Numbers 7:72

KJV

On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, [offered]:

KJV (with Strong's)

On the eleventh {H6249}{H6240} day {H3117} Pagiel {H6295} the son {H1121} of Ocran {H5918}, prince {H5387} of the children {H1121} of Asher {H836}, offered:

Complete Jewish Bible

On the eleventh day was Pag'i'el the son of 'Okhran, leader of the descendants of Asher.

Berean Standard Bible

On the eleventh day Pagiel son of Ocran, the leader of the Asherites, drew near.

American Standard Version

On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ochran, prince of the children of Asher:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:72 meticulously records the offering brought by Pagiel, the prince of the tribe of Asher, on the eleventh day of the twelve-day dedication ceremony for the newly erected Tabernacle. This verse, seemingly a simple entry in a long list, underscores profound theological truths about divine order, communal worship, the responsibility of leadership, and the Israelites' collective commitment to consecrating their sacred space according to God's precise instructions. It highlights the systematic and unified nature of Israel's devotion to the Lord in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:72 is situated within a lengthy and highly repetitive chapter, [Numbers chapter 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Dedication of the Tabernacle"). This chapter details the offerings brought by the princes of each of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle, following its anointing and consecration as described in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Anointing of the Tabernacle"). The offerings, though presented by different princes on successive days, are remarkably identical in their composition—consisting of silver chargers, gold spoons, and various animals for burnt, grain, sin, and peace offerings. This repetitive structure, exemplified by the pattern established on the [first day's offering](/numbers/7-10 "Numbers 7:10 - Nahshon's Offering"), emphasizes the unity, equality, and meticulous obedience required in the worship of God. Numbers 7:72 specifically marks the penultimate day of this grand, divinely orchestrated ceremony, leading into the final offering on the twelfth day and the subsequent account of God speaking to Moses from the mercy seat in [Numbers 7:89](/numbers/7-89 "Numbers 7:89 - God Speaks from the Mercy Seat").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 7 occur shortly after the construction and erection of the Tabernacle, as detailed in [Exodus chapters 35-40](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35-40 - Construction of the Tabernacle"). The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people during their wilderness wanderings, serving as the central hub for Israelite worship and communal life. The dedication offerings, therefore, were not merely gifts but acts of consecration, formally setting apart the Tabernacle for its sacred purpose. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the dedication of temples or sacred spaces often involved elaborate rituals and offerings, signifying the establishment of a deity's dwelling place and the people's commitment to their covenant relationship. For Israel, these offerings reinforced their unique covenant with Yahweh, demonstrating their obedience to His commands and their readiness to engage in structured, communal worship. The role of the "prince" (נָשִׂיא, _nāsî'_) was significant, as these tribal leaders represented their entire lineage in this crucial act of national worship, underscoring the collective responsibility and participation of all Israel in the Tabernacle's inauguration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pagiel (Hebrew, _Pagʿiʾel'_):** Meaning "encounter of God" or "God has met," this name is profoundly fitting for a leader participating in the dedication of the Tabernacle—the very place where God's presence was to be encountered by the Israelites. It suggests a personal and corporate experience of divine encounter, reflecting the ultimate purpose of the Tabernacle as the meeting place between God and humanity. The name itself serves as a subtle theological statement about the nature of worship and the accessibility of God.
* **Ocran (Hebrew, _ʿOkran'_):** Meaning "troubler" or "disturber," this name provides an interesting contrast to the orderly and peaceful act of offering performed by his son, Pagiel. While the etymology might suggest a negative connotation, it is not necessarily indicative of the father's character, but rather highlights the divine prerogative to choose and use individuals from all backgrounds for His purposes. The juxtaposition implicitly magnifies the grace of God in calling and equipping leaders like Pagiel for sacred service.
* **Asher (Hebrew, _ʾĀšēr'_):** Meaning "happy" or "blessed," Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Asher. The tribe of Asher was known for its fertile territory in the promised land ([Genesis 49:20](/genesis/49-20 "Genesis 49:20 - Blessing of Asher")), and its participation in this dedication ceremony underscores the unity of all tribes in their worship and commitment to the Mosaic covenant, regardless of their individual characteristics or future inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the eleventh day":** This precise temporal marker emphasizes the meticulous, sequential nature of the dedication ceremony. It highlights God's demand for order and intentionality in worship, demonstrating that every day of this twelve-day event was significant and divinely appointed. The repetition of this phrase across [Numbers chapter 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Dedication Offerings") reinforces the structured obedience of the Israelites.
* **"Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher,":** This clause identifies the specific individual responsible for the day's offering, providing his name, patronymic, and tribal affiliation. As the "prince" (נָשִׂיא, _nāsî'_), Pagiel held a position of leadership and representation, acting on behalf of the entire tribe of Asher. His participation underscores the principle of delegated authority and the responsibility of leaders to facilitate and embody communal worship and obedience.
* **"[offered]:"**: Though bracketed and supplied by the King James Version translators, this verb is clearly implied by the context of [Numbers chapter 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Tabernacle Dedication"). The chapter's primary focus is on the "offering" (קָרְבָּן, _qorbān_) brought by each prince. This implied verb signifies the act of bringing a gift or sacrifice near to God, an act of worship, dedication, and atonement that was central to Israelite religious life and the purpose of the Tabernacle.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:72, as part of a larger literary unit, primarily employs **Repetition** and **List/Register**. The entire chapter is a masterclass in **Repetition**, with the identical description of offerings for each of the twelve days. This stylistic choice is not merely redundant; it serves to underscore the divine precision, the uniformity of obedience required from all tribes, and the equal value of each contribution in God's eyes. It creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical effect, emphasizing the thoroughness of the dedication. The chapter also functions as a **List** or **Register**, systematically cataloging each prince and his tribe, ensuring that every participant in this foundational act of worship is acknowledged and remembered. This detailed listing highlights the importance of individual and corporate responsibility within the covenant community. Furthermore, the very act of offering and the Tabernacle itself are rich in **Symbolism**, representing God's presence, the people's atonement, and their collective commitment to His covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:72, though a seemingly minor detail in a long list, contributes significantly to the overarching themes of divine order, corporate worship, and the nature of leadership within God's covenant community. The meticulous recording of each tribe's identical offering demonstrates God's desire for precision, unity, and intentionality in worship, reflecting His own orderly character. It highlights that true worship involves both individual obedience and collective participation, where every contribution, regardless of its specific giver, is valued equally when offered in faith and according to divine command. The prince's role underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders to model and facilitate acts of devotion, guiding their people in consecrated service to God.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Let Them Make Me a Sanctuary")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")
* [Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Do Not Neglect to Do Good and to Share")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane record of Pagiel's offering on the eleventh day of the Tabernacle dedication holds profound contemporary relevance for believers. It calls us to consider the intentionality and order with which we approach our own worship and service to God. Just as each tribe contributed equally and precisely, we are reminded that our individual contributions—whether in time, talent, or treasure—are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan. Every act of obedience, no matter how small or repetitive it may seem, is significant in God's eyes when offered with a sincere heart. This passage also challenges leaders to exemplify faithful participation in the spiritual life of their communities, inspiring others through their devotion and service. It encourages us to find meaning and purpose even in the "details" of our faith, recognizing that God values our steadfastness and adherence to His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on order and precision in the Tabernacle dedication inform our approach to corporate worship and personal devotion today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, better reflect the unity and equality demonstrated by the tribes in their offerings?**
* **What does Pagiel's role as a "prince" teach us about the responsibility of leadership within the church and our communities?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the significance of seemingly small or repetitive acts of obedience in our spiritual lives?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a repetitive and detailed list of offerings included in Scripture?**

Answer: The inclusion of such a detailed and repetitive list, as seen throughout [Numbers chapter 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Tabernacle Dedication Offerings"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the divine emphasis on **order and precision** in worship, demonstrating that God's instructions for the Tabernacle and its services were to be followed meticulously. Secondly, the identical nature of the offerings highlights the **unity and equality** of all the tribes before God; despite their distinct identities, all participated equally in this foundational act of national worship. Thirdly, it acts as a **historical record**, validating the complete and faithful obedience of the Israelites to God's commands regarding the Tabernacle's dedication, which was essential for God's presence to dwell among them. Finally, the repetition itself can be seen as a literary device, emphasizing the **weight and significance** of the event, ensuring that no tribe's contribution was overlooked and that the collective commitment was fully documented.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:72, part of the Tabernacle's dedication, profoundly foreshadows Christ in its emphasis on God's dwelling among His people and the nature of acceptable offerings. The Tabernacle itself was a **type** of Christ, the ultimate dwelling place of God with humanity, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The meticulous offerings, including those brought by Pagiel, pointed to the necessity of sacrifice for atonement and communion with God. While these animal sacrifices could only temporarily cover sin, they anticipated the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His offering on the cross, unlike the repetitive offerings of the Old Covenant ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")), perfectly and eternally consecrated believers, establishing a new covenant through His blood ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Pagiel, as a prince leading his tribe in dedication, can be seen as a faint echo of Christ, the true Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")) and the ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), who not only offered Himself but also leads His people in true worship and dedication to God. The dedication of the Tabernacle thus prefigures the inauguration of God's new temple, the Church, built on Christ, where believers are living stones offering spiritual sacrifices ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual Sacrifices")) through Him.

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 1:13

Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran.

Numbers 2:27

And those that encamp by him [shall be] the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher [shall be] Pagiel the son of Ocran.