Numbers 7:66

KJV

On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, [offered]:

KJV (with Strong's)

On the tenth {H6224} day {H3117} Ahiezer {H295} the son {H1121} of Ammishaddai {H5996}, prince {H5387} of the children {H1121} of Dan {H1835}, offered:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the tenth day was Achi'ezer the son of 'Ammishaddai, leader of the descendants of Dan.

Berean Standard Bible

On the tenth day Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the Danites, drew near.

American Standard Version

On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:66 meticulously records the offering brought by Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai and prince of the children of Dan, on the tenth day of the twelve-day dedication ceremony for the newly completed and anointed Tabernacle. This verse is part of a detailed, repetitive account in Numbers chapter 7 that chronicles the identical contributions made by each of the twelve tribal leaders of Israel, underscoring their unity, obedience, and collective commitment to establishing proper worship for God's dwelling place among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:66 is situated within a lengthy and highly structured chapter that serves as a meticulous record of the offerings presented by the twelve tribal princes for the dedication of the Tabernacle. The chapter begins by setting the stage for this significant event, noting the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Tabernacle Anointed"). Following this, the narrative details the identical offerings brought by each prince on successive days. This repetitive structure, where only the name of the prince and the day changes, emphasizes the unity of the tribes, their collective adherence to divine instruction, and the profound importance of the Tabernacle as the center of Israelite worship. Verse 66 specifically marks the tenth day's contribution, fitting into this precise chronological and thematic pattern.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 7 occur immediately after the construction and anointing of the Tabernacle at Mount Sinai, as detailed in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Completion and Dedication of the Tabernacle"). This period marks a crucial phase in Israel's history, transitioning from liberation to the establishment of a structured covenant relationship with Yahweh, centered around His dwelling place. The "prince" (נָשִׂיא, _nāsî'_) was the designated leader or chief of a tribal division, responsible for representing his entire tribe. The act of bringing offerings was a fundamental aspect of ancient Israelite worship, signifying devotion, atonement, and communion with God. The meticulous nature of these offerings, down to the specific quantities and types of items (as described in previous verses like [Numbers 7:13-17](/numbers/7-13 "Numbers 7:13-17 - The Offering of Nahshon")), reflects the high value placed on order, purity, and obedience in the presence of a holy God. The dedication ceremony was essential for consecrating the Tabernacle for its sacred purpose and establishing the sacrificial system that would facilitate God's presence among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ahiezer (Hebrew, _'Ăḥî'ezer'_):** Meaning "my brother is help" or "brother of help." This name carries a theological resonance, suggesting divine assistance or the communal support found within Israel. His full identification as "the son of Ammishaddai" further grounds him within his lineage and tribal structure, emphasizing the importance of family and heritage in Israelite society.
* **Prince (Hebrew, נָשִׂיא, _nāsî'_):** This term denotes a tribal chief, leader, or chieftain. In the context of Numbers, a _nāsî'_ was a significant figure, acting as the representative head of his tribe. Ahiezer's title highlights his authority and responsibility to lead his people in worship and obedience, signifying that his offering was not merely personal but a corporate act on behalf of the entire tribe of Dan.
* **Dan (Hebrew, דָּן, _Dān'_):** Meaning "judge." Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's fifth son. While the tribe of Dan later faced challenges, including a notable instance of idolatry and migration recorded in [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - The Migration and Idolatry of Dan"), in this foundational moment of Israel's worship, they are fully integrated and participating in the unified dedication to Yahweh, demonstrating their initial commitment to the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the tenth day":** This clause precisely situates Ahiezer's offering within the twelve-day dedication sequence. It underscores the divine order and meticulous planning involved in the Tabernacle's consecration, emphasizing that each tribal prince had a specific, appointed time for their contribution, ensuring an orderly and systematic process.
* **"Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai":** This provides the specific identity of the individual bringing the offering. The full name and patronymic serve to uniquely identify him, highlighting his personal responsibility as a leader while also connecting him to his ancestral line, reinforcing the importance of lineage and tribal identity within Israel.
* **"prince of the children of Dan":** This phrase defines Ahiezer's role and the scope of his representation. He is not merely an individual but the designated leader acting on behalf of the entire tribe of Dan. This signifies that the offering was a corporate act of worship and dedication, involving the whole community through their chosen representative.
* **"[offered]:"**: The KJV supplies this verb, which is implied by the preceding context of Numbers 7, where the purpose of each prince's appearance is to present their dedication offering. The actual details of Ahiezer's offering (which were identical to those of the other princes) are then enumerated in the subsequent verses ([Numbers 7:67-69](/numbers/7-67 "Numbers 7:67-69 - The Offerings of Ahiezer")), reinforcing the uniformity and substantial nature of the contributions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Numbers 7:66, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Repetition**. The identical phrasing used to introduce each tribal prince's offering, varying only the name and the day, creates a powerful rhythmic and emphatic structure. This repetition serves multiple purposes: it underscores the unity and equality of the twelve tribes in their dedication to God, highlights their collective obedience to God's precise commands, and emphasizes the meticulous nature of the Tabernacle's consecration. Furthermore, the chapter employs **Catalogue** or **List**, systematically enumerating each offering, which speaks to the divine order and thoroughness expected in worship. The specific naming of individuals and tribes also functions as **Specificity**, grounding the narrative in historical reality and emphasizing the accountability of each leader and their respective tribe in this foundational act of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous account in Numbers 7, exemplified by verse 66, reveals God's profound emphasis on order, obedience, and the communal nature of worship. The dedication of the Tabernacle was not a haphazard event but a precisely orchestrated ceremony, reflecting the holy character of the God being worshipped. Each tribe's participation, through its designated prince, underscored the unity of Israel as God's covenant people, collectively dedicating themselves and their resources to Him. This act of corporate worship and generous giving established a pattern for how Israel was to approach God, recognizing His sovereignty and their dependence. It also prefigures the New Testament understanding of the church as a unified body, each member contributing to the whole, united in purpose and devotion to God.
* [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20 "Exodus 35:20-29 - Willing Offerings for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Chronicles 29:6-9](/1_chronicles/29-6 "1 Chronicles 29:6-9 - Offerings for the Temple")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:66, set within the broader context of the Tabernacle's dedication, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Ahiezer's faithful participation on behalf of Dan reminds us that true worship involves both individual commitment and corporate unity. The meticulous nature of the offerings challenges us to consider the intentionality and quality of our own offerings to God, whether of time, talent, or treasure. It's not merely about going through the motions, but about a heart posture of willing obedience and generous dedication. Just as the tribes were united in their purpose to honor God's dwelling place, so too are believers called to unity in Christ, contributing their unique gifts to the building up of His spiritual house. This passage encourages us to embrace our role within the larger body of Christ, faithfully exercising leadership and participation for the glory of God, knowing that our "offerings" of praise, service, and resources are valued by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the Tabernacle dedication inform your understanding of God's character and His expectations for worship?**
* **In what ways can you, as an individual or as part of a community, demonstrate the same spirit of unity and intentional generosity seen in the offerings of the tribal princes?**
* **What does Ahiezer's role as a "prince" teach us about the responsibility of leadership in guiding others towards faithful worship and obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why is Numbers 7 so repetitive?**

Answer: Numbers 7 is highly repetitive to emphasize several crucial theological and practical points. Firstly, it underscores the **unity and equality** of the twelve tribes in their dedication to God; each tribe, regardless of its size or later historical prominence, brought the exact same offering. This highlights their shared identity and purpose as God's covenant people. Secondly, the repetition accentuates the **meticulous obedience** of the Israelites to God's specific instructions for the Tabernacle's dedication. It demonstrates their faithfulness in establishing proper worship and reinforces the idea that God's commands are to be followed precisely. Thirdly, the detailed repetition serves as a **comprehensive and authoritative record**, ensuring that every offering and every tribal leader's participation was acknowledged and preserved for posterity. This reflects God's attention to detail and the profound importance of this foundational act of worship, establishing the sacred order for His dwelling place among His people, as seen from [Numbers 7:1-11](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1-11 - The Dedication Offerings Begin").

**What was the significance of the offerings brought by the princes?**

Answer: The offerings brought by the princes were profoundly significant on multiple levels. They were substantial and identical (e.g., silver dishes, gold pans, specific animals for burnt offerings, grain offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, as detailed in [Numbers 7:13-17](/numbers/7-13 "Numbers 7:13-17 - The Offering of Nahshon")). These gifts represented the **generosity and dedication** of each tribe to the Lord and His Tabernacle, providing the necessary resources for the ongoing sacrificial system and the maintenance of the sanctuary. More profoundly, the offerings served as acts of **atonement, consecration, and communion**, establishing and reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. By bringing these offerings, the tribes collectively affirmed their commitment to Yahweh as their God and their willingness to follow His commands for worship and fellowship. This act of corporate giving and worship was essential for consecrating the Tabernacle as the divine dwelling place and for facilitating God's holy presence among His people, building upon the detailed instructions for offerings found in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:66, with its depiction of a tribal prince bringing an offering for the Tabernacle's dedication, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, serving as the temporal dwelling place for God among His people, powerfully foreshadowed the greater reality of God dwelling among humanity in the person of Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). While Ahiezer offered material sacrifices and animals, Jesus Himself became the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The collective offerings of the tribes pointed to the constant need for reconciliation and communion with a holy God, a need fully and eternally met by Christ's atoning work on the cross, which established a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant"). Moreover, just as Ahiezer represented the tribe of Dan in their corporate act of worship, Jesus is the ultimate representative, not just of one tribe, but of all humanity, serving as our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus the Great High Priest") who offered Himself. Through His perfect sacrifice, believers are now made part of a [spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House"), able to draw near to God with confidence, not through the blood of bulls and goats, but through the [precious blood of Christ](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Blood"), thereby fulfilling the dedication of a physical sanctuary in the reality of a living, spiritual temple built of believers, with Christ as the cornerstone.

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 1:12

Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Numbers 2:25

The standard of the camp of Dan [shall be] on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan [shall be] Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.