Numbers 7:79

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

Numbers 7:79 describes the offering brought by Pagiel, the leader of the tribe of Asher, on the eleventh day of the dedication of the Tabernacle. This verse is part of a detailed account in Numbers chapter 7, which meticulously lists the identical offerings presented by each of the twelve tribal leaders.

Context

Following the completion and consecration of the Tabernacle, as detailed in Numbers 7:1, the tribal leaders brought their dedicatory gifts. Each day, for twelve days, one leader presented the exact same set of valuable items, emphasizing unity and comprehensive support for the newly established place of worship. Pagiel's offering, like the others, included significant silver vessels and a grain offering.

Key Themes

  • Order and Unity: The repetition of identical offerings across all twelve tribes underscores the divine order and the collective unity of Israel in their worship and support for God's dwelling place.
  • Generosity and Dedication: The substantial weight of the silver vessels (a 130-shekel charger and a 70-shekel bowl) and the use of "fine flour mingled with oil" for the offering signify a lavish and heartfelt dedication to God. It highlights the importance of offering one's best in worship.
  • Holiness and Precision: The phrase "after the shekel of the sanctuary" refers to a standardized, sacred weight, typically double the common shekel. This detail emphasizes the precision and holiness required in all matters pertaining to the Tabernacle and its service, ensuring integrity in offerings.

Linguistic Insights

The term "meat offering" in the King James Version (KJV) can be misleading to modern readers. It translates the Hebrew word minchah (מִנְחָה), which more accurately means a "grain offering" or "meal offering." Unlike animal sacrifices, the minchah typically consisted of flour, oil, and frankincense, often serving as a voluntary offering of thanksgiving, devotion, or in conjunction with burnt offerings. For a detailed description of this type of offering, see Leviticus 2:1-16.

Practical Application

Numbers 7:79, within its larger context, reminds believers today of the principles of worship and giving. Just as the Israelites offered their valuable possessions for the Tabernacle's service, we are called to offer our best to God—our time, talents, and resources—with a spirit of generosity and obedience. The meticulous nature of these ancient offerings also speaks to the importance of approaching God with reverence and intentionality, understanding that true worship involves giving our whole selves in dedication and thanksgiving.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.