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Numbers 7:71

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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 Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

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 Ahiezer {H295} the son {H1121} of Ammishaddai {H5996}.

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 Achi'ezer the son of 'Ammishaddai.

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

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 Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Commentary

Numbers 7:71 concludes the description of the eleventh day of dedication offerings for the newly erected Tabernacle in the wilderness. This verse specifically details the voluntary contribution brought by Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, who was the leader of the tribe of Dan.

Context

The entire seventh chapter of Numbers meticulously records the offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders of Israel over twelve successive days, following the consecration of the Tabernacle and the anointing of the altar (as described in Numbers 7:1). Each leader presented an identical set of gifts, emphasizing unity and equality in worship before God. Ahiezer's offering, like those of the other leaders, was a significant contribution designed to support the Tabernacle service and express devotion.

Key Themes

  • Dedication and Consecration: This offering, along with all the others in the chapter, highlights the Israelites' commitment to dedicating their sacred space and their lives to God. It underscores the importance of setting apart resources for divine service.
  • Peace Offerings (Shelamim): The mention of "peace offerings" is particularly significant. In Hebrew, these are shelamim, derived from the root shalom, meaning "peace," "completeness," or "well-being." Unlike sin or burnt offerings which focused on atonement or complete surrender, peace offerings were about fellowship, communion, and reconciliation with God. A portion was burned on the altar, a portion given to the priests, and the remainder was eaten by the offerer and his family in a communal meal before God. This sacrifice symbolized a restored and harmonious relationship, fostering a sense of shared peace. For more on the specific laws of these sacrifices, see Leviticus 3.
  • Generosity and Obedience: The substantial nature of the offerings—two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs—demonstrates the leaders' generosity and their obedience to the spirit of worship. Their uniform offerings also signify the unity of the tribes in their devotion.
  • Tribal Identity and Order: The precise naming of each leader and their tribe throughout Numbers 7, including Ahiezer of Dan (first mentioned as a leader in Numbers 1:12), underscores the organized and specific nature of Israelite society and worship. Every part of the nation participated in this grand act of dedication.

Practical Application

Numbers 7:71, within its broader context, serves as a powerful reminder of the principles of worship and giving. It teaches us about the importance of giving our best to God, not just out of obligation, but as an expression of peace and fellowship with Him. Just as the peace offerings fostered communion, believers today are called to seek fellowship with God through Christ, offering themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Our acts of worship and service should reflect a desire for a harmonious and complete relationship with our Creator, bringing Him glory and experiencing His peace.

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Cross-References

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