Numbers 7:20

Context of Numbers 7:20

Numbers chapter 7 details the elaborate offerings made by the twelve tribal leaders of Israel for the dedication of the newly erected and consecrated Tabernacle. This monumental event marked the completion of the wilderness sanctuary, where God's presence would dwell among His people. Each leader, on successive days, brought an identical set of gifts, emphasizing unity in worship and obedience. Verse 20 specifically describes a component of the offering brought by Nethaneel the son of Zuar, the leader of Issachar, on the second day. The meticulous inventory of these gifts underscores the importance and sanctity of the Tabernacle and its service, as well as the generosity required for God's dwelling place among His people, as detailed from the initial instructions in Exodus 25:8.

Key Themes

• Worship and Dedication: The "spoon of gold" and "incense" were integral elements of the Tabernacle service, symbolizing the Israelites' devotion and the sacred acts performed in God's presence. This entire chapter is a testament to the nation's collective act of dedicating their resources and their worship to the Lord.
• Purity and Holiness: Gold, being a precious and pure metal, symbolized the divine and the sanctity of the offering. Incense, with its sweet aroma, was used in ritual purification and as a fragrant offering to God, signifying prayers and acceptable worship.
• Generosity and Obedience: The specific and valuable nature of the offering highlights the Israelites' commitment to giving their best to God, fulfilling the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle's service. The uniformity of the gifts across all tribes also speaks to a shared commitment and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "One spoon of gold of ten [shekels], full of incense" contains several significant terms:

• Spoon (כף - kaph): While translated as "spoon," this Hebrew word can also mean "pan" or "censer." In the context of incense, it refers to a vessel used to hold or carry the fragrant mixture, often in preparation for burning on the altar of incense.
• Shekels: This was a unit of weight, not coinage, indicating the precise measure and value of the gold. Ten shekels of gold was a substantial amount, emphasizing the preciousness and sacrifice involved in the offering.
• Incense (קְטֹרֶת - qetoreth): A compound of aromatic resins and spices, burned on the altar of incense within the Tabernacle. Its rising smoke was considered a "sweet savour" to the Lord, often symbolizing the prayers of God's people ascending to Him, as seen in Psalm 141:2 and later in Revelation.

Practical Application

Numbers 7:20, though describing an ancient ritual offering, carries timeless lessons for believers today:

• Intentional Worship: Just as the Israelites offered specific, valuable items, our worship should be intentional and wholehearted, recognizing the worthiness of God.
• The Value of Prayer: The symbolism of incense as prayer reminds us of the power and importance of our communication with God. Our prayers, like the fragrant incense, are precious to Him and ascend to His throne.
• Giving Our Best: The offering of gold and valuable incense signifies giving from our best resources. This principle encourages us to offer our time, talents, and material possessions generously and sacrificially to God's work, not just what is convenient or leftover.
• Holiness in Devotion: The purity of gold and the sacredness of incense underscore the call to a holy life of devotion, where our offerings, both spiritual and material, are acceptable to God.