Numbers 7:88

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.

And all the oxen {H1241} for the sacrifice {H2077} of the peace offerings {H8002} were twenty {H6242} and four {H702} bullocks {H6499}, the rams {H352} sixty {H8346}, the he goats {H6260} sixty {H8346}, the lambs {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141} sixty {H8346}. This was the dedication {H2598} of the altar {H4196}, after {H310} that it was anointed {H4886}.

The livestock for the sacrifice of peace offerings consisted of twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats and sixty male lambs in their first year. This was the offering for dedicating the altar after it had been anointed.

All the livestock sacrificed for the peace offering totaled twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats, and sixty male lambs a year old. This was the dedication offering for the altar after it was anointed.

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

Commentary

Numbers 7:88 KJV concludes a detailed account of the offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders of Israel for the dedication of the newly consecrated Tabernacle and its altar. This verse specifically summarizes the immense number of animals offered for the "peace offerings," highlighting the scale and significance of this foundational act of worship.

Context of Numbers 7:88

Chapter 7 of Numbers records the offerings made over twelve consecutive days, with each day featuring the leader of a different tribe bringing identical gifts. These offerings followed the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as commanded by God (Exodus 40:9-11). The cumulative sum of these offerings, particularly the peace offerings mentioned in verse 88, marks the formal inauguration of Israel's central place of worship and the establishment of their sacrificial system.

Meaning and Significance

  • A Grand Dedication: The verse explicitly states, "This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed." This event solidified the altar's sacred purpose as the place where Israel would approach God through sacrifice. The immense number of animals underscores the solemnity and joy of this national consecration.
  • The Nature of Peace Offerings: The focus on "peace offerings" (Hebrew: shelamim, from the root shalom, meaning "peace" or "completeness") is crucial. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, a portion of the peace offering was returned to the offerer to be eaten in a communal meal. This symbolized fellowship, gratitude, and reconciliation with God, fostering a sense of peace and communion among the people (see Leviticus 3 for details on these offerings).
  • Abundance and Generosity: The staggering number of animals—twenty-four bullocks, sixty rams, sixty he goats, and sixty lambs—demonstrates the extraordinary generosity of the tribes and the abundance God provided. It reflects a willing and lavish contribution to establish the covenant relationship with God.
  • Unity in Worship: While offered individually, the consistent nature of each tribe's gifts, culminating in this grand total, showcased the unity of the twelve tribes in their worship and dedication to the Lord.

Practical Application

Numbers 7:88 reminds us of the importance of dedication in our spiritual lives. Just as the altar was set apart for God's purposes, believers are called to consecrate themselves and their resources to Him (Romans 12:1). The peace offerings prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is our true peace offering, enabling genuine fellowship and reconciliation with God (Colossians 1:20). Our worship should be marked by gratitude, generosity, and a desire for deeper communion with God, reflecting the spirit of this ancient dedication.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 7:1

    ¶ And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

  • 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.

  • Numbers 7:84

    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:
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