Numbers 7:59

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.

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 Gamaliel {H1583} the son {H1121} of Pedahzur {H6301}.

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 Gamli'el the son of P'dahtzur.

and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel son of Pedahzur.

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 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

Commentary

Numbers 7:59 is part of an extensive record detailing the dedication of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, specifically focusing on the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. This particular verse highlights the generous contribution made by Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur, on behalf of his tribe.

Context of the Offering

This verse is situated within Numbers chapter 7, which meticulously chronicles the offerings presented by each tribal prince for the dedication of the newly consecrated Tabernacle. Following its completion and anointing (Numbers 7:1), the leaders brought identical gifts over twelve consecutive days. Gamaliel, identified earlier as the prince of the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 7:54), presents his offering on the ninth day.

The Peace Offering (Shelamim)

The core of Gamaliel's contribution, like the others, included animals for a "sacrifice of peace offerings." In Hebrew, these are called shelamim (ืฉึฐืืœึธืžึดื™ื), a term closely related to shalom, meaning "peace," "wholeness," or "completeness." Unlike sin or burnt offerings which focused on atonement or complete dedication, the peace offering was unique. A portion was burned on the altar, a portion was given to the priests, and the remainder was eaten by the worshipper and his family or friends. This communal meal symbolized fellowship and communion with God and with one another, celebrating reconciliation and thanksgiving. The specific animals listedโ€”two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five lambs of the first yearโ€”represent a substantial and valuable gift, demonstrating the leader's commitment and the tribe's devotion.

Key Themes and Significance

  • Generosity and Dedication: The sheer quantity and value of the animals underscore the Israelites' commitment to worship and their willingness to give bountifully to God for the Tabernacle's service.
  • Unity and Order: The fact that all twelve princes offered the exact same set of gifts highlights a profound unity among the tribes and an adherence to divine order, emphasizing that all Israel stood equally before God.
  • Fellowship with God: The peace offering itself is a powerful symbol of restored relationship and communion. It speaks to the desire for God's presence among His people and the joy found in that relationship. For further understanding of such offerings, refer to the detailed laws in Leviticus 3:1-17.
  • Leadership by Example: Gamaliel, as a tribal leader, set a precedent of devotion and obedience for his people, demonstrating the importance of contributing to the worship and sustenance of God's house.

Practical Application

While animal sacrifices are no longer required under the New Covenant (as Christ made the ultimate sacrifice), the principles behind these offerings remain relevant. We are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" (1 Peter 2:5). This includes:

  • A life of dedication: Presenting our bodies as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1).
  • Generosity in giving: Contributing our resources to God's work with a willing heart.
  • Seeking fellowship: Cultivating peace and communion with God and with fellow believers.

Numbers 7:59 reminds us of the importance of joyful and dedicated participation in God's worship and the blessing of fellowship that flows from it.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

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