all the essentials of the tabernacle, yet it seems these accidental conveniences were left to be provided by their own discretion, which was to set in order that which was wanting (Tit 1:5), and these wagons were not refused, though no pattern of them was shown to Moses in the mount. Note, It must not be expected that the divine institution of ordinances should descend to all those circumstances which are determinable, and are fit to be left alterable, by human prudence, that wisdom which is profitable to direct. Observe, No sooner is the tabernacle fully set up than this provision is made for the removal of it. Note, Even when we are but just settled in the world, and think we are beginning to take root, we must be preparing for changes and removes, especially for the great change. While we are here in this world, every thing must be accommodated to a militant and movable state. When the tabernacle was framing, the princes were very generous in their offerings, for then they brought precious stones, and stones to be set (Exo 35:27), yet now they bring more presents. Note, Those that have done good should study to abound therein yet more and more, and not be weary of well-doing.
IV.How the offering was disposed of, and what use was made of it:
the wagons and oxen were given to the Levites, to be used in carrying the tabernacle, both for their ease (for God would not have any of his servants overburdened with work), and for the more safe and right conveyance of the several parts of the tabernacle, which would be best kept together, and sheltered from the weather, in wagons.
1.The Gershonites, that had the light carriage, the curtains and hangings, had but two wagons, and two yoke of oxen (Num 7:7); when they had loaded these, they must carry the rest, if any remained, upon their shoulders.
2.The Merarites, that had the heavy carriage, and that which was most unwieldy, the boards, pillars, sockets, etc., had four wagons, and four yoke of oxen allotted them (Num 7:8); and yet, if they had not more wagons of their own, they would be obliged to carry a great deal upon their backs too, for the silver sockets alone weighed 100 talents, which was above four tons, and that was enough to load four wagons that were drawn but by one yoke of oxen a-piece. But each socket being a talent weight, which is about a man's burden (as appears, Kg2 5:23) probably they carried those on their backs, and put the boards and pillars into the wagons. Observe here, How God wisely and graciously ordered the most strength to those that had the most work. Each had wagons according to their service. Whatever burden God in his providence lays upon us, he will by his sufficient grace proportion the strength to it, Co1 10:13.
3.The Kohathites, that had the most sacred carriage, had no wagons at all, because they were to carry their charge upon their shoulders (Num 7:9), with a particular care and veneration. When in David's time they carried the ark in a cart, God made them to know to their terror, by the death of Uzza, that they did not seek him in the due order. See Ch1 15:13.
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Summary
Numbers 7:5 records God's precise instruction to Moses regarding the allocation of offerings—specifically six covered wagons and twelve oxen—received from the tribal leaders of Israel. These gifts were not for ritual sacrifice but were divinely designated for the practical, logistical support of the Levites in their sacred duties related to the Tabernacle of the congregation. The verse profoundly underscores the divine principle of purposeful equipping for ministry, ensuring that resources are distributed meticulously "to every man according to his service," reflecting God's perfect order in sustaining the sacred work of His dwelling place among His people.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers chapter 7 unfolds immediately after the detailed account of the Tabernacle's completion and anointing in Numbers 7:1. The preceding chapters (Numbers 1-6) meticulously establish the census of Israel, the organizational structure of the camp, and, crucially, the specific duties assigned to the Levites, particularly in Numbers 3-4, which delineate the responsibilities of the Gershonite, Merarite, and Kohathite clans concerning the Tabernacle's various components. Numbers 7:5, therefore, is an integral part of the narrative detailing the dedication offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders over twelve consecutive days, commencing with Nahshon from the tribe of Judah. These offerings, specifically the wagons and oxen mentioned in Numbers 7:3, were a practical provision for the Levites' primary task of transporting the disassembled Tabernacle during Israel's arduous wilderness journeys. The verse serves as the divine directive for the subsequent distribution of these resources, highlighting a divine economy where provisions are precisely matched to specific ministerial needs, as further elaborated in Numbers 7:6-8 and the notable exception concerning the Kohathites in Numbers 7:9.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical setting for Numbers 7:5 is the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, a pivotal period following the Exodus from Egypt and the reception of the Law at Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was the theological and physical center of Israel's existence, symbolizing God's tangible presence among His people. Its construction and subsequent transport were monumental undertakings, demanding significant resources and highly organized labor. In the ancient Near East, sacred spaces often received lavish offerings, and the meticulous organization of cultic service was a common practice. However, the unique aspect in this context is the divine instruction for the specific use of these offerings: they were not for general temple upkeep or priestly sustenance, but for the practical, arduous task of moving the Tabernacle. This reflects God's direct involvement in the logistical details of His worship and the practical needs of His servants. The tribal leaders' voluntary contributions, detailed throughout Numbers 7, underscore a communal responsibility to support the sacred infrastructure, a principle vital for a nomadic people whose very existence and worship depended on the mobility of their divine sanctuary.
Key Themes
Numbers 7:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Provision, showcasing God's meticulous care not only in calling His servants but also in equipping them with the necessary resources to fulfill their assigned tasks. The verse also highlights the theme of Order and Organization in Worship, emphasizing that God is a God of precision who orchestrates every detail of His sacred service, from the structure of the camp to the allocation of resources for the Tabernacle's transport. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of Corporate Responsibility and Support for Ministry, as the offerings from the tribal leaders represent the community's collective contribution to facilitating the Levites' specialized service. This principle of differentiated roles and tailored provision for specific functions is foundational to understanding the functioning of God's covenant people.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew word לָקַח (lâqach) is a primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." In this context, it signifies Moses' reception of the offerings from the tribal leaders, acting as God's designated administrator. It emphasizes the divine initiative behind the collection and distribution, indicating that these gifts were not merely human donations but divinely sanctioned provisions for a sacred purpose, received under God's explicit command.
The Hebrew word עֲבֹדָה (ʻăbôdâh) is rich in meaning, encompassing "work of any kind," "labor," "ministering," and "service." Here, it refers specifically to the practical, physical, and often arduous duties of the Levites in dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle. It elevates these seemingly mundane tasks to consecrated labor performed in devotion to God, implying that all work performed for God, when done with a heart of obedience and reverence, constitutes an act of worship.
This phrase, אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד (ʼôhel môwʻêd), commonly translated "Tent of Meeting" or "Tabernacle of the congregation," refers to the portable sanctuary where God covenanted to meet with His people. The term ʼôhel (tent) emphasizes its temporary and mobile nature, while môwʻêd (appointed time/place) signifies that this was the divinely designated locus for God's presence, communication, and assembly with Israel. The "service" performed by the Levites was thus directly related to maintaining the accessibility and sacredness of this crucial meeting point between the holy God and His people.
Verse Breakdown
"Take [it] of them"
This opening imperative is a direct command from God to Moses, establishing divine authority and initiative. The "it" refers specifically to the six covered wagons and twelve oxen detailed in Numbers 7:3, which were presented by the tribal leaders. This clause positions Moses as the divinely appointed recipient and administrator of these offerings.
"that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation"
This clause explicitly states the divine purpose for which the offerings were to be received. The wagons and oxen were not for personal use or general temple upkeep, but were specifically designated to facilitate the Levites' work in transporting the Tabernacle. This highlights God's meticulous planning and provision, ensuring that the necessary tools and resources are available for the execution of sacred duties.
"and thou shalt give them unto the Levites"
Moses is further instructed to distribute these received resources directly to the Levites. This underscores the hierarchical and organized nature of divine administration, where God delegates authority and responsibility for the proper allocation of resources within His service. It also emphasizes that the Levites, though performing vital service, were dependent on God's provision, channeled through the community and Moses.
"to every man according to his service"
This crucial phrase encapsulates the principle of differentiated allocation based on specific roles and needs within the Levitical ministry. It directly foreshadows the precise distribution of wagons and oxen to the Gershonites and Merarites in Numbers 7:7-8, while the Kohathites, whose duty was to carry the most holy items on their shoulders, received none, as explicitly stated in Numbers 7:9. This demonstrates God's wisdom in equipping individuals precisely for their unique calling and responsibilities within the larger structure of His sacred work.
Literary Devices
Numbers 7:5 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of divine order and provision. The most prominent is Divine Instruction, as the verse begins with a direct, authoritative command from God to Moses ("Take [it] of them... and thou shalt give them"). This imperative voice underscores God's sovereignty and meticulous involvement in even the logistical details of His worship. There is also a clear example of Purposeful Allocation, where the offerings are explicitly designated "that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle." This teleological statement emphasizes the functional utility of the gifts, directly linking them to the sacred task and demonstrating God's intentionality in His provisions. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "to every man according to his service" illustrates Precision and Order, reflecting God's nature as a God of perfect design, not chaos. This principle of tailored provision for specific roles is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and harmony in the execution of divine mandates.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 7:5 beautifully illustrates several profound theological principles: God's meticulous provision for His work, the importance of order and administration in sacred service, and the corporate responsibility of the community to support those in ministry. It reveals a God who not only calls individuals to serve but also orchestrates the means by which that service can be effectively carried out. The divine allocation of resources "to every man according to his service" highlights that God equips His people according to their specific gifts and roles, ensuring that every part of the body is adequately resourced for its unique function. This principle of differentiated gifting and provision is foundational to understanding the functioning of God's people throughout salvation history, from the Old Testament Tabernacle service to the New Testament church.
Reflection and Application
Numbers 7:5 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God is a God of order and abundant provision, meticulously equipping His people for the work He calls them to do. Just as the tribal leaders contributed to the logistical needs of the Tabernacle's service, we are called to participate actively in supporting the various ministries within the body of Christ. This support can manifest in diverse forms: financial contributions, volunteering our time and skills, or offering fervent prayer. Recognizing that God distributes resources and responsibilities "to every man according to his service" encourages us to embrace our unique gifts and roles within the church, understanding that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes, is vital for the harmonious functioning and effectiveness of the whole. It challenges us to serve with diligence, intentionality, and a spirit of stewardship, trusting that God will faithfully provide what is needed for the work He has assigned to us, and to appreciate the diverse ways in which others serve alongside us in the grand tapestry of His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What were the specific "it" offerings mentioned in Numbers 7:5?
The "it" refers to the offerings brought by the tribal leaders of Israel, specifically six covered wagons and twelve oxen, as detailed in Numbers 7:3. These were practical gifts intended to facilitate the transportation of the Tabernacle's components during Israel's wilderness journeys.
Why were these offerings given to the Levites, and not, for example, the priests?
The offerings were given to the Levites because they were the divinely designated tribe responsible for the physical dismantling, carrying, and reassembling of the Tabernacle during Israel's travels. While the priests (a subset of the Levites, specifically Aaron's descendants) performed the sacred rituals within the Tabernacle, the broader Levitical clans (Gershonites, Merarites, and Kohathites) had the primary logistical duties related to the Tabernacle's structure and furnishings, as meticulously outlined in Numbers 3-4. The wagons and oxen were specifically provided for these arduous transport duties.
What does "to every man according to his service" imply about the distribution of the wagons and oxen?
This phrase highlights a crucial principle of differentiated distribution based on the specific responsibilities and needs of each Levitical clan. The Gershonites, whose duty was to carry the lighter coverings and curtains of the Tabernacle, received two wagons and four oxen, as recorded in Numbers 7:7. The Merarites, responsible for the heavier framework, boards, and pillars, received four wagons and eight oxen, as detailed in Numbers 7:8. Notably, the Kohathites, who were commanded to carry the most holy items like the Ark of the Covenant and the altar, received no wagons because their duty was to bear these sacred objects directly on their shoulders, as explicitly stated in Numbers 7:9. This demonstrates a precise, logical, and divinely wise allocation of resources tailored exactly to the specific nature and demands of each group's service.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 7:5, with its profound emphasis on divine provision and precise equipping for service to the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate and most glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Old Testament Tabernacle, a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, powerfully foreshadowed Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "Tabernacle" or "Tent" among us, for in Him "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Just as God meticulously provided for the physical Tabernacle's construction and movement, so Christ, as the Head of the church, His spiritual body, provides all that is necessary for its mission and ministry in the world. He is the one who "gifts" His people, distributing spiritual gifts "to each one individually as He wills" (1 Corinthians 12:11), thereby equipping believers for the "work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12). The Levites' physical service, though vital, pointed to a greater spiritual service, which is now performed by all believers, who are a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), serving in the spiritual temple of God. Christ Himself is the ultimate "provider" and "distributor" of grace and gifts, ensuring that His church, the new "tabernacle of the congregation," is perfectly resourced and ordered "according to his service" for the advancement of His kingdom until His glorious return, when all things will be brought to completion in Him (Ephesians 4:16).