Numbers 7:53

And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this [was] the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

And for a sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}, two {H8147} oxen {H1241}, five {H2568} rams {H352}, five {H2568} he goats {H6260}, five {H2568} lambs {H3532} of the first {H1121} year {H8141}: this was the offering {H7133} of Elishama {H476} the son {H1121} of Ammihud {H5989}.

and, for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Elishama the son of 'Ammihud.

and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elishama son of Ammihud.

and for the sacrifice of peace-offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five he-lambs a year old: this was the oblation of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 7:53 is part of an extended account detailing the dedication offerings made by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. The extensive account in Numbers chapter 7 details the offerings made by each tribal leader over twelve consecutive days. Elishama, the son of Ammihud, served as the leader of the tribe of Ephraim, and his specific contribution is recorded here as part of the seventh day's offerings. These offerings followed the anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, marking a significant moment in Israel's worship and their journey with God in the wilderness.

Key Themes

  • Dedicated Worship: The verse highlights the dedication of resources and animals for the service of God, emphasizing a communal act of worship and consecration. The offerings were not random but specific, reflecting obedience to divine instruction.
  • The Nature of Peace Offerings: The "sacrifice of peace offerings" (Hebrew: shelamim) was unique among the Old Testament sacrifices. Unlike sin or burnt offerings, parts of the peace offering were consumed by the offerer, the priests, and God (symbolically through the altar fire). This symbolized fellowship, communion, and reconciliation with God, signifying a state of well-being or "shalom" between God and His people.
  • Generosity and Uniformity: While the verse focuses on Elishama's specific contribution, it's crucial to note that every tribal leader brought the exact same generous offering. This uniformity underscored the unity of the tribes in their worship and their shared commitment to the covenant with God, despite their distinct tribal identities.
  • Divine Provision and Human Response: The ability to bring such offerings demonstrated God's provision for His people, and their willingness to offer them showed their faithful response to His grace.

Linguistic Insights

The term "peace offerings" comes from the Hebrew word shelamim (ืฉึฐืืœึธืžึดื™ื), which is closely related to shalom (ืฉึธืืœื•ึนื), meaning "peace," "wholeness," "completeness," or "well-being." This connection emphasizes that these offerings were not primarily for atonement (like sin offerings) but for celebrating a restored or maintained relationship of peace and fellowship with God. It signifies a state of harmony and completeness in the covenant relationship.

Practical Application

While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principles behind Elishama's offering remain relevant. This verse reminds us of:

  • The Call to Generosity: Our worship involves giving of our resources, time, and talents as an act of devotion and gratitude to God.
  • Seeking Fellowship with God: Just as the peace offering symbolized communion, believers today are called to cultivate a vibrant relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and corporate worship. Our ultimate peace offering is Christ, who made peace through the blood of His cross.
  • Unity in Worship: The identical nature of the tribal offerings encourages unity among believers, reminding us that we are part of a larger body, worshiping God together with shared purpose and commitment.

Reflection

Elishama's offering, though a small part of a larger narrative, beautifully illustrates the heart of Israel's worship: a generous, unified, and peaceful communion with the Almighty. It points forward to the ultimate peace and reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ, who is our true "peace offering."

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Cross-References

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