Numbers 7:61

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

Commentary on Numbers 7:61 (KJV)

Numbers 7:61 details a specific part of the offerings made by Ahiezer, the prince of the tribe of Dan, for the dedication of the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the precise nature of the contributions required for the sanctuary's establishment and ongoing service.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy chapter, Numbers chapter 7, which meticulously records the dedication offerings brought by each of the twelve tribal leaders of Israel following the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle. For twelve consecutive days, each prince brought identical sets of offerings, emphasizing unity and comprehensive support for the newly consecrated dwelling place of God. Ahiezer's offering, described from verse 60 to 65, is the tenth in this sequence, mirroring the pattern set by the previous nine tribal leaders.

Key Elements of the Offering

  • Silver Vessels: The offering included "one silver charger" (a large plate or dish) weighing 130 shekels and "one silver bowl" weighing 70 shekels. Silver was a valuable metal, signifying the preciousness and substantial nature of the gifts dedicated to God's service. These vessels were practical items, likely used in the various rituals and sacrifices performed in the Tabernacle.
  • "After the Shekel of the Sanctuary": This phrase is crucial, indicating that the weight of the silver was measured according to a standardized, authoritative weight system maintained in the Tabernacle itself. This ensured uniformity, fairness, and adherence to divine standards for all sacred contributions. The "shekel of the sanctuary" was a specific, unvarying measure, highlighting God's demand for precision and integrity in worship and service. See Exodus 30:13 for its definition.
  • "Fine Flour Mingled with Oil for a Meat Offering": The term "meat offering" in the KJV refers to a grain offering (Hebrew: minchah). This offering typically consisted of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and was a common component of Israelite worship. It symbolized the dedication of the fruits of the land and human labor to God, serving as an act of thanksgiving and devotion. While often accompanying burnt offerings, grain offerings could also be presented independently. Leviticus 2:1 describes the law of the meat offering.

Theological Significance and Themes

  • Generosity and Obedience: The detailed record of these costly offerings underscores the leaders' obedience to God's commands and their generous spirit in contributing to the Tabernacle's needs. It represents a collective commitment to supporting the worship of God.
  • Order and Precision in Worship: The consistent pattern and exact measurements ("shekel of the sanctuary") highlight God's desire for order, precision, and adherence to specific standards in all matters related to His worship. It teaches that our service to God should not be haphazard but intentional and according to His revealed will.
  • Holiness of God's Dwelling: The precious materials and precise measurements reflect the holiness of the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people. Everything associated with it was to be set apart and handled with reverence.

Linguistic Insights

The term "meat offering" (KJV) can be misleading to modern readers. In the original Hebrew, it is minchah (ืžึดื ึฐื—ึธื”), which refers to a grain offering or tribute, not necessarily animal flesh. This offering was a fundamental part of the sacrificial system, representing a gift of produce from the land. The phrase "shekel of the sanctuary" (ืฉึถืืงึถืœ ื”ึทืงึนึผื“ึถืฉื, shekel ha-kodesh) signifies a sacred and unchangeable standard of weight, emphasizing divine authority and consistency in religious matters.

Practical Application

Numbers 7:61, along with the entire chapter, reminds us of the importance of giving our best to God. Just as the Israelites were meticulous in their offerings for the Tabernacle, so too should believers today approach their spiritual commitments with diligence, generosity, and a desire for excellence. It teaches us that our worship, service, and contributions to God's work should be intentional, consistent, and reflective of our deep reverence for Him. The principle of giving "after the shekel of the sanctuary" can be applied spiritually as well, encouraging us to ensure our offerings of time, talent, and treasure meet God's standards of sincerity and purity.

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Cross-References

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