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 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](/numbers/7-1 "Numbers 7:1 - Anointing of the Tabernacle"). 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](/numbers/7-83 "Numbers 7:83 - Ahira's Peace Offering"), held unique significance among the various sacrifices prescribed in the Mosaic Law (cf. [Leviticus 7:11-21](/leviticus/7-11-21 "Leviticus 7:11-21 - Law of the Peace Offering")). 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](/genesis/3-8 "Genesis 3:8 - God Walking in the Garden") to [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** 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](/numbers/7-83 "Numbers 7:83 - Ahira's Peace Offering"), 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'_):** 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'_):** 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](/numbers/1-15 "Numbers 1:15 - Naphtali's Leader"). 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.

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

### 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](/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 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](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace through Christ's Blood") 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](/ephesians/2-14-16 "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 supreme [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/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/13-15-16 "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.