Numbers 7:65

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 Abidan the son of Gideoni.

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 Abidan {H27} the son {H1121} of Gideoni {H1441}.

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 Avidan the son of Gid'oni.

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 Abidan son of Gideoni.

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 Abidan the son of Gideoni.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:65 meticulously concludes the detailed account of the peace offerings presented by Abidan the son of Gideoni, the leader of the tribe of Benjamin, during the momentous dedication of the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This verse specifically enumerates the substantial animal contributions—two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs of the first year—designated for the peace offerings, underscoring the profound generosity, spiritual devotion, and communal significance inherent in the worship practices of ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 stands as a unique and extensive record within the Pentateuch, dedicating an entire chapter to the offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders for the dedication of the Tabernacle. This follows the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and its completion and consecration, as recorded in [Exodus 40:33](/exodus/40-33 "Exodus 40:33 - The Completion of the Tabernacle"). Each leader presented identical gifts for the Tabernacle service and specific animal sacrifices over twelve consecutive days. Numbers 7:60-65 specifically details Abidan's offering, presented on the ninth day, providing a precise inventory of his contribution, culminating in the listing of the peace offerings in verse 65. This systematic enumeration emphasizes the divine order, unity, and collective commitment of the Israelite tribes to their newly established central place of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 7 is the wilderness journey of the Israelites, shortly after their exodus from Egypt and the reception of the Law at Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle, now completed and consecrated, represented the tangible presence of God among His people, serving as the focal point for their worship and communal life. The dedication ceremony was a pivotal moment, marking the formal inauguration of this sacred space. The peace offering (Hebrew: _zevahim sh'lamim_), as outlined in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - Laws of the Peace Offering"), was distinct from other sacrifices. Unlike burnt offerings (wholly consumed) or sin offerings (atoning for sin), the peace offering allowed for a portion of the animal to be returned to the offerer and shared in a communal meal with priests and family. This meal symbolized fellowship, gratitude, and the establishment of _shalom_ (wholeness, peace, well-being) between God and His people, and among the people themselves. Abidan, as a tribal leader, represented his entire tribe, and his generous offering reflected the collective devotion and the importance placed on maintaining a right relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:65 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. The theme of **Divine Order** is paramount, evident in the meticulous enumeration of each leader's identical offerings, reflecting God's precise instructions for worship and the structured organization of Israelite society. **Unity and Corporate Worship** are highlighted as all twelve tribes participate equally in the Tabernacle's dedication, demonstrating their collective allegiance to Yahweh and their shared identity as His covenant people. The substantial nature of the offerings underscores the theme of **Generosity and Devotion**, emphasizing the giving of one's best in service to God. Most profoundly, the focus on the peace offering itself reinforces the theme of **Shalom and Fellowship**, illustrating God's desire for harmonious communion with His people, a relationship characterized by gratitude and celebration, as detailed in the laws of sacrifice found in [Leviticus 7](/leviticus/7 "Leviticus 7 - Further Laws for Sacrifices").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace offerings (Hebrew, _shelem'_):** Derived from the root `שָׁלַם` (shalom), meaning "peace," "completeness," "wholeness," or "well-being." As per H8002, this refers to a "requital, i.e. a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks; peace offering." These sacrifices were not primarily for atonement but were expressions of thanksgiving, fulfillment of vows, or freewill offerings. A unique aspect was the communal meal shared by the offerer, priests, and sometimes others, symbolizing a state of reconciliation and fellowship with God and fellow Israelites. It represented a celebration of the holistic well-being experienced in God's presence.
* **Offering (Hebrew, _qorbân'_):** As per H7133, this general term for a sacrifice or gift literally means "something brought near the altar, i.e. a sacrificial present; oblation, that is offered, offering." It signifies something presented to God, emphasizing the act of drawing close to the Divine through worship and sacrifice. In this context, it highlights Abidan's act of bringing a substantial gift to God's dwelling place, a tangible expression of devotion.
* **Oxen (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** As per H1241, this term refers to "beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd." Oxen were highly valuable animals in ancient Israel, serving as beasts of burden, sources of food, and significant sacrificial animals. Their inclusion in such large numbers for the peace offering underscores the immense value and cost associated with the dedication of the Tabernacle and the generosity of the tribal leaders in contributing their most prized possessions to God's service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings":** This opening phrase immediately specifies the category and purpose of the animals enumerated, identifying them as _zevach shelamim_. This type of offering was unique in its emphasis on communion and fellowship with God, often accompanied by a celebratory meal shared by the offerer and others, symbolizing a state of peace and well-being with the Divine.
* **"two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year":** This detailed enumeration provides a precise inventory of the animals contributed. The quantity—two oxen and fifteen smaller animals—is substantial, highlighting the generosity and wealth of the tribe of Benjamin through its leader, Abidan. The specification "lambs of the first year" denotes animals that were young, unblemished, and therefore considered pure and ideal for sacrifice, signifying the giving of the best and most valuable to God.
* **"this [was] the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni":** This concluding clause serves as an emphatic attribution, linking the specific list of offerings directly to Abidan, the designated leader (_nasi'_) of the tribe of Benjamin. It reinforces the meticulous record-keeping inherent in the Mosaic law and the systematic nature of the Tabernacle dedication, where each tribal leader presented an identical set of gifts, ensuring unity, accountability, and equal participation in this sacred communal event.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:65, within its broader context, employs several significant literary devices. **Enumeration** or **Cataloging** is prominent, as the verse precisely lists the specific animals for the peace offering. This meticulous detailing, repeated for each tribal leader throughout Numbers 7, emphasizes the divine order, precision, and thoroughness required in Israelite worship. The **Repetition** of identical offerings from each tribal leader across the chapter reinforces the overarching theme of unity and collective devotion, demonstrating that despite tribal distinctions, all Israel participated equally in consecrating the Tabernacle. Furthermore, the animals themselves, particularly the "lambs of the first year," carry rich **Symbolism** of purity, innocence, and unblemished sacrifice, essential for approaching a holy God. The entire act of offering the peace sacrifice is deeply **Symbolic** of the desired state of _shalom_—wholeness, peace, and harmonious communion—between God and His people, a state celebrated and affirmed through the shared meal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:65, through its focus on the peace offering, profoundly illustrates the Israelite understanding of communion with God. These offerings were not merely transactional but deeply relational, designed to foster and celebrate a state of _shalom_—wholeness, peace, and well-being—between the worshiper and Yahweh, and within the community. The shared meal aspect of the peace offering underscored the intimacy and fellowship that God desired with His people, a relationship characterized by gratitude, reconciliation, and joyous celebration. This ancient practice, a tangible expression of a covenant relationship, foreshadows the ultimate peace and reconciliation offered through Christ, who perfectly embodies and provides true _shalom_ for all who believe.

* [Leviticus 3:1-5](/leviticus/3-1-5 "Leviticus 3:1-5 - Laws of the Peace Offering")
* [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Christ Reconciles All Things")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous generosity of Abidan's offering for the Tabernacle's dedication, particularly the substantial peace offerings, provides a timeless model for our own approach to worship and spiritual life. It challenges us to consider the quality and quantity of our "offerings" to God—not just financially, but also our time, talents, and heartfelt devotion. Just as the peace offering fostered communion and celebrated _shalom_ between God and His people, so too should our spiritual practices and communal gatherings aim to deepen our fellowship with God and with one another. We are called to pursue holistic well-being, a state of _shalom_ in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that true peace is found in a right relationship with our Creator and within the community of faith. This ancient ritual reminds us that worship is not merely an obligation but a joyous opportunity to draw near to God and celebrate His presence among us, reflecting a heart of gratitude and a desire for harmonious relationship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abidan's generous and specific offering challenge my personal understanding and practice of giving in worship today?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally cultivate "shalom"—wholeness and harmonious relationships—within my own life and within my faith community?**
* **Considering the communal meal aspect of the peace offering, how can I better prioritize and participate in fellowship that strengthens bonds with God and fellow believers?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "peace offering" in ancient Israelite worship?**

Answer: The peace offering (_zevahim sh'lamim_) was one of the primary categories of sacrifice in ancient Israel, distinct from burnt offerings or sin offerings. Its significance lay primarily in fostering and celebrating a state of _shalom_—wholeness, peace, and well-being—between the offerer and God, and within the community. It was typically offered as an expression of thanksgiving, the fulfillment of a vow, or a freewill offering. A unique characteristic was that after portions were given to God (fat, kidneys) and the priests (breast, right thigh), the remainder of the animal was returned to the offerer to be consumed in a celebratory communal meal with family and friends. This shared meal symbolized fellowship, reconciliation, and joyous communion in the presence of God, emphasizing the relational aspect of Israelite worship. The laws governing these offerings are detailed in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Leviticus 3 - Laws of the Peace Offering").

**Why were the offerings from each tribal leader, including Abidan's, so similar and extensive?**

Answer: The meticulous record in Numbers 7, detailing identical offerings from each of the twelve tribal leaders, underscores several key points. First, it emphasized the unity and solidarity of the Israelite tribes in their collective devotion to God and the Tabernacle. Despite their distinct tribal identities, they were united in their worship and purpose. Second, the uniformity reflected the divine order and precision required in sacred service; God's instructions were to be followed exactly, demonstrating obedience and reverence. Third, the sheer extensiveness of the offerings, as seen in Abidan's contribution of multiple animals for peace offerings alone, highlighted the immense value placed on the Tabernacle's dedication and the generosity expected in approaching God. It symbolized the giving of their best, reflecting the abundance of God's provision and the people's grateful response.

**Who was Abidan the son of Gideoni, and what was his role?**

Answer: Abidan the son of Gideoni was the designated leader (_nasi'_) of the tribe of Benjamin during the wilderness wanderings. His name appears in the tribal census in [Numbers 1:11](/numbers/1-11 "Numbers 1:11 - Abidan, Leader of Benjamin") and again in [Numbers 2:22](/numbers/2-22 "Numbers 2:22 - Abidan in the Tribal Encampment"), where he is listed as the leader of the Benjaminite camp. As a tribal leader, Abidan held a significant position of authority and representation, responsible for the welfare and spiritual guidance of his tribe. In Numbers 7, his role was to present the offerings on behalf of the tribe of Benjamin for the dedication of the Tabernacle, demonstrating his leadership in spiritual matters and his responsibility to lead his people in worship and obedience to God's commands. His participation underscored the organized and hierarchical structure of Israelite society at that time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The peace offering of Numbers 7:65, with its emphasis on _shalom_ and communion, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The ancient ritual, which allowed for a shared meal symbolizing reconciliation and fellowship with God, was a shadow of the profound peace that Christ's sacrifice would achieve. He is our true and final "peace offering," for through His atoning work on the cross, He has reconciled us to God, breaking down the wall of hostility that separated humanity from its Creator (as beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The peace that the Old Testament worshiper sought to establish through the _shelamim_ is now freely and fully granted to all who believe in Christ, who is our peace (cf. [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")). His single, perfect offering has forever sanctified those who are made holy, making repeated sacrifices unnecessary ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Offering")). Furthermore, the communal meal aspect of the peace offering is powerfully echoed in the New Covenant through the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in a meal that symbolizes their ongoing fellowship with Christ and with one another, celebrating the peace and communion secured by His body and blood. Through Him, we now have true fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ ([1 John 1:3](/1_john/1-3 "1 John 1:3 - Fellowship with the Father and Son")), a fellowship that surpasses anything achieved through the Old Testament sacrifices.

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.