What number verse is Numbers 7:84 in the Bible?

Numbers 7:84 is the 3,935th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 7:84 sits at position 3,935.

7:837:83

Numbers 7:84

Q: What was the primary purpose of "dedicating" and "anointing" the altar?

The primary purpose of "dedicating" (chanukah) and "anointing" (mashach) the altar was to set it apart as sacred and holy, making it fit for its unique and indispensable function in Israel's worship. Dedication formally inaugurated it, marking it as exclusively God's property and for His service. Anointing with sacred oil ritually purified and consecrated it, conferring a sacred status that made it the central point for the nation's sacrificial system and their direct interaction with God's presence, where atonement for sin could be made and communion fostered. This act transformed it from a mere object into a holy instrument for divine-human encounter.

7:857:85

Translation

King James Version

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:

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KJV (with Strong's)

This was the dedication ^H2598 of the altar ^H4196, in the day ^H3117 when it was anointed ^H4886, by the princes ^H5387 of Israel ^H3478: twelve ^{H6240 H8147} chargers ^H7086 of silver ^H3701, twelve silver ^H3701 bowls ^H4219, twelve ^{H6240 H8147} spoons ^H3709 of gold ^H2091:

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Complete Jewish Bible

This was the offering for dedicating the altar which was given by the leaders of Isra'el on the day of its anointing: twelve silver dishes, twelve silver basins and twelve gold pans.

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Berean Standard Bible

So these were the offerings from the leaders of Israel for the dedication of the altar when it was anointed: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, and twelve gold dishes.

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American Standard Version

This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden spoons;

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World English Bible Messianic

This was the dedication of the altar, on the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden ladles;

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Geneva Bible (1599)

This was the dedication of the Altar by the princes of Israel, whe it was anointed: twelue chargers of siluer, twelue siluer boules, twelue incense cuppes of golde,

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Young's Literal Translation

This is the dedication of the altar, in the day of its being anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve silver dishes, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden spoons;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 7:84 serves as a climactic summary, encapsulating the extensive and meticulously detailed offerings presented by the leaders of each of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication and anointing of the Tabernacle's altar. This verse highlights the collective generosity, unified obedience, and profound reverence of the Israelite community, underscoring the precise and abundant nature of their contributions—specifically, twelve sets of silver chargers, silver bowls, and gold spoons—all provided to consecrate the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Lord.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers 7 meticulously chronicles an extraordinary event immediately following the completion and erection of the Tabernacle, as detailed in Exodus 40. The preceding chapters (Numbers 1-6) establish the intricate organization of the Israelite camp, the census, and various laws pertaining to ritual purity and societal order, setting the stage for the formal commencement of Tabernacle worship. Chapter 7 then shifts focus entirely to the voluntary, yet divinely ordained, offerings brought by the tribal princes for the Tabernacle's dedication, with particular emphasis on the altar. The chapter's unique structure, listing the identical contributions of each of the twelve princes over twelve consecutive days, profoundly emphasizes their unity, the completeness of their devotion, and the comprehensive nature of the Tabernacle's furnishing. Verse 84 functions as a grand concluding summary statement, bringing the detailed enumeration of these offerings to a climactic close, thereby underscoring the immense value and profound significance of the collective gifts presented for the altar's consecration.
Historical & Cultural Context: The dedication of the Tabernacle and its altar transpired shortly after the Israelites' momentous departure from Egypt and their reception of the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai. This period was foundational, marking the establishment of Israel as a covenant nation with a divinely ordained system of worship at its core. The Tabernacle was not merely a tent but served as God's tangible dwelling place among His people, a portable sanctuary signifying His presence and accessibility. Within this sacred space, the altar was its most crucial piece of furniture, central to all sacrificial rites that facilitated atonement, purification, and communion with God. The act of "dedication" (Hebrew: chanukah) was a formal inauguration, a solemn ceremony setting apart a sacred space or object for exclusive use in divine worship. Anointing with oil, as divinely commanded in Exodus 30:22-29 and subsequently performed in Exodus 40:9-11, ritually purified and sanctified the altar, making it holy and supremely fit for the sacred sacrifices that formed the bedrock of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The direct involvement of the "princes of Israel" underscored the communal and representative nature of this pivotal act, as these leaders embodied the commitment and devotion of their respective tribes.
Key Themes: Numbers 7:84 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Presence and Holiness, emphasizing that God's dwelling among His people necessitates a sacred space, meticulously prepared and consecrated. The dedication of the altar highlights the theme of Atonement and Access to God, as the altar was the primary means by which Israel could approach a holy God through prescribed sacrifices. The detailed offerings from all tribes underscore Unity and Corporate Worship, demonstrating that the entire nation, through its leadership, participated in establishing the means of worship. This verse also speaks to Obedience and Generosity, portraying the Israelites' willing and abundant provision in direct response to God's commands for the Tabernacle's construction and dedication. Finally, it reinforces the theme of Order and Meticulousness in Worship, reflecting God's demand for precision and thoroughness in all matters pertaining to His service, a principle evident from the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction in Exodus 25-31.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Dedication (Hebrew, chănukkâh', H2598): From the root chanak, meaning "to initiate" or "to train," this term signifies a formal inauguration or consecration. In the context of the altar, it denotes the solemn act of setting it apart as exclusively belonging to God and designated for holy use. This act imbued the altar with a sacred status, officially establishing it as the central point for Israel's sacrificial system and marking its readiness for divine service. The word carries a sense of newness and establishment, signifying the beginning of its sacred function within Israel's worship.
Anointed (Hebrew, mâshach', H4886): This primitive root means "to rub with oil" or "to smear," and by implication, "to consecrate." Anointing was a ritual act widespread in the ancient Near East, used to designate persons (such as priests or kings) or objects for a special, often holy, purpose. For the altar, anointing with the sacred oil (as described in Exodus 30:22-29) conferred a sacred status, ritually purifying it and making it fit for the sacrificial system, which was the primary means of interaction and reconciliation between God and His people.
Princes (Hebrew, nâsîyʼ', H5387): This term refers to an "exalted one," specifically the tribal leaders, chieftains, or heads of their respective families and tribes. Their participation in bringing these extensive offerings was not merely an individual act of generosity but a corporate and representative one, signifying the unified commitment, devotion, and collective responsibility of all twelve tribes of Israel to the worship of Yahweh and the establishment of His dwelling place among them. Their leadership in this act underscored the communal nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God.

Verse Breakdown

"This [was] the dedication of the altar": This opening phrase serves as a powerful summary statement, identifying the overarching purpose of the preceding detailed enumeration of offerings in Numbers 7. It emphatically declares that the collective gifts, brought over twelve days, were specifically for the solemn act of setting apart the altar—the pivotal piece of furniture for Israel's sacrificial worship—for its holy and exclusive function in the Tabernacle.
"in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel": This clause provides crucial details regarding the timing and the agents involved in the dedication. It specifies that the dedication occurred on the day the altar was ritually "anointed," a ceremony integral to its consecration that conferred sacred status. Furthermore, it highlights the "princes of Israel" as the key figures who, acting as representatives of their respective tribes, brought the offerings. This underscores the communal, leadership-driven, and unified nature of this significant national event, emphasizing that the entire nation participated through its appointed heads.
"twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:": This detailed enumeration specifies the exact nature, quantity, and precious materials of the offerings. The emphatic repetition of "twelve" for each item powerfully underscores the uniformity, completeness, and collective participation of all twelve tribes of Israel. The specific items—chargers (large platters for grain or meat offerings), bowls (for incense, libations, or blood), and spoons (for incense or oil)—were essential implements for the altar's service. Their composition from precious materials (silver and gold) highlights the immense value, reverence, and honor accorded to God's dwelling place and the sacred worship conducted therein.

Literary Devices

Numbers 7:84 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. Repetition is prominently featured through the repeated use of the number "twelve," which powerfully emphasizes the unity, completeness, and full participation of all the tribes of Israel in this act of dedication. This repetition, combined with the detailed listing of items, constitutes Enumeration, underscoring the meticulousness and thoroughness required in divine service and highlighting the abundant nature of the offerings. The materials themselves—silver and gold—function as powerful Symbolism of purity, immense value, and divine glory, indicating the preciousness of God's dwelling place and the reverence due to Him. Finally, the verse itself serves as a Summary Statement, efficiently consolidating the extensive and detailed accounts of the preceding chapter into a concise, impactful declaration of the altar's successful dedication and the unified devotion of the Israelite nation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 7:84 profoundly illustrates the foundational themes of corporate worship, unified generosity, and the meticulous nature of God's demands for holiness in His presence. The dedication of the altar underscored its critical role as the divinely appointed place where atonement was made, and communion with God was facilitated through prescribed sacrifices. The uniformity and abundance of the offerings, brought by all twelve tribes through their princes, highlight the enduring principle that worship is a collective endeavor, requiring the unified and wholehearted participation of God's people. This act of dedication set the altar apart as sacred, a place where the holy God would meet with His people, emphasizing the necessary separation between the holy and the common for true worship to occur and for the covenant relationship to be maintained.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 7:84, while detailing an ancient ritual of Tabernacle dedication, offers profound and timeless principles for contemporary believers. Just as the altar was meticulously prepared, set apart, and consecrated for God's exclusive use, believers are called to a life of personal dedication and consecration, presenting their entire being as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God," which is their "spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1). The unified and generous giving of the princes serves as a powerful model for the church today, reminding us that our collective worship and service should be marked by harmony, shared commitment, and abundant generosity, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ. Our "offerings" today may not be physical items for a literal altar, but they encompass our time, talents, spiritual gifts, material resources, and indeed, our very lives, all to be offered willingly and completely for God's purposes in advancing His kingdom. This verse encourages us to consider the meticulousness and intentionality with which we approach our spiritual lives and our contributions to the body of Christ, ensuring that our devotion is wholehearted, our actions reflect a unified purpose, and our lives are truly set apart for the glory of God.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of my life am I called to greater "dedication" and "consecration" for God's purposes?
How does the unity and generosity of the twelve princes challenge my own approach to collective worship and giving within my community of faith?
What "chargers, bowls, and spoons"—my time, talents, or resources—am I being called to offer more completely and meticulously for God's service today?

FAQ

What is the significance of the number "twelve" in this verse?

Answer: The repeated emphasis on "twelve" in Numbers 7:84 signifies the complete and unified participation of all twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe, through its prince, contributed identical offerings, symbolizing their equality, shared commitment, and collective devotion to the worship of Yahweh. It underscores the idea that the entire nation, without exception, was invested in establishing God's dwelling place and sacrificial system among them, representing a holistic national act of worship and obedience.

Why was so much detail given to the offerings in Numbers 7, culminating in this summary verse?

Answer: The meticulous detail in Numbers 7, powerfully summarized in verse 84, highlights several crucial aspects. Firstly, it emphasizes God's demand for order, precision, and completeness in worship, reflecting His own perfect character. Secondly, it underscores the thoroughness required in service to God and the abundance of resources willingly provided by His people for His holy dwelling place. Lastly, it serves as a precise historical and theological record, demonstrating the Israelites' obedience and devotion in meticulously following God's commands for the Tabernacle's dedication, setting a precedent for future generations.

What was the primary purpose of "dedicating" and "anointing" the altar?

Answer: The primary purpose of "dedicating" (chanukah) and "anointing" (mashach) the altar was to set it apart as sacred and holy, making it fit for its unique and indispensable function in Israel's worship. Dedication formally inaugurated it, marking it as exclusively God's property and for His service. Anointing with sacred oil ritually purified and consecrated it, conferring a sacred status that made it the central point for the nation's sacrificial system and their direct interaction with God's presence, where atonement for sin could be made and communion fostered. This act transformed it from a mere object into a holy instrument for divine-human encounter.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 7:84, with its profound focus on the meticulous dedication and anointing of the Tabernacle's altar through the unified offerings of Israel's princes, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament altar, painstakingly prepared and consecrated, served as the divinely appointed place where animal sacrifices were offered for the temporary atonement of sins, thereby powerfully foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, whose precious blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness, rendering the endless cycle of animal sacrifices obsolete and unnecessary (Hebrews 9:11-14). Furthermore, just as the physical altar was dedicated and anointed for its holy service, Christ Himself was supremely "anointed" by the Holy Spirit for His messianic mission—to preach good news to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, and to proclaim liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18-19). Through His perfect life, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Jesus has dedicated a new and living way for us to draw near to God, a path opened by the tearing of His flesh (Hebrews 10:19-20). Moreover, believers, now united in Christ, are themselves consecrated and made holy through Him, becoming a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9), empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). The Tabernacle's altar, dedicated by the collective will of the princes, thus points unmistakably to Christ as the ultimate Altar, the One through whom all true worship, access to God, and eternal reconciliation are now made possible.

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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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Numbers 7:10
¶ 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.
Hebrews 13:10
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Isaiah 60:6
The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.
Isaiah 60:10
And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.
Ezra 2:68
And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:
Ezra 2:69
They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
Revelation 21:14
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.