What number verse is Numbers 7:83 in the Bible?

Numbers 7:83 is the 3,934th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 7:83 sits at position 3,934.

7:827:82

Numbers 7:83

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

The peace offering (Hebrew: *shelamim*) was distinct from other sacrifices like the burnt offering (for general atonement) or the sin offering (for specific expiation of 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, emphasizing God's desire for intimate relationship with His people.

7:847:84

Translation

King James Version

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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World English Bible Messianic

and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And for peace offerings, two bullockes, fiue rammes, fiue hee goates, fiue lambes of a yeere olde: this was the offering of Ahira the sonne of Enan.

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Young's Literal Translation

and for a sacrifice of the peace-offerings two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs, sons of a year; this is the offering of Ahira son of Enan.

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In the KJVVerse 3,934 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 7:83 concludes the extensive twelve-day record of the dedication offerings presented by the tribal leaders for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This verse specifically details the peace offerings brought by Ahira, the son of Enan, who was the prince of the tribe of Naphtali. His offering, identical in its components to those of the preceding eleven days, serves as the capstone, underscoring the unity, completeness, and corporate commitment of all Israel to their covenant with God and the establishment of His sacred dwelling place among them.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers chapter 7 is a meticulously detailed account, presented in a highly repetitive chiastic structure, of the dedication offerings brought by the twelve tribal princes after the anointing and consecration of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as described in Numbers 7:1. This chapter follows the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction in Exodus and its sacrificial system in Leviticus, establishing the practical implementation of Israel's worship life. Each day, a different tribal leader presents an identical set of offerings, emphasizing uniformity, equality among the tribes, and a profound sense of corporate participation in this foundational act of national worship. Numbers 7:83, as the final entry for the twelfth day, brings this extended narrative to its climactic close, signifying the full and complete dedication of the Tabernacle by every segment of the Israelite community, thereby making it fully operational as the center of their spiritual life.
Historical & Cultural Context: The dedication of the Tabernacle was a monumental event, symbolizing God's tangible presence among His people following their miraculous exodus from Egypt. This portable sanctuary was the physical manifestation of the Mosaic Covenant, serving as the central hub for worship, sacrifice, and divine communication. The offerings detailed in Numbers 7, though voluntary, were expressions of profound devotion, support, and ownership of this sacred institution by the entire nation. The "peace offering" (Hebrew: shelamim), specifically mentioned in Numbers 7:83, held unique significance among the various sacrifices prescribed in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 7:11-21). Unlike burnt offerings for general atonement or sin offerings for specific transgressions, the peace offering was primarily an act of thanksgiving, the fulfillment of a vow, or a spontaneous expression of fellowship and communion. It uniquely involved a shared meal between the worshipper, the priests, and God, symbolizing a state of shalom—wholeness, well-being, and peaceful relationship—between the parties. This communal aspect underscored the unity of the people and their harmonious relationship with their covenant God, foundational to the newly established theocracy.
Key Themes: Numbers 7:83, as part of the broader dedication narrative, powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of Divine Order and Holiness, demonstrating the meticulousness required in approaching a holy God and establishing His dwelling place. The identical nature of the offerings underscores the theme of Unity and Equality among the twelve tribes, emphasizing that all Israel, regardless of size or status, participated equally in consecrating the Tabernacle and affirming their covenant. The voluntary and generous nature of the offerings speaks to the theme of Wholehearted Devotion and Gratitude, reflecting the people's response to God's presence and provision. Furthermore, the focus on the peace offering itself reinforces the theme of Fellowship and Communion with God, revealing a God who desires not just obedience but an intimate, harmonious relationship with His people, a desire that permeates the entire biblical narrative from Genesis 3:8 to Revelation 21:3.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Sacrifice (Hebrew, zebach', H2077): From the root meaning "to slaughter," this term refers to the act of offering an animal or its flesh. In the biblical context, a zebach is more than mere slaughter; it is an act of worship, a designated offering brought near to God. In Numbers 7:83, it specifically denotes the peace offering, emphasizing the ritualistic and sacred nature of the act, where the life of an animal is given to establish or maintain a relationship with the divine.
Peace Offerings (Hebrew, shelem', H8002): Derived from the root shalom (שָׁלוֹם), meaning "peace," "wholeness," or "completeness," this term denotes a voluntary sacrifice offered in thanks or to celebrate a state of well-being and harmonious relationship with God. Unlike other offerings focused on atonement, the shelem was characterized by a communal meal, where portions were shared among God (via the altar), the priests, and the worshipper. Its inclusion in the Tabernacle dedication underscores the desire for a state of mutual well-being and communion between God and His people from the very inception of their formal worship.
Oxen (Hebrew, bâqâr', H1241): This term refers to beef cattle or an animal of the ox family, used for plowing or as a significant food source. As valuable livestock, oxen represented substantial wealth and agricultural productivity in ancient Israel. Their inclusion in the peace offering, alongside rams, he-goats, and lambs, signifies the offering of significant and valuable possessions to God. The offering of such animals for the Tabernacle's dedication underscores the generosity and the considerable investment the tribal leaders were making in establishing God's presence among them.

Verse Breakdown

"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year": This clause provides a meticulous inventory of the animals designated for Ahira's peace offering. The specific quantities—two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs of the first year—were precisely identical for each tribal leader throughout the twelve days of dedication. This uniformity emphasizes the collective nature of the offerings and the equal participation of every tribe. The peace offering, as a communal meal, signified fellowship and thanksgiving, and the variety of animals indicated the comprehensive nature of the offering, encompassing various types of valuable livestock, thus representing a substantial and heartfelt gift to the Lord and a shared feast for the community.
"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 explicitly noted in Numbers 1:15. His offering, presented on the twelfth and final day, brings the entire dedication sequence to its completion. This signifies that every segment of Israel, represented by its tribal head, participated fully and equally in consecrating the Tabernacle, highlighting the principle of individual contribution to a corporate act of worship and national dedication.

Literary Devices

Numbers 7:83, as the concluding verse in a long and highly structured chapter, primarily employs Repetition and Culmination. The Repetition of the identical list of offerings for each of the twelve tribes throughout Numbers 7 serves a profound theological and literary purpose. It underscores 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, far from being monotonous, reinforces the thoroughness and unwavering commitment of the entire nation to their covenant. 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 and completeness of Israel, and the animals themselves, which symbolize valuable possessions offered in devotion and the means of communal fellowship.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The peace offering of Numbers 7:83, serving as the capstone of the Tabernacle's dedication, powerfully illustrates the Old Testament's profound emphasis on fellowship with God and the corporate nature of worship. It speaks to a God who desires not just obedience and atonement, but intimate communion, inviting His people into a shared experience of His presence and blessing. This act of voluntary, generous 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 and unity of the entire community, demonstrating a holistic approach to relationship with the divine.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 7:83, while detailing an ancient sacrificial act, offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our worship should be characterized by an overflowing sense of gratitude and a deep, abiding desire for authentic 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 and joyfully to the work of God's kingdom and the flourishing of His church. Our "peace offerings" today are not animal sacrifices, but rather lives of thanksgiving, acts of selfless service, the pursuit of genuine Christian community, and the sharing of the Gospel. This verse challenges us to consider the quality and intentionality of our individual contributions to corporate worship and to cultivate a heart that actively seeks harmonious relationship with God, recognizing the immense peace and reconciliation He has graciously granted us through Christ.

Questions for Reflection

How does the concept of a "peace offering" deepen my understanding of my personal relationship with God today?
In what practical ways can I, like Ahira, offer "voluntary" contributions of gratitude, service, and resources to God and my faith community?
How does my individual worship and spiritual walk contribute to the collective spiritual well-being and unity of the church?
What does it truly mean to experience "peace" with God in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent communion with Him?

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 theological and practical purposes. First, it underscores the divine order and precision required in the worship of a holy 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 and their shared identity as God's people. 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 of the Tabernacle and the nation's readiness to worship.

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 (for general atonement) or the sin offering (for specific expiation of 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, emphasizing God's desire for intimate relationship with His people.

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. 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 to the Tabernacle's service.

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, with their emphasis on peace and fellowship with God, pointed to a desire for a harmonious relationship 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 profoundly 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). 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). No longer do we offer animals, for Jesus is the supreme Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, 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).

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Commentary on Numbers 7 verses 10–89

10 ¶ And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.

11 And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.

12 And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:

13 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

14 One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:

15 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

16 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

17 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 Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

18 On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer:

19 He offered for his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

20 One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:

21 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

22 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

23 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 Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer:

25 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

26 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

27 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

28 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

29 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 Eliab the son of Helon.

30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:

31 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

32 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

33 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

34 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

35 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 Elizur the son of Shedeur.

36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:

37 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

38 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

39 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

40 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

41 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 Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

42 On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:

43 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

44 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

45 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

46 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

47 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 Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered:

49 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

50 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

51 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

52 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

53 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 Elishama the son of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:

55 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

56 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

58 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

59 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 Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered:

61 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

62 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

63 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

64 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

65 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.

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

67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

68 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

69 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

70 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

71 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 Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

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

73 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

74 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

75 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

76 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

77 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.

78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered:

79 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

80 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:

81 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

82 One kid of the goats for a sin offering:

83 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.

84 This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:

85 Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

86 The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and twenty shekels.

87 All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.

88 And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.

89 And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We have here an account of the great solemnity of dedicating the altars, both that of burnt-offerings and that of incense; they had been sanctified before, when they were anointed (Lev 8:10, Lev 8:11), but now they were handselled, as it were, by the princes, with their free-will offerings. They began the use of them with rich presents, great expressions of joy and gladness, and extraordinary respect to those tokens of God's presence with them. Now observe here,

I. That the princes and great men were first and forwardest in the service of God. Those that are entitled to precedency should go before in good works, and that is true honour. Here is an example to the nobility and gentry, those that are in authority and of the first rank in their country; they ought to improve their honour and power, their estate and interest, for the promoting of religion, and the service of God, in the places where they live. It is justly expected that those who have more than others should do more good than others with what they have, else they are unfaithful stewards, and will not make up their account with joy. Nay, great men must not only with their wealth and power assist and protect those that serve God, but they must make conscience of being devout and religious themselves, and employing themselves in the exercises of piety, which will greatly redound to the honour of God (Psa 138:4, Psa 138:5), and have a good influence upon others, who will be the more easily persuaded to acts of devotion when they see them thus brought into reputation. It is certain that the greatest of men is less than the least of the ordinances of God; nor are the meanest services of religion any disparagement to those that make the greatest figure in the world.

II. The offerings they brought were very rich and valuable, so rich that some think there was not so great a difference in estate between them and others as that they were able to bear the expense of them themselves, but that the heads of each tribe contributed to the offering which their prince brought.

1.They brought some things to remain for standing service, twelve large silver dishes, each about sixty ounces weight, as many large silver cups, or bowls, of about thirty-five ounces - the former to be used for the meat-offerings, the latter for the drink-offerings - the former for the flesh of the sacrifices, the latter for the blood. The latter was God's table (as it were), and it was fit that so great a King should be served in plate. The golden spoons being filled with incense were intended, it is probable, for the service of the golden altar, for both the altars were anointed at the same time. Note, In works of piety and charity we ought to be generous according as our ability is. He that is the best should be served with the best we have. The Israelites indeed might well afford to part with their gold and silver in abundance to the service of the sanctuary, for they needed it not to buy meat and victual their camp, being daily fed with bread from heaven; nor did they need it to buy land, or pay their army, for they were shortly to be put in possession of Canaan.

2.They brought some things to be used immediately, offerings of each sort, burnt-offerings, sin-offerings, and a great many peace-offerings (on part of which they were to feast with their friends), and the meat-offerings that were to be annexed to them. Hereby they signified their thankful acceptance of, and cheerful submission to, all those laws concerning the sacrifices which God had lately by Moses delivered to them. And, though it was a time of joy and rejoicing, yet it is observable that still in the midst of their sacrifices we find a sin-offering. Since in our best services we are conscious to ourselves that there is a mixture of sin, it is fit that there should be even in our most joyful services a mixture of repentance. In all our approaches to God, we must by faith have an eye to Christ as the great sin-offering, and make mention of him.

3.They brought their offerings each on a separate day, in the order that they had been lately put into, so that the solemnity lasted twelve days. So God appointed (Num 7:11): They shall bring their offering, each prince on his day, and so they did. One sabbath must needs fall within the twelve days, if not two, but it should seem they did not intermit on the sabbath, for it was holy work, proper enough for a holy day. God appointed that it should thus be done on several days, (1.) That solemnity might be prolonged, and so might be universally taken notice of by all Israel, and the remembrance of it more effectually preserved. (2.) That an equal honour might thereby be put upon each tribe respectively; in Aaron's breast-plate each had his precious stone, so in this offering each had his day. (3.) Thus it would be done more decently and in order; God's work should not be done confusedly, and in a hurry; take time, and we shall have done the sooner, or at least we shall have done the better. (4.) God hereby signified how much pleased he is, and how much pleased we should be, with the exercises of piety and devotion. The repetition of them should be a continual pleasure to us, and we must not be weary of well doing. If extraordinary service be required to be done for twelve days together, we must not shrink from it, nor call it a task and a burden. (5.) The priests and Levites, having this occasion to offer the same sacrifices, and those some of every sort, every day, for so many days together, would have their hands well set in, and would be well versed in the laws concerning them. (6.) The peace-offerings were all to be eaten the same day they were offered, and two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs, were enough for one day's festival; had there been more, especially if all had been brought on one day, there might have been danger of excess. The virtue of temperance must not be left, under pretence of the religion of feasting.

4.All their offerings were exactly the same, without any variation, though it is probable that neither the princes nor the tribes were all alike rich; but thus it was intimated that all the tribes of Israel had an equal share in the altar, and an equal interest in the sacrifices that were offered upon it. Though one tribe was posted more honourably in the camp than another, yet they and their services were all alike acceptable to God. Nor must we have faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect to persons, Jam 2:1.

5.Nahshon, the prince of the tribe of Judah, offered first, because God had given that tribe the first post of honour in the camp; and the rest of the tribes acquiesced, and offered in the same order in which God had appointed them to encamp. Judah, of which tribe Christ came, first, and then the rest; thus, in the dedication of souls to God, every man is presented in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, Co1 15:23. Some observe that Nahshon is the only one that is not expressly called a prince (Num 7:12), which the Jews give this account of: he is not called a prince, that he might not be puffed up because he offered first; and all the others are called princes because they (though some of them of the elder house) submitted, and offered after him. Or, because the title of prince of Judah did more properly belong to Christ, for unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

6.Though the offerings were all the same, yet the account of them is repeated at large for each tribe, in the same words. We are sure there are no vain repetitions in scripture; what then shall we make of these repetitions? Might it not have served to say of this noble jury that the same offering which their foreman brought each on his day brought likewise? No, God would have it specified for each tribe: and why so? (1.) It was for the encouragement of these princes, and of their respective tribes, that each of their offerings being recorded at large no slight might seem to be put upon them; for rich and poor meet together before God. (2.) It was for the encouragement of all generous acts of piety and charity, by letting us know that what is so given is lent to the Lord, and he carefully records it, with every one's name prefixed to his gift, because what is so given he will pay again, and even a cup of cold water shall have its reward. He is not unrighteous, to forget either the cost or the labour of love, Heb 6:10. We find Christ taking particular notice of what was cast into the treasury, Mar 12:41. Though what is offered be but little, though it be a contribution to the charity of others, yet if it be according to our ability it shall be recorded, that it may be recompensed in the resurrection of the just.

7.The sum total is added at the foot of the account (Num 7:84-88), to show how much God was pleased with the mention of his freewill-offerings, and what a great deal they amounted to in the whole, when every prince brought in his quota! How greatly would the sanctuary of God be enriched and beautified if all would in their places do their part towards it, by exemplary purity and devotion, extensive charity, and universal usefulness!

8.God signified his gracious acceptance of these presents that were brought him, by speaking familiarly to Moses, as a man speaks to his friend, from off the mercy-seat (Num 7:89, Num 12:8); and in speaking to him he did in effect speak to all Israel, showing them this token for good, Psa 103:7. Note, By this we may know that God hears and accepts our prayers if he gives us grace to hear and receive his word, for thus our communion with him is maintained and kept up. I know not why we may not suppose that upon each of the days on which these offerings were brought (probably while the priests and offerers were feasting upon the peace-offerings) Moses was in the tabernacle, receiving some of those laws and orders which we have already met with in this and the foregoing book. And here the excellent bishop Patrick observes that God's speaking to Moses thus by an audible articulate voice, as if he had been clothed with a holy body, might be looked upon as an earnest of the incarnation of the Son of God in the fulness of time, when the Word should be made flesh, and speak in the language of the sons of men. For, however God at sundry times and in divers manners spoke unto the fathers, he has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. And that he who now spoke to Moses, as the shechinah or divine Majesty, from between the cherubim, was the eternal Word, the second person in the Trinity, was the pious conjecture of many of the ancients; for all God's communion with man is by his Son, by whom he made the world, and rules the church, and who is the same yesterday, today, and for ever.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–89. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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