Numbers 7:77

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 Pagiel the son of Ocran.

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 Pagiel {H6295} the son {H1121} of Ocran {H5918}.

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 Pag'i'el the son of 'Okhran.

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 Pagiel son of Ocran.

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 Pagiel the son of Ochran.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:77 meticulously records the specific contribution of Pagiel, son of Ocran, the leader of the tribe of Asher, for the dedication of the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This verse, like the preceding ones in the chapter, details the precise quantities of animals—two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five one-year-old lambs—designated as a "sacrifice of peace offerings." It underscores the communal, orderly, and generous nature of Israel's worship and commitment to God's presence among them, emphasizing the theme of fellowship and wholeness inherent in the peace offering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 is unique in its extensive and repetitive detailing of the offerings brought by each of the twelve tribal leaders for the dedication of the Tabernacle. Following the completion and setting up of [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Completed and Set Up"), this chapter describes a specific, twelve-day period of dedication. Each day, one tribal leader presents an identical set of gifts, including silver plates, gold dishes, and various animals for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings. The sheer repetition, with only the name of the tribal leader changing, serves to emphasize the unity, equality, and complete participation of all Israel in this foundational act of worship. Verse 77 specifically focuses on the offering of Pagiel, the leader of the tribe of Asher, mirroring the exact same list of offerings as the previous eleven leaders, reinforcing the meticulous adherence to divine instruction and the collective nature of their devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 7 is immediately after the Tabernacle's construction and anointing, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's journey from Sinai. The Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people, symbolizing His covenant presence and providing a means for atonement and fellowship. The offerings described were not arbitrary but followed the precise instructions given by God for various types of sacrifices, as detailed in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Sacrifice"). The tribal leaders, as representatives of their respective tribes, brought these offerings on behalf of their people, signifying a national act of consecration and commitment. The peace offering (Hebrew: *zevah shelamim*), in particular, was unique because a portion was consumed by the worshipper, symbolizing a shared meal with God and emphasizing reconciliation, communion, and well-being (*shalom*). This dedication ceremony solidified Israel's identity as a people set apart, living under God's direct governance and in His holy presence, preparing them for their journey through the wilderness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _zevah shelamim'_):** This term is central to understanding the verse. *Zevah* (זֶבַח) refers to a sacrifice or slaughter, while *shelamim* (שְׁלָמִים) is derived from the root *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם), meaning "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," "well-being," or "harmony." Unlike burnt offerings (which were entirely consumed by fire as an act of atonement and dedication) or sin offerings (for specific transgressions), peace offerings were primarily for fellowship and communion. They were often offered in thanksgiving, for a vow, or as a freewill offering, emphasizing a state of reconciliation and joyful communion with God, symbolized by the shared meal between God (via the altar), the priests, and the worshipper.
* **Offering (Hebrew, _qorban'_):** The general term for "offering" or "sacrifice" in Hebrew is *qorban* (קָרְבָּן), derived from the root *qarab* (קָרַב), meaning "to draw near" or "to present." This term encapsulates the fundamental purpose of all sacrifices in the Old Testament: to provide a means for humanity to approach and draw near to a holy God. In Numbers 7:77, Pagiel's *qorban* of peace offerings was a specific act of drawing near to God in fellowship, demonstrating the tribe's desire for an intimate, reconciled relationship with the Divine presence in their midst.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year:"** This clause specifies the precise animals and their quantities designated for the peace offering. The inclusion of oxen, rams, he-goats, and lambs demonstrates a comprehensive and substantial contribution. The "lambs of the first year" signify unblemished, young animals, representing purity and prime quality, suitable for presentation to God. The peace offering, as discussed, emphasized fellowship and well-being, making this particular type of sacrifice highly significant for the dedication of God's dwelling place. The generosity and specific nature of these animals highlight the seriousness and intentionality of the worship.
* **"this [was] the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran."** This concluding phrase identifies the specific tribal leader responsible for this particular day's offering. Pagiel, as the son of Ocran, was the leader (or "prince") of the tribe of Asher. The repetition of this exact phrase, with only the name changing, throughout Numbers 7 serves to formally record each tribe's participation, ensuring that every part of Israel was acknowledged in the collective act of dedicating the Tabernacle. It underscores the principle of corporate worship and the individual accountability of leadership within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:77, within its broader chapter context, prominently employs **Repetition** and **Enumeration**. The entire chapter is characterized by the exact repetition of the offering details for each of the twelve tribes, with only the name of the tribal leader changing. This deliberate **Repetition** serves to emphasize the unity, equality, and completeness of Israel's participation in the Tabernacle's dedication, reinforcing the idea that every tribe played an identical and equally vital role. **Enumeration** is evident in the precise listing of the animals and their quantities ("two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs"), highlighting the meticulousness of God's instructions and the exactness required in worship. This detailed listing also conveys the lavishness and substantial nature of the offerings, reflecting the generosity and devotion of the givers. Furthermore, there is **Symbolism** inherent in the "peace offerings" themselves, representing not just the absence of conflict but the restoration of *shalom*—wholeness, well-being, and harmonious fellowship with God, a state made possible through sacrificial atonement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:77, as part of the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's dedication, powerfully conveys several enduring theological and thematic truths. It highlights the importance of intentional, orderly, and generous worship as a response to God's presence. The peace offering, in particular, emphasizes God's desire for intimate fellowship and communion with His people, a relationship characterized by *shalom*. This dedication ceremony solidified Israel's identity as a unified people under God, each part contributing equally to the collective act of devotion, underscoring the significance of corporate worship and the leadership's role in facilitating it.

* [Leviticus 3:1-17](/leviticus/3-1 "Leviticus 3:1-17 - Laws of the Peace Offering") - Details the regulations for the peace offering, emphasizing its communal and fellowship aspects.
* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - Worship at the Chosen Place") - Commands Israel to bring their sacrifices to the central place of worship, where they would eat and rejoice before the Lord, reinforcing the communal joy of peace offerings.
* [Psalm 116:17](/psalm/116-17 "Psalm 116:17 - Offering Thanksgiving Sacrifices") - Expresses the offering of a sacrifice of thanksgiving, which was a type of peace offering, demonstrating a grateful heart in worship.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:77, though describing ancient sacrificial practices, offers profound principles for contemporary faith and life. The meticulousness and generosity of Pagiel's offering, mirrored by all the tribal leaders, call us to consider the intentionality and quality of our own worship and service to God. True worship is not haphazard but deliberate, offered with a heart that values God's presence and seeks to honor Him fully. The emphasis on the peace offering reminds us that God desires not just our obedience, but our fellowship—a relationship of *shalom*, wholeness, and communion. Our lives, offered as "living sacrifices," should reflect this desire for intimacy with God and harmonious relationships within the community of faith. Just as each tribe contributed equally, so too are we called to participate actively and generously in the collective mission of God's people, recognizing that our individual contributions, however seemingly small, are vital to the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Pagiel's offering challenge me to be more intentional and prepared in my own acts of worship and service to God?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of "peace" and "fellowship" with God in my daily life, reflecting the essence of the peace offering?**
* **Considering the generosity of the tribal leaders, how might I re-evaluate my own giving of time, talents, and resources to God's work and the community of faith?**
* **What does the unified participation of all twelve tribes in the Tabernacle's dedication teach me about the importance of corporate worship and my role within the larger body of believers?**

### FAQ
**Why are the offerings in Numbers 7, including Pagiel's, so specific and repetitive?**

Answer: The specificity and repetition serve multiple crucial purposes. First, they underscore the divine origin of the instructions; God is a God of order and precision, and He prescribed exactly how He was to be approached and worshipped ([Leviticus 1:1-2](/leviticus/1-1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Burnt Offerings")). Second, the identical nature of each tribe's offering emphasizes the unity and equality of all Israel before God, regardless of their tribal distinctions. It was a collective act of national dedication. Third, the sheer volume and detail highlight the immense value placed on the Tabernacle and God's presence, demonstrating the generosity and complete devotion of the people and their leaders. This meticulous record also served as a historical testament to their obedience and commitment.

**What was the primary significance of the "peace offering" (zevah shelamim) mentioned in Numbers 7:77?**

Answer: The peace offering, or *zevah shelamim*, was distinct from other sacrifices like burnt offerings (for atonement and dedication) or sin offerings (for specific sins). Its primary significance lay in fostering and celebrating fellowship, communion, and well-being (*shalom*) between God and the worshipper. Unlike other offerings, a portion of the peace offering was returned to the worshipper and consumed in a sacred meal, symbolizing a shared table with God and a state of reconciliation and harmony. It was often offered in thanksgiving, to fulfill a vow, or as a freewill offering, reflecting joy, gratitude, and a desire for ongoing, peaceful relationship with the Lord ([Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Regulations for Peace Offerings")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:77, with its focus on the peace offering for the Tabernacle's dedication, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament peace offerings, though vital for their time, were shadows pointing to the perfect and final sacrifice of Christ. He is our true and ultimate "peace offering," for through His atoning work on the cross, He has reconciled us to God, making true *shalom* possible. As [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ") declares, God was pleased "through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." The shared meal of the peace offering, symbolizing communion, is beautifully echoed in the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in remembrance of Christ's body and blood, signifying our ongoing fellowship with Him and with one another ([1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Lord's Supper")). Furthermore, Christ Himself "is our peace," who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility and created one new humanity, granting us direct access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Pagiel's ancient offering, a temporary means of drawing near to God in peace, foreshadowed the eternal peace and perfect communion secured for us by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through Him, we now enjoy a lasting state of peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith and Peace with God")).

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.