one gold pan of ten shekels [one-quarter pound], full of incense;
one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;
one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense;
Commentary
Numbers 7:38 is part of a detailed account of the dedication of the Tabernacle, specifically describing a portion of the offering brought by Gamaliel, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh. This verse highlights a specific item: "One golden spoon of ten [shekels], full of incense."
Context
The entire seventh chapter of Numbers meticulously records the offerings made by the twelve tribal leaders of Israel over twelve consecutive days for the inauguration of the newly consecrated Tabernacle, after its completion and anointing. Each leader presented an identical set of valuable items, emphasizing the unity and collective devotion of the tribes towards God's dwelling place among them. The items were not for common use but for the sacred service within the Tabernacle, underscoring the holiness of God's presence and the meticulous nature of Old Testament worship.
Key Themes
Generosity and Dedication: The offerings were substantial and costly, demonstrating the leaders' and their tribes' willingness to give their best to God. This act of giving reflected a profound dedication to divine worship and the establishment of God's presence among them.
Worship and Atonement: The "golden spoon" (more accurately, a censer or pan) was filled with incense, a crucial element in Old Testament worship. Incense, typically a sacred mixture prepared according to God's specific instructions (Exodus 30:34-38), symbolized the prayers of the saints ascending to God and often played a role in ceremonies of atonement and purification (Numbers 16:46-48).
Holiness and Sacred Service: Every item dedicated to the Tabernacle, especially those made of precious metals like gold, was set apart for holy use. This highlights the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the meticulous nature of the worship God commanded from His people.
Linguistic Insights
The term translated "spoon" in KJV is from the Hebrew word qaph (ืงึทืฃ), which literally means 'palm' or 'hollow of the hand.' In this context, it refers to a small dish or pan, likely a censer, used for holding or offering incense. The mention of "ten [shekels]" refers to the weight of the gold, not its currency value, indicating a significant amount of precious metal. A shekel (ืฉึถืืงึถื) was a standard unit of weight in the ancient Near East, signifying the tangible value and rich contribution of the offering made by the tribal leader.
Practical Application
Numbers 7:38, along with the entire chapter, reminds believers of the importance of dedicated and generous giving in worship. Just as the incense represented prayers ascending to God, so too our prayers and spiritual offerings today are a pleasing aroma to Him (Psalm 141:2). The symbolism of incense continues into the New Testament, where it is explicitly linked to the prayers of the saints in heaven. This verse encourages us to offer our best in devotion, recognizing that true worship involves both material and spiritual sacrifice, all for the glory of God.
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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.
Commentary
Numbers 7:38 is part of a detailed account of the dedication of the Tabernacle, specifically describing a portion of the offering brought by Gamaliel, the leader of the tribe of Manasseh. This verse highlights a specific item: "One golden spoon of ten [shekels], full of incense."
Context
The entire seventh chapter of Numbers meticulously records the offerings made by the twelve tribal leaders of Israel over twelve consecutive days for the inauguration of the newly consecrated Tabernacle, after its completion and anointing. Each leader presented an identical set of valuable items, emphasizing the unity and collective devotion of the tribes towards God's dwelling place among them. The items were not for common use but for the sacred service within the Tabernacle, underscoring the holiness of God's presence and the meticulous nature of Old Testament worship.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term translated "spoon" in KJV is from the Hebrew word qaph (ืงึทืฃ), which literally means 'palm' or 'hollow of the hand.' In this context, it refers to a small dish or pan, likely a censer, used for holding or offering incense. The mention of "ten [shekels]" refers to the weight of the gold, not its currency value, indicating a significant amount of precious metal. A shekel (ืฉึถืืงึถื) was a standard unit of weight in the ancient Near East, signifying the tangible value and rich contribution of the offering made by the tribal leader.
Practical Application
Numbers 7:38, along with the entire chapter, reminds believers of the importance of dedicated and generous giving in worship. Just as the incense represented prayers ascending to God, so too our prayers and spiritual offerings today are a pleasing aroma to Him (Psalm 141:2). The symbolism of incense continues into the New Testament, where it is explicitly linked to the prayers of the saints in heaven. This verse encourages us to offer our best in devotion, recognizing that true worship involves both material and spiritual sacrifice, all for the glory of God.
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.