Numbers 7:88

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:88 serves as the climactic summary of the immense and unified offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders of Israel for the dedication of the newly consecrated Tabernacle and its altar. This verse specifically enumerates the staggering number of animals sacrificed as "peace offerings," underscoring the scale, solemnity, and profound significance of this foundational act of worship and the formal inauguration of Israel's central sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 7:88 concludes an exceptionally long and detailed chapter (Numbers 7:1-88) that meticulously records the identical offerings brought by each of the twelve tribal leaders of Israel over twelve consecutive days. Each day's entry (e.g., [Numbers 7:12-17](/numbers/7-12 "Numbers 7:12-17 - Judah's Offering")) specifies the gifts, including silver dishes, gold pans, and various animals for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings. Verse 88 provides the grand total for the peace offerings, acting as a final summation of the collective generosity and unity in worship, following the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings as commanded in [Exodus 40:9-11](/exodus/40-9 "Exodus 40:9-11 - Anointing of the Tabernacle and its Furnishings"). This cumulative account emphasizes the thoroughness of the dedication process and the comprehensive participation of all Israel, showcasing their unified obedience and devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This dedication event occurred shortly after the Tabernacle's construction and anointing, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey. The Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people, symbolizing His presence and providing the means for atonement and fellowship. The altar, specifically, was the focal point of Israel's sacrificial system, the designated place where God would meet His people and accept their offerings. In the ancient Near East, the dedication of temples and altars was a common and elaborate practice, often involving lavish sacrifices to consecrate the sacred space and invoke divine favor. For Israel, this dedication was unique; it was a response to God's specific command and a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The immense scale of the offerings in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders"), particularly the peace offerings, reflected not only the tribes' obedience and generosity but also the profound joy and sense of reconciliation that accompanied the establishment of God's presence in their midst, signifying their readiness to engage in covenant worship.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 7:88 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Holiness**, as the dedication formally inaugurates the altar as a sacred space where God's presence is mediated. Secondly, it underscores **Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience**, demonstrating Israel's meticulous adherence to God's commands regarding the Tabernacle's construction and consecration, a theme echoed throughout [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Exodus from Egypt") and [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws for Holy Living"). Thirdly, the sheer volume of offerings, especially the peace offerings, emphasizes the theme of **Worship and Fellowship**, pointing to the desire for and joy found in communion with God. This act of corporate worship, with each tribe contributing identically (as seen in the repetitive structure of [Numbers 7:12-83](/numbers/7-12 "Numbers 7:12-83 - Tribal Offerings")), also reinforces the **Unity of Israel** under God's covenant. Finally, the meticulous accounting of the gifts, including the precious metals and animals, speaks to the theme of **Generosity and Sacrifice** as a response to divine grace and provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oxen (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** From H1241, this term refers to beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender, typically used for plowing or, in this context, for sacrifice. Collectively, it denotes a herd. The inclusion of "oxen" (specifically "bullocks" from H6499, _par_, meaning a bullock as breaking forth in wild strength) signifies the offering of strong, valuable animals, representing substantial wealth and the best of the flock, indicative of the gravity and costliness of the dedication.
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** From H2077, this word properly means "a slaughter," referring to the flesh of an animal; by implication, it denotes a sacrifice, encompassing both the victim and the act of offering. In this context, it specifically refers to the act of presenting animals to God on the altar, a ritual central to Israelite worship for atonement, thanksgiving, and communion. The sheer quantity of sacrifices underscores the profound nature of this dedication.
* **Dedication (Hebrew, _chănukkâh'_):** From H2598, this term signifies "initiation" or "consecration." It refers to the formal act of setting something apart for sacred use, marking its official commencement of function. Here, it refers to the formal inauguration of the altar, making it ready to serve its divine purpose as the primary locus of Israel's sacrificial worship and interaction with God. This was not merely a ceremonial opening but a profound act of consecration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings [were] twenty and four bullocks":** This opening clause immediately draws attention to the cumulative nature of the offerings, specifically focusing on the "peace offerings." The "twenty and four bullocks" represent the sum of two bullocks contributed by each of the twelve tribal leaders (2 x 12 = 24), highlighting the uniform and substantial contribution from every segment of the Israelite community towards this significant act of worship and fellowship.
* **"the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the first year sixty.":** This continues the meticulous enumeration, revealing an even greater quantity of other animals designated for peace offerings. Each of the twelve tribes contributed five rams, five he-goats, and five lambs of the first year (5 x 12 = 60 for each category). The phrase "lambs of the first year" (H3532 _kebes_, H1121 _bên_, H8141 _shâneh_) specifies young, unblemished animals, signifying purity and the prime of the flock. The immense total of these animals (24 + 60 + 60 + 60 = 204 animals for peace offerings alone) underscores the extraordinary scale of the dedication, reflecting immense generosity and a profound desire for fellowship with God.
* **"This [was] the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.":** This concluding statement provides the overarching purpose and chronological context for the entire chapter's detailed account. It explicitly states that the collective offerings constituted the formal "dedication" or inauguration of the altar. The crucial phrase "after that it was anointed" (H310 _ʼachar_, H4886 _mâshach_) clarifies the sequence of events, emphasizing that the altar was first ritually consecrated by God's command, and *then* its practical use was inaugurated through these lavish offerings. This highlights that the offerings were made to an already holy and divinely prepared altar, reinforcing the principle that worship must proceed according to God's established order.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:88, serving as the grand summation of a lengthy chapter, employs several significant literary devices to emphasize its message. The most pervasive device throughout the chapter, culminating in this verse, is **Repetition**. The identical list of offerings presented by each of the twelve tribes (e.g., [Numbers 7:12-83](/numbers/7-12 "Numbers 7:12-83 - Tribal Offerings")) serves to underscore the unity, obedience, and comprehensive participation of all Israel in this foundational act of worship. This repetition provides a sense of methodical thoroughness and collective devotion. Furthermore, the sheer **Magnitude** of the enumerated animals (204 for peace offerings alone, not counting burnt and sin offerings) functions as a form of **Hyperbole** (or at least, significant emphasis through quantity), impressing upon the reader the lavishness, solemnity, and joy associated with the dedication. This extraordinary scale communicates the profound importance of the event. Finally, the "peace offerings" themselves are rich in **Symbolism**, representing not merely a sacrifice but a profound desire for and celebration of _shalom_—wholeness, reconciliation, and fellowship—between God and His people. This symbolic depth points to the relational aspect of Israel's worship, which sought to establish and maintain harmonious communion with Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:88 encapsulates profound theological truths about worship, covenant, and God's relationship with His people. The dedication of the altar, marked by such lavish peace offerings, emphasizes the importance of a designated, consecrated space for meeting with God and the necessity of sacrifice for communion. It highlights the themes of divine provision (God enabled such generosity), human response (Israel's willing and unified giving), and the pursuit of _shalom_ with God. The peace offering, in particular, points to the desire for and celebration of fellowship, gratitude, and reconciliation, foreshadowing the ultimate means by which humanity would truly find peace with God. This act established a pattern of worship centered on atonement and communion, setting the stage for Israel's ongoing spiritual life in the wilderness and beyond, demonstrating that true worship is a costly, communal, and joyful response to God's holiness and grace.

* [Leviticus 3:1](/leviticus/3-1 "Law of Peace Offerings")
* [Exodus 40:9](/exodus/40-9 "Anointing of the Tabernacle")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The grand dedication described in Numbers 7:88 serves as a powerful reminder of the call to wholehearted consecration in our own spiritual lives. Just as the altar was set apart for God's purposes through anointing and lavish offerings, believers are called to dedicate their entire being—their bodies, minds, resources, and time—as a "living sacrifice" to God. This isn't about earning favor, but about responding with overwhelming gratitude and love to God's boundless grace. The emphasis on "peace offerings" invites us to cultivate a life marked by _shalom_—peace with God through Christ, and peace with others. It encourages us to actively seek reconciliation, foster genuine fellowship within the body of Christ, and engage in worship that is both generous and joyful, reflecting a deep desire for intimate communion with the Divine. Our worship, whether corporate or individual, should be a sincere outpouring of devotion, acknowledging God's supreme worthiness and our complete dependence on His provision, just as the tribes of Israel demonstrated in their unified and abundant offerings at the Tabernacle's inauguration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the lavishness of the offerings in Numbers 7:88 challenge our understanding of generosity and sacrifice in our own worship and service to God today?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as New Covenant believers, "dedicate our altar" (our lives, resources, and gifts) to God's purposes in a way that reflects the spirit of Numbers 7?**
* **Considering the nature of "peace offerings," how does this passage inform our pursuit of reconciliation and fellowship, both with God and within our communities, in our contemporary context?**

### FAQ
**Why were so many animals offered for peace offerings specifically?**

Answer: The sheer number of peace offerings (204 animals) highlights their unique significance within the sacrificial system and the context of this grand dedication. Unlike burnt offerings (which were entirely consumed by fire as a sweet aroma to God) or sin offerings (which dealt with atonement for specific transgressions), peace offerings (Hebrew: _shelem_) were primarily about fellowship, gratitude, and reconciliation. A portion of these sacrifices was returned to the offerer and priests to be eaten in a celebratory, communal meal before God, symbolizing the restoration of _shalom_ or peace between God and His people. The abundance of these offerings in [Numbers 7:88](/numbers/7-88 "Numbers 7:88 - Dedication Offerings") signifies a profound desire for and celebration of wholeness and harmonious relationship with God. It also reflects the cumulative generosity of all twelve tribes, each contributing identical gifts, underscoring their unified joy and commitment to establishing a right relationship with God as they inaugurated His dwelling place among them. This lavish display was an act of worship, expressing deep gratitude and a desire for ongoing communion.

**What is the significance of the altar being "anointed" before this dedication?**

Answer: The phrase "after that it was anointed" is crucial, indicating a specific sequence and emphasizing the altar's prior consecration. Anointing with oil (as detailed in [Exodus 40:9-10](/exodus/40-9 "Exodus 40:9-10 - Anointing of the Altar and its Utensils")) was a divine command, a ritual act that set apart objects or individuals for sacred service and imparted holiness. It signified that the altar was not merely a construction but a divinely appointed and sanctified instrument, made holy by God's own decree. Therefore, the dedication ceremony in [Numbers 7:88](/numbers/7-88 "Numbers 7:88 - Dedication Offerings") was not about making the altar holy, but about formally inaugurating its use *because* it was already holy and prepared by God's command. This sequence underscores that all true worship and access to God must occur on terms established by God Himself, through His prior consecration and appointment. The offerings were brought to an altar already made sacred by divine decree, ready to mediate between God and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:88, with its emphasis on the dedication of the altar through lavish peace offerings, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The multitude of animals sacrificed for _shelem_ pointed to the profound human need for peace and reconciliation with God, a peace that no animal sacrifice could perfectly or permanently secure. Jesus Christ is our true and perfect [Peace Offering](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"), for He "is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate "altar," inaugurated a new and living way for humanity to approach God, not through the blood of bulls and goats, but through His own precious blood. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Christ's offering achieves the complete _shalom_ that the ancient sacrifices could only foreshadow. Through Him, we are reconciled to God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through His Blood")) and invited into an eternal fellowship far surpassing the communal meals of old. His perfect dedication of Himself ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) fulfills every type of offering, making true and lasting peace with God accessible to all who believe, establishing a new covenant of grace where God dwells not in a tent, but in the hearts of His people.

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 7:1

¶ 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: