Numbers 7 12

Numbers 7:12 kjv

And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:

Numbers 7:12 nkjv

And the one who offered his offering on the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, from the tribe of Judah.

Numbers 7:12 niv

The one who brought his offering on the first day was Nahshon son of Amminadab of the tribe of Judah.

Numbers 7:12 esv

He who offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.

Numbers 7:12 nlt

On the first day Nahshon son of Amminadab, leader of the tribe of Judah, presented his offering.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 12 Meaning

Numbers 7:12 marks the beginning of a meticulous twelve-day account of offerings for the dedication of the Tabernacle. It specifically identifies Nahshon, son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah, as the one who presented his tribe's offering on the very first day. This verse signifies the inauguration of Israel's communal worship at the newly consecrated Tabernacle, emphasizing the order established by God, the preeminence of the tribe of Judah, and the designated leadership role of Nahshon in this pivotal moment.

Numbers 7 12 Context

Numbers chapter 7 details the dedication offerings for the newly erected and consecrated Tabernacle. This chapter immediately follows the divine instructions for the purification of the Levites and various laws concerning defilement and Nazarite vows. The broader context begins with Exodus 40, where the Tabernacle is erected and filled with the glory of the LORD. Numbers 7 then records the specific offerings brought by each of the twelve tribal leaders, day by day, over a period of twelve days, in the divinely prescribed order of tribal precedence for encamping and marching. Verse 12 initiates this detailed record by highlighting Nahshon, from the prominent tribe of Judah, as the first to bring his contribution, setting the tone for the nation's unified and structured approach to worship and service under the Mosaic Covenant. Historically, this event solidified Israel's identity as a worshipping community centered around God's dwelling place, marking a transition from nomadic wilderness life to an ordered existence under divine law and presence.

Numbers 7 12 Word analysis

• And he that offered: From the Hebrew verb qarab (קָרַב - pronounced "kaw-rav"), meaning "to draw near, to bring near, to present." In the Hiphil (causative) stem, it means "he caused to draw near," hence "he presented" or "he offered." This emphasizes an active, intentional presentation of a gift before God, denoting an act of worship and approach.
• his offering: Hebrew qorbano (קָרְבָּנֹֽו). The word qorban (קָרְבָּן - pronounced "kor-bawn") is a masculine noun derived from the same root qarab. It literally means "that which is brought near," signifying a gift or sacrifice brought to God. This term encapsulates the concept of a dedicated donation for worship.
• the first day: Hebrew bəyom hā-riʾšōn (בַּיּ֣וֹם הָרִאשׁ֗וֹן). "Yom" (יוֹם) means "day," and "rishon" (רִאשׁוֹן) means "first." This signifies not merely chronological sequence but often conveys a sense of precedence, importance, and foundation-setting. It highlights the foundational nature of this initial act of worship at the Tabernacle.
• was Nahshon: Hebrew Naḥšôn (נַחְשֹׁ֣וֹן - pronounced "nakh-shone"). A personal name, likely meaning "enchanter" or "one who divines," possibly related to a "serpent" due to their serpentine movements in divining, though its exact etymology is debated and not negative in this context. His inclusion in Messianic genealogies (Matt 1:4, Lk 3:33) lends profound significance to his role as the initiator.
• the son of Amminadab: Hebrew ben ʻAmînāḏāb (בֶּן־עַמִּֽינָדָב). "Ben" means "son." "Amminadab" (עַמִּינָדָב - pronounced "am-mee-naw-dawb") means "my kinsman is noble" or "people of the prince." Lineage and parentage were critical in Israelite society, confirming identity, authority, and hereditary rights, especially for tribal leaders.
• of the tribe of Judah: Hebrew ləmaṭṭēh Yĕhūḏāh (לְמַטֵּה יְהוּדָֽה). "Maṭṭēh" (מַטֶּה - pronounced "mat-teh") means "rod, staff," or metaphorically, "tribe" or "branch." "Judah" (יְהוּדָה - pronounced "yeh-hoo-daw") means "praise." The identification of Nahshon's tribe is crucial, as Judah was prophesied to be the leading tribe, holding the scepter, and from which the Messiah would ultimately descend (Gen 49:8-10).

Words-group Analysis:

• "And he that offered his offering": This phrase underlines the direct, personal responsibility and participation in acts of worship. It speaks to the active and intentional approach individuals must take in presenting themselves and their gifts to the Lord. It’s a formalized, divinely ordained act.
• "The first day was Nahshon": This grouping emphasizes both Nahshon's singular honor as the inaugurator of these dedication offerings and the historical significance of that day. It highlights the principle of giving first, denoting priority and bestowing a unique position on Judah and its leader.
• "Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah": This triple identification firmly grounds Nahshon's identity and authority within Israel's tribal and genealogical structure. It confirms his divinely appointed status as a tribal leader (nasi), particularly from Judah, underscoring Judah's preeminence as the lead tribe in worship and procession. This careful detail reflects God's ordered administration and future plans for Judah's role in redemption.

Numbers 7 12 Bonus section

The seemingly repetitive nature of Numbers 7 (listing the same items offered by each prince over twelve days) is often viewed not as redundancy, but as divine insistence on careful obedience to God's precise instructions. This emphasizes the meticulous attention God gives to worship and service performed according to His will. The fact that Judah, the royal tribe, offers first is consistent with their leadership role throughout the wilderness journey and their prophetic destiny as the tribe from which kings and, ultimately, the Messiah, would come. Each tribe, through its leader, participates equally in dedication, showcasing national unity in worship. This event solidifies the covenant relationship and reinforces the Tabernacle's centrality as the place of God's dwelling and the people's approach to Him.

Numbers 7 12 Commentary

Numbers 7:12, while seemingly a simple statement of fact, holds significant theological weight. It serves as the opening entry for the meticulously detailed record of the twelve tribal leaders' offerings for the Tabernacle's dedication, an event critical to establishing ordered worship in Israel. The emphasis on "the first day" and the identification of "Nahshon... of the tribe of Judah" is far from accidental. It underscores God's meticulousness, the importance of divine order in worship (precluding arbitrary service), and Judah's preeminence among the tribes as prophesied by Jacob. Nahshon, a progenitor in the Messianic line, symbolically inaugurates structured worship for Israel. His act of bringing the first offering from Judah points prophetically to Jesus Christ, the ultimate "offering" from the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," who initiates true worship and perfect reconciliation through His ultimate sacrifice. This verse reminds us of the value God places on faithful obedience and designated leadership in spiritual matters, echoing principles of orderly and sacrificial worship that find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.