Numbers 7 13

Numbers 7:13 kjv

And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

Numbers 7:13 nkjv

His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering;

Numbers 7:13 niv

His offering was one silver plate weighing a hundred and thirty shekels and one silver sprinkling bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with the finest flour mixed with olive oil as a grain offering;

Numbers 7:13 esv

And his offering was one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering;

Numbers 7:13 nlt

His offering consisted of a silver platter weighing 3 1?4 pounds and a silver basin weighing 1 3?4 pounds (as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel). These were both filled with grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 13 Meaning

This verse details the specific contribution of Nahshon the son of Amminadab, leader of the tribe of Judah, on the first day of the dedication of the tabernacle. His offering consisted of precious metals and high-quality grain and oil, meticulously measured according to God's standard. The silver plate and silver bowl, filled with fine flour and oil, were intended as a grain offering, representing an act of devotion, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God's provision, indicating the dedication of Israel's resources and the spiritual sustenance presented to the Lord.

Numbers 7 13 Context

Numbers chapter 7 details the elaborate dedication ceremony of the Tabernacle. Following its construction (Exod 35-40) and God's glory filling it (Exod 40:34), the twelve tribal leaders present their offerings over twelve consecutive days. Each day's offering is identical in items and weight, demonstrating uniformity in worship and equal commitment from all tribes. Verse 13 describes the very first of these offerings, made by Nahshon of Judah. This meticulous account emphasizes the highly ordered and divinely prescribed nature of Israel's worship, underscoring the sacredness of God's dwelling place and the precise requirements for approaching Him. Historically, this event solidified the Tabernacle as the central place of worship and the hub of Israel's covenant relationship with God during their wilderness journey, setting a standard for future temple worship and polemicizing against the arbitrary and idolatrous offerings prevalent in surrounding pagan cultures.

Numbers 7 13 Word Analysis

• and his offering: The Hebrew word is qorbân (קרבן), meaning "an offering" or "a sacrifice." It derives from a root qārab meaning "to draw near" or "to present." This highlights the purpose of all sacrifices and offerings: to facilitate drawing near to God. It signifies a tangible gift presented to God, a core act of worship and obedience within the covenant.
• was one silver plate: The Hebrew is qe'arâ (קערה). This type of vessel was likely a deep platter or charger. "Silver" (כֶּסֶף, kesef) was a valuable metal in the ancient world, often used for monetary transactions or items of high worth. Its purity could symbolize the purity required in worship, or it could represent redemption (e.g., Exod 30:13, the silver atonement money). The specification "one" emphasizes its singular importance for the daily offering.
• the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels: "Weight" indicates precision. "Shekel" (sheqel, שקל) was a common unit of weight and currency in the ancient Near East. The specific number "130 shekels" signifies a substantial weight of silver, denoting generosity and abundance in the offering. This exactness speaks to God's requirement for precise and obedient giving.
• one silver bowl: The Hebrew is mizraq (מזרק). This vessel was a basin or bowl, typically used for sprinkling blood (Lev 1:5, 9:12) or for mixing. Its presence suggests cultic use, potentially for oil or for an element of a sacrifice to be poured or mingled. Like the plate, it is made of silver, maintaining the standard of value.
• of seventy shekels: A different, lesser, but still significant weight for the bowl. The number seventy appears often in the Bible with symbolic connotations, such as the seventy nations (Gen 10), seventy elders (Exod 24:1, Num 11:16), or seventy years of exile (Jer 29:10). While here it's a literal weight, the recurrence might subtly reinforce a sense of completeness or representation.
• after the shekel of the sanctuary: The Hebrew shekel ha-qōḏesh (שקל הקודש) signifies a standardized, exact weight specifically designated for holy purposes. This measure, heavier and more precise than common shekels, ensured that all temple dues and offerings were made according to an unwavering, divine standard. It underscores the integrity and accuracy required in God's service and distinguishes sacred transactions from ordinary commerce.
• both of them full of fine flour: "Fine flour" (סֹלֶת, solet) refers to the highest quality, most refined flour, specifically commanded for many grain offerings (Lev 2:1-10). It represents the best of agricultural produce, the dedication of one's labor and provision to God. Being "full" (מלא, male') signifies generosity and complete devotion, not holding back.
• mingled with oil: "Mingled" (בָּלוּל, balul) means mixed in. "Oil" (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) often represents consecration, anointing, purity, joy, or symbolically, the Holy Spirit (Isa 61:3, 1 Sam 16:13). Its combination with flour forms a unified offering, enriching the offering's value and signifying its proper preparation.
• for a meat offering: The Hebrew minḥah (מנחה) is often translated as "meat offering" in older versions but is more accurately understood as "grain offering," "tribute offering," or "gift offering." This type of offering was voluntary and non-bloody, given to acknowledge God's provision, express gratitude, or accompany burnt offerings. It was not primarily for atonement (as blood sacrifices were) but rather an act of devotion and communion. A portion was burnt on the altar, and the remainder was eaten by the priests (Lev 6:16-18).

Numbers 7 13 Bonus Section

The repetition of this precise offering specification (Num 7:13-83) twelve times for each tribal leader highlights divine emphasis on several key aspects:

• Unity in Worship: Despite the twelve tribes, their offerings are identical, demonstrating a collective unity in worship and obedience before God. There is no hierarchy of offering based on tribal size or perceived status, showing equality before God.
• Order and Meticulousness: The extreme detail for each tribe's offering underscores God's absolute demand for order, precision, and adherence to His revealed will in all matters of worship and service. No improvising or casual approach is permitted in the sacred space.
• The Significance of Specific Measures: The specific weights (130 shekels, 70 shekels) reinforce the value of the items and the non-arbitrary nature of God's demands. It implies that spiritual devotion must be translated into tangible, measurable acts of generosity and faithfulness.
• Divine Provision and Human Response: The offering of agricultural produce (fine flour and oil) emphasizes God as the ultimate provider, and the Israelites' act of offering the "firstfruits" or the "best" is a response of grateful stewardship.

Numbers 7 13 Commentary

Numbers 7:13 offers a window into the precise and lavish nature of Israel's worship in the wilderness. As the first contribution, Nahshon's offering from the tribe of Judah sets the standard, being both substantial in value (silver, fine flour, oil) and meticulously measured ("after the shekel of the sanctuary"). This speaks to God's character as One who deserves the absolute best and commands adherence to His precise instructions. The minḥah (grain offering) portion, representing a gift from their produce, demonstrates gratitude and a surrender of one's sustenance to the Lord. It’s an act of willing devotion, separate from required sin or trespass offerings. This methodical account underscores the uniformity and equality in worship expected from all tribes, with no room for personal interpretation of standards. In a broader biblical sense, it foreshadows the giving required from God's people throughout history, reminding believers that worship involves presenting our best, measured by divine standards, with a heart of generosity and obedience. For example, Christians are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1) and give cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7), recognizing that all they possess ultimately comes from God.