Numbers 7:60

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

On the ninth {H8671} day {H3117} Abidan {H27} the son {H1121} of Gideoni {H1441}, prince {H5387} of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144}, offered:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the ninth day was Avidan the son of Gid'oni, leader of the descendants of Binyamin.

Berean Standard Bible

On the ninth day Abidan son of Gideoni, the leader of the Benjamites, drew near.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:60 is a precise entry within the extensive record of the Tabernacle's dedication, meticulously detailing the offerings presented by the leaders of each Israelite tribe. This particular verse highlights the contribution made "On the ninth day" by Abidan, the son of Gideoni, who served as the prince of the tribe of Benjamin, underscoring the ordered and comprehensive nature of Israel's corporate worship and obedience to divine instruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 stands as an exceptionally detailed and repetitive account within the Pentateuch, meticulously cataloging the dedication offerings brought by the twelve tribal princes for the newly constructed Tabernacle. The chapter begins by setting the stage, describing the anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, after which the princes begin to bring their offerings on twelve consecutive days. Each day's offering is identical in type and quantity, a pattern established in [Numbers 7:12-17](/numbers/7-12-17 "Numbers 7:12-17 - Nahshon's Offering"). Numbers 7:60 specifically records the offering made on the ninth day, adhering to this precise, day-by-day enumeration. The sheer repetition throughout [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders") serves to emphasize the thoroughness of the dedication, the unity of the tribes in worship, and the Israelites' exact adherence to God's commands regarding the establishment of His dwelling place among them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 7 unfold shortly after the Tabernacle's completion and anointing, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey. Following their exodus from Egypt and the reception of the Law at Mount Sinai, the construction of the Tabernacle (as commanded in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")) provided a tangible symbol of God's presence among His people. The offerings described in this chapter were not merely gifts but prescribed acts of worship and dedication, signifying Israel's covenant faithfulness and their willingness to consecrate their resources to the Lord. The role of the "prince" (Hebrew: *nasi'*) was crucial; these were not just wealthy individuals but divinely appointed tribal leaders, representing their entire clan in this significant act of national worship. The meticulous recording of each offering underscores the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the importance of order and obedience in Israelite worship, establishing precedents for their future communal life and religious practices.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:60 contributes to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine order and meticulous obedience**, as seen in the precise instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and its subsequent dedication. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **corporate worship and national unity**, demonstrating how each tribe, through its appointed leader, participated equally in consecrating the Tabernacle, symbolizing their collective commitment to God and His covenant. This communal dedication is a foundational aspect of Israel's identity as God's chosen people, as previously established in the giving of the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai"). Finally, the act of **generous and prescribed offering** is central, emphasizing that true worship involves bringing one's best to the Lord in accordance with His commands, a principle foundational to the sacrificial system detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abidan (Hebrew, _'Ăbîydân'_):** Meaning "father of judgment" or "my father is judge." In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting family heritage, hopes, or characteristics. Abidan's name suggests a lineage or personal quality associated with justice or discernment, fitting for a tribal leader who would have been involved in adjudicating disputes and leading his people.
* **Gideoni (Hebrew, _Gidʻônî'_):** Meaning "warlike" or "hewer." This name, similar to the famous judge Gideon, implies strength, determination, or one who cuts down obstacles. As Abidan's father, Gideoni's name would have been part of Abidan's identity and lineage, perhaps signifying a strong, decisive family line within the tribe of Benjamin, a tribe known for its martial prowess (cf. [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - War Against Benjamin")).
* **Prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** This term designates an "exalted one," a tribal leader, chief, or chieftain. The *nasi'* held a position of significant authority and responsibility, representing his tribe in matters of national importance, particularly in religious and civic affairs. Their participation in the Tabernacle dedication was not merely individual but a corporate act on behalf of the entire tribe of Benjamin, affirming their collective commitment to God and the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the ninth day":** This phrase emphasizes the precise, sequential, and ordered nature of the Tabernacle's dedication ceremony. It highlights God's meticulousness and the Israelites' faithful adherence to a divinely ordained schedule, demonstrating the importance of order in worship and the fulfillment of every commanded detail, reinforcing the theme of obedience.
* **"Abidan the son of Gideoni":** This identifies the specific individual making the offering and his paternal lineage. This genealogical detail underscores the tribal structure of Israel and the importance of family identity and representation within the nation's spiritual and social life. It connects the individual act to the broader communal identity, ensuring that each tribe's contribution is explicitly recorded.
* **"prince of the children of Benjamin":** This clause explicitly states Abidan's leadership role and the specific tribe he represents. It signifies that this offering was not a private act but a public, representative act on behalf of the entire tribe of Benjamin, affirming their participation in the national dedication of God's dwelling place and their unity with the other tribes.
* **"[offered]:"** The bracketed "offered" in the KJV indicates that this verb is implied from the preceding context of the chapter. The full details of the offering (silver chargers, a silver bowl, a gold spoon, various animals for burnt, sin, and peace offerings) are consistently repeated for each prince from [Numbers 7:12-17](/numbers/7-12-17 "Numbers 7:12-17 - Nahshon's Offering") onwards. This ellipsis highlights the repetitive nature of the chapter, where the specific details of the offering are understood to be identical to those previously listed, underscoring the uniformity and completeness of the dedication.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Numbers 7, and thus implicitly in Numbers 7:60, is **Repetition**. The identical listing of offerings for each of the twelve tribal princes over twelve consecutive days serves to emphasize the thoroughness of the dedication, the unity of the tribes in their worship, and the Israelites' precise obedience to God's commands. This repetition also functions as a form of **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, meticulously documenting every detail to underscore the divine order and the significance of the event. The use of the bracketed "[offered]" is an example of **Ellipsis** or **Implied Action**, where the verb is understood from the established pattern, contributing to the chapter's repetitive yet efficient structure. This stylistic choice draws the reader's attention to the consistency of the offerings and the collective nature of the dedication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:60, as part of the larger dedication narrative, powerfully illustrates several core theological themes: the importance of **obedience to divine command**, the beauty of **unity in communal worship**, and the principle of **generous, willing sacrifice**. The meticulous detail reflects God's own character—His orderliness and His expectation of precise adherence to His instructions for worship. It also highlights the corporate nature of Israel's relationship with God; the dedication was a national, not merely individual, act of devotion, affirming God's dwelling among His people and their commitment to His covenant. The offerings, though material, were outward expressions of an inward posture of reverence and submission, setting the standard for how Israel was to approach their holy God.

* [Deuteronomy 11:26](/deuteronomy/11-26 "Deuteronomy 11:26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")
* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Building the Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:60, despite its seemingly mundane detail, offers profound insights for contemporary faith. It reminds us that faithfulness to God is often expressed not in grand, singular gestures, but in consistent, sometimes repetitive, acts of obedience and worship. Just as Abidan and the other princes faithfully brought their prescribed offerings day after day, our spiritual lives are built upon consistent disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, corporate worship, and acts of service. This verse also underscores the value of communal contribution; every member and leader has a vital role to play in the collective worship and work of God's people, contributing their part for the greater good of the body of Christ. Furthermore, the lavishness and precision of these ancient offerings challenge us to consider the heart behind our own giving and devotion. Are we offering our "best" to God, not out of mere obligation, but out of a cheerful and devoted heart that recognizes His supreme worth and His constant presence among us?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Numbers 7 encourage us in our own acts of worship and service, particularly in those areas that might seem routine or repetitive?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, demonstrate a unified and willing heart in our devotion and contributions to God's work today?**
* **What does the principle of "faithfulness in routine" look like in your daily spiritual disciplines, and how can you cultivate a more intentional approach to them?**

### FAQ
**Why is so much detail given to these offerings in Numbers 7?**

Answer: The extensive detail in Numbers 7 serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the immense importance of the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people, signifying the establishment of a sacred space for covenant relationship. Secondly, it demonstrates Israel's complete and precise obedience to God's commands regarding the Tabernacle's construction and dedication, affirming their faithfulness to the covenant. This meticulous record-keeping reflects God's own attention to detail and His desire for order in worship, as seen in the specific instructions for offerings throughout [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings"). Finally, the repetition and detail emphasize the unity of the twelve tribes, each participating equally and identically in this national act of worship, solidifying their collective identity under God. The dedication was a foundational event, marking the transition from construction to active worship and the continual presence of God with His people as they journeyed through the wilderness, as depicted in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected").

**What is the significance of the "prince" in this context?**

Answer: The "prince" (Hebrew: *nasi'*) in this context was a divinely appointed tribal leader, holding significant authority and representing his entire tribe. Their role in bringing the dedication offerings was not merely personal but a corporate act on behalf of the "children of Benjamin" (Numbers 7:60) and the other tribes. This highlights the communal nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God; the individual leader's offering symbolized the collective commitment and worship of the entire tribal unit. The princes were responsible for leading their people in obedience and worship, and their participation in this pivotal national event affirmed their leadership and the unity of the entire Israelite nation in consecrating the Tabernacle to the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:60, and the entire chapter detailing the Tabernacle's dedication, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, where God condescended to dwell among His people, was a temporary shadow pointing to the eternal reality of God dwelling among humanity in the person of Jesus, who is "Immanuel," "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")), revealing Himself as the true and ultimate dwelling place of God. The meticulous offerings of the tribal princes, though prescribed and valuable, were imperfect and temporary, pointing forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself without blemish to God, thereby perfecting those who are sanctified ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All") and [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). The unity of the tribes in their offerings foreshadows the unity of believers, the Church, who are now living stones built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Holy Priesthood")). Thus, Abidan's obedient offering on the ninth day ultimately directs our gaze to the perfect obedience and complete sacrifice of Christ, through whom we now have access to God's presence and can offer true worship.

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 1:11

Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.

Numbers 2:22

Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin [shall be] Abidan the son of Gideoni.