Numbers 7:49

His offering [was] one silver charger, the weight whereof [was] an hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

His offering {H7133} was one {H259} silver {H3701} charger {H7086}, the weight {H4948} whereof was an hundred {H3967} and thirty {H7970} shekels, one {H259} silver {H3701} bowl {H4219} of seventy {H7657} shekels {H8255}, after the shekel {H8255} of the sanctuary {H6944}; both {H8147} of them full {H4392} of fine flour {H5560} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081} for a meat offering {H4503}:

He offered one silver dish weighing 130 shekels [three-and-a-quarter pounds] and one silver basin of seventy shekels (using the sanctuary shekel) [one-and-three-quarters pounds], both full of fine flour mixed with olive oil for a grain offering;

His offering was one silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel and filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

his oblation was one silver platter, the weight whereof was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering;

Commentary

Context of Numbers 7:49

Numbers chapter 7 provides a detailed account of the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the dedication of the Tabernacle, after it had been anointed and set apart (Numbers 7:1). Each day for twelve days, a different tribal leader presented an identical set of offerings, symbolizing the unity and collective worship of the nation. Verse 49 specifically details the offering of **Elishama, the leader of the tribe of Ephraim**, on the seventh day of this significant dedication period. This meticulous record highlights the precision and abundance of worship required by God for His dwelling place.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience and Precision: The identical nature of the offerings from each tribe underscores the importance of precise obedience to God's commands. Every detail, from the weight of the silver vessels to the type of flour, was specified and fulfilled.
  • Worship and Dedication: These offerings were acts of profound worship and dedication, consecrating the Tabernacle and the priestly service within it. They represented the people's devotion and their recognition of God's presence among them.
  • Provision and Generosity: The substantial value of the silver vessels and the fine flour demonstrates the willingness of the tribes to give generously from their wealth to the Lord. It reflects God's provision for His people, enabling them to offer back to Him.
  • Symbolism of Offerings: The specific elements, like fine flour mingled with oil, were part of the prescribed "meat offering" (grain offering), symbolizing sustenance, peace, and the dedication of one's labors to God.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Meat Offering": In the King James Version, "meat" often refers to food in general, not exclusively flesh. Here, "meat offering" translates the Hebrew word minchah (ΧžΦ΄Χ Φ°Χ—ΦΈΧ”), which specifically denotes a **grain offering** or tribute. This offering was typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and was an unbloody sacrifice, often offered in conjunction with burnt offerings or as a stand-alone act of devotion and thanksgiving (Leviticus 2:1).
  • "Shekel of the Sanctuary": This phrase indicates a standard weight measurement, kept by the priests in the Tabernacle, ensuring accuracy and honesty in all transactions and offerings related to sacred duties. It prevented fraud and ensured that all offerings met the divine standard, reflecting God's demand for integrity and truthfulness in worship.

Practical Application and Significance

Numbers 7:49, part of a repetitive yet significant record, offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Attention to Detail in Worship: Just as God meticulously detailed the Tabernacle and its offerings, He values our intentionality and care in how we approach Him in worship and service. Our worship should not be haphazard but thoughtful and dedicated.
  • Generosity in Giving: The costly nature of these offerings reminds us that true worship often involves sacrificial giving of our resources, time, and talents. Our gifts, however humble, are significant when offered with a willing heart.
  • Obedience as Worship: The consistent obedience of the tribal leaders in bringing identical offerings emphasizes that obedience to God's revealed will is a fundamental act of worship, even in seemingly routine tasks.
  • God's Presence Amidst His People: The entire dedication process, including these offerings, pointed to God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, through Christ, God dwells with believers by His Spirit (John 14:23), inviting us to offer our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
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Cross-References

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