Numbers 7:83

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 Ahira the son of Enan.

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 Ahira {H299} the son {H1121} of Enan {H5881}.

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 Achira the son of 'Enan.

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 Ahira son of Enan.

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 Ahira the son of Enan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:83 serves as the concluding verse in the extensive record of the dedication offerings presented by the twelve tribal leaders for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. Specifically, it details the peace offerings brought by Ahira, the son of Enan, the leader of the tribe of Naphtali, on the twelfth and final day. This offering, identical to those of the preceding eleven days, underscores the unity, completeness, and corporate commitment of all Israel to their covenant with God and the establishment of His dwelling place among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 provides an exhaustive, day-by-day account of the voluntary offerings brought by each of the twelve tribal princes following the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle, as detailed in [Numbers 7:1](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Anointing of the Tabernacle"). The preceding chapters in Numbers establish the order of the Israelite camp, the duties of the Levites, and the consecration of the priests, all leading up to the Tabernacle's operational readiness as the center of Israelite worship. Each tribal leader's offering, recorded in meticulous detail, follows an identical pattern, emphasizing a profound sense of order, equality, and collective participation in this monumental act of national dedication. Numbers 7:83, as the final entry in this twelve-day cycle, brings this extended narrative to a climactic close, signifying the full and complete dedication of the Tabernacle by all segments of the Israelite community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Tabernacle marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, solidifying God's presence among His people after their exodus from Egypt. The Tabernacle was not merely a structure but the physical manifestation of God's covenant relationship with Israel, serving as the central hub for worship, sacrifice, and divine communication. The offerings detailed in Numbers 7, though voluntary, were expressions of profound devotion and support for this sacred institution. The "peace offering" (Hebrew: *shelamim*), specifically mentioned in [Numbers 7:83](/numbers/7-83 "Numbers 7:83 - Ahira's Peace Offering"), was unique among the various sacrifices prescribed in the Mosaic Law (cf. [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Law of the Peace Offering")). Unlike burnt offerings (for atonement) or sin offerings (for specific sins), the peace offering was primarily an act of thanksgiving, fellowship, and communion. It involved a shared meal between the worshipper, the priests, and God, symbolizing a state of *shalom*—wholeness, well-being, and peaceful relationship. This communal aspect highlighted the unity of the people and their harmonious relationship with their God, foundational to the newly established theocracy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shelamim'_):** This term refers to a specific category of sacrifice in ancient Israel, derived from the root *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם), meaning "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," or "well-being." Unlike other offerings that focused on atonement for sin, the *shelamim* primarily expressed gratitude, celebrated a vow, or simply sought to enjoy fellowship with God. It was characterized by a shared meal, where portions were given to God (burned on the altar), the priests, and the worshipper, symbolizing communion and a harmonious relationship. The inclusion of peace offerings in the Tabernacle dedication underscored the desire for a state of mutual well-being and communion between God and His people from the very beginning of their formal worship.
* **Offering (Hebrew, _qorban'_):** This general term for "offering" or "sacrifice" comes from the root *qarab* (קָרַב), meaning "to draw near" or "to approach." It encapsulates the fundamental purpose of all sacrifices in the Old Testament: to provide a means for sinful humanity to approach a holy God. In the context of Numbers 7, the *qorban* represents the tangible expression of the tribal leaders' desire to draw near to God and dedicate their resources to His service, establishing a pathway for the entire nation to approach Him in worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year":** This clause meticulously lists the animals designated for the peace offering. The specific quantities (two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs) were identical for each tribal leader throughout the twelve days of dedication, emphasizing uniformity and the collective nature of the offerings. The peace offering, as discussed, was a communal meal, signifying fellowship and thanksgiving. The variety of animals indicates the comprehensive nature of the offering, encompassing various types of livestock that would have been valuable possessions, thus representing a substantial and heartfelt gift.
* **"this [was] the offering of Ahira the son of Enan."**: This concluding phrase identifies the specific individual responsible for this particular offering. Ahira, the son of Enan, was the leader (prince) of the tribe of Naphtali, as noted in [Numbers 1:15](/numbers/1-15 "Numbers 1:15 - Naphtali's Leader"). His offering on the twelfth day brings the entire dedication sequence to its completion, symbolizing that every segment of Israel, represented by its tribal head, participated fully and equally in consecrating the Tabernacle. This highlights the principle of individual contribution to a corporate act of worship and national dedication.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:83, as the final verse in a long, repetitive chapter, primarily employs **Repetition** and **Culmination**. The **Repetition** of the identical list of offerings for each of the twelve tribes throughout Numbers 7 serves to underscore several key themes: the divine order and meticulousness expected in worship, the unity of the twelve tribes in their dedication to God, and the completeness of their corporate act. This stylistic choice, though seemingly monotonous, reinforces the thoroughness and unwavering commitment of the entire nation. The verse also functions as a **Culmination**, marking the grand finale of the Tabernacle's dedication. After twelve days of identical offerings, Ahira's contribution brings the entire process to a definitive close, signaling the successful establishment of God's dwelling place and the formal commencement of its sacrificial system. Furthermore, there is subtle **Symbolism** in the number twelve, representing the totality of Israel, and the animals themselves, which symbolize valuable possessions offered in devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The peace offering of Numbers 7:83, as the capstone of the Tabernacle's dedication, powerfully illustrates the Old Testament's emphasis on fellowship with God and the corporate nature of worship. It speaks to a God who desires not just obedience but communion, inviting His people into a shared experience of His presence. This act of voluntary giving, culminating in a shared meal, foreshadows the ultimate peace and reconciliation offered through Christ, and the ongoing call for believers to live lives characterized by gratitude and communal worship. It highlights that true worship involves both individual devotion and collective participation, contributing to the spiritual well-being of the entire community.

* [Leviticus 3:1-17](/leviticus/3-1 "Leviticus 3 - The Law of Peace Offerings")
* [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God through Christ")
* [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:83, while detailing an ancient sacrificial act, profoundly resonates with contemporary believers. It reminds us that our worship should be characterized by an overflowing sense of gratitude and a deep desire for fellowship with God and with one another. Just as Ahira brought a generous offering as part of a larger, unified dedication, we are called to contribute our resources, talents, and time willingly to the work of God's kingdom and the flourishing of His church. Our "peace offerings" today are not animal sacrifices, but lives of thanksgiving, acts of service, and the pursuit of genuine community. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our individual contributions to corporate worship and to cultivate a heart that seeks harmonious relationship with God, recognizing the immense peace He has granted us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "peace offering" inform my understanding of my relationship with God today?**
* **In what ways can I, like Ahira, offer "voluntary" contributions of gratitude and service to God and my faith community?**
* **How does my individual worship contribute to the collective spiritual well-being and unity of the church?**
* **What does it mean to experience "peace" with God in my daily life, and how can I cultivate that deeper communion?**

### FAQ

**Why is so much detail given to the offerings of each tribal leader in Numbers 7?**

Answer: The meticulous detail and repetition in Numbers 7 serve several crucial purposes. First, it underscores the divine order and precision required in the worship of God. Every aspect of the Tabernacle's service was to be conducted with utmost care and adherence to divine instruction. Second, it highlights the unity and equality of all twelve tribes in their dedication to God. By presenting identical offerings, no tribe was elevated above another, emphasizing their collective commitment to the covenant. Finally, the sheer volume and value of the offerings demonstrate the profound devotion and generosity of the people towards the establishment of God's dwelling place among them, signifying a complete and thorough consecration.

**What was the specific significance of the "peace offering" (shelamim) compared to other sacrifices?**

Answer: The peace offering (Hebrew: *shelamim*) was distinct from other sacrifices like the burnt offering (atonement) or sin offering (expiation for sin). Its primary significance lay in its focus on fellowship, thanksgiving, and the celebration of a harmonious relationship with God. Unlike other offerings where the entire animal was consumed on the altar, portions of the peace offering were shared by the worshipper, the priests, and God (via the altar). This communal meal symbolized a state of *shalom*—wholeness, well-being, and peace—between God and His people. It was an expression of gratitude for blessings received, the fulfillment of a vow, or simply an act of joyful communion with the divine.

**Who was Ahira, and why is his offering specifically mentioned at the end of the chapter?**

Answer: Ahira, the son of Enan, was the leader (prince) of the tribe of Naphtali (as identified in [Numbers 1:15](/numbers/1-15 "Numbers 1:15 - Naphtali's Leader")). His offering is specifically mentioned at the end of Numbers 7 because he was the twelfth and final tribal leader to present his dedication offering for the Tabernacle. His contribution brought the entire twelve-day cycle of offerings to its completion, symbolizing that every single tribe of Israel had participated fully and equally in this foundational act of national worship and consecration. It emphasizes the corporate nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God and the comprehensive dedication of the entire nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The peace offerings of Numbers 7:83, culminating the Tabernacle's dedication, find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The *shelamim* sacrifices pointed to a desire for peace and fellowship with God, a state that fallen humanity could never fully achieve through animal blood. However, Christ, through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, became our true and eternal peace offering. As [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace through Christ's Blood") declares, He made "peace through the blood of His cross." He is our *shalom*, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and reconciling us to God in one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Reconciliation")). The shared meal aspect of the peace offering is spiritually realized in the Lord's Supper, where believers commune with Christ and one another, participating in the benefits of His finished work ([1 Corinthians 10:16](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")). No longer do we offer animals, for Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making perfect peace for us. Our response, therefore, is to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds, living lives of gratitude and fellowship, made possible by the perfect peace Christ secured ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")).

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.