Numbers 7:85

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:

Each {H259} charger {H7086} of silver {H3701} weighing an hundred {H3967} and thirty {H7970} shekels, each {H259} bowl {H4219} seventy {H7657}: all the silver {H3701} vessels {H3627} weighed two thousand {H505} and four {H702} hundred {H3967} shekels, after the shekel {H8255} of the sanctuary {H6944}:

Each silver dish weighed 130 shekels [three-and-a-quarter pounds] and each basin seventy shekels [one-and-three-quarters pounds]; all the silver of the vessels weighed 2,400 shekels (using the sanctuary shekel) [just over sixty pounds].

Each silver platter weighed a hundred and thirty shekels, and each silver bowl seventy shekels. The total weight of the silver articles was two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.

each silver platterweighinga hundred and thirtyshekels, and each bowl seventy; all the silver of the vessels two thousand and four hundredshekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary;

Commentary

Context

Numbers 7 details the elaborate and repetitive offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders (Princes of Israel) for the dedication of the Tabernacle. This monumental event, described from Numbers 7:1, spanned twelve days, with each tribe presenting identical gifts on their assigned day. Verse 85 specifically summarizes the collective weight of the silver chargers and bowls offered by all the tribes, emphasizing the substantial material contribution made for the service of God's dwelling place. The entire chapter highlights the generosity and order required for the proper worship of the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Devotion: The sheer quantity of silver, meticulously weighed, underscores the immense devotion and generosity of the Israelite leaders and, by extension, the people. These were significant material sacrifices made for the Tabernacle's furnishing and service.
  • Precision and Order: The detailed accounting of weights ("an hundred and thirty shekels," "seventy," "two thousand and four hundred") reflects God's demand for accuracy and order in all matters pertaining to His worship. There was no room for approximation when serving the Holy God.
  • Unity in Worship: While presented individually by each tribe, the identical nature of the offerings and their collective summary in verses like 85 emphasize the unity of Israel in their dedication to God and His sanctuary.
  • Holiness and Consecration: The silver vessels were not for common use but were consecrated for sacred service within the Tabernacle, symbolizing the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "after the shekel of the sanctuary" is crucial. The shekel of the sanctuary (Hebrew: ืฉึถืืงึถืœ ื”ึทืงึนึผื“ึถืฉื, shekel ha-kodesh) refers to a specific, standardized weight used for sacred purposes. It was typically a heavier or more precise standard than the common commercial shekel, ensuring that offerings and payments to the Tabernacle or Temple were exact and unadulterated. This detail underscores the divine expectation for integrity and accuracy in all dealings with God's holy things, preventing fraud or shortchanging in sacred transactions. It was a measure of absolute truth in religious matters, as seen in other contexts like the redemption price for the firstborn (Exodus 30:13).

Practical Application

Numbers 7:85, though detailing ancient weights, offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Intentional Giving: Our giving to God, whether of time, talent, or treasure, should be intentional, generous, and from a devoted heart, reflecting the value we place on His kingdom and work.
  • Integrity in Service: God values precision and honesty in all we do for Him. Our service should be marked by diligence and faithfulness, not carelessness or cutting corners.
  • Valuing the Sacred: This verse reminds us to hold in high regard what is set apart for God โ€“ His Word, His church, and His purposes. Our attitude towards these sacred things should be one of reverence and respect.
  • Unity in Purpose: Just as the tribes united in their offerings for the Tabernacle, believers are called to work together in unity, contributing their resources and efforts for the common purpose of advancing God's kingdom and building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezra 8:25

    And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, [even] the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel [there] present, had offered:

  • Ezra 8:26

    I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, [and] of gold an hundred talents;

  • 1 Chronicles 29:4

    [Even] three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses [withal]:

  • 1 Chronicles 22:14

    Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:7

    And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.
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