Numbers 7:84

KJV

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:

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}:

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.

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.

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;

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Completed and Erected"). 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](/exodus/30-22-29 "Exodus 30:22-29 - The Anointing Oil and Incense") and subsequently performed in [Exodus 40:9-11](/exodus/40-9-11 "Exodus 40:9-11 - Anointing the Tabernacle and its Furnishings"), 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](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dedication (Hebrew, _chănukkâh'_):** 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'_):** 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](/exodus/30-22-29 "Exodus 30:22-29 - The Sacred Anointing Oil")) 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'_):** 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.

* [Exodus 29:36-37](/exodus/29-36-37 "Exodus 29:36-37 - Consecration of the Altar")
* [Leviticus 8:10-11](/leviticus/8-10-11 "Leviticus 8:10-11 - Anointing the Tabernacle and Altar")
* [2 Chronicles 7:7](/2_chronicles/7-7 "2 Chronicles 7:7 - Dedication of Solomon's Temple Altar")

### 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](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness, rendering the endless cycle of animal sacrifices obsolete and unnecessary ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). 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](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). 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](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). 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](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, A Royal Priesthood")), empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and Spiritual Sacrifices")). 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.

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.

Cross-References

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.