Numbers 7 14

Numbers 7:14 kjv

One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:

Numbers 7:14 nkjv

one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:14 niv

one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense;

Numbers 7:14 esv

one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of incense;

Numbers 7:14 nlt

He also brought a gold container weighing four ounces, which was filled with incense.

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 14 Meaning

Numbers 7:14 describes a specific offering made by the tribal leaders during the dedication of the Tabernacle: a single gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with sacred incense. This offering highlights the purity, value, and specific nature of worship materials designated for God's holy dwelling place. The dish held an item vital for communicating with God and maintaining a cleansed environment within the Tabernacle, symbolizing ascending prayers and divine acceptance.

Numbers 7 14 Context

Numbers 7 is dedicated entirely to the extensive record of the offerings presented by the twelve tribal leaders for the dedication of the Tabernacle and its altar after its erection and consecration. Each leader brought identical gifts over twelve consecutive days. This particular verse describes a part of the daily offering, highlighting the specific items given to facilitate the service of the Tabernacle. It falls within the narrative detailing Judah's leader, Nahshon's, offering, underscoring the communal and meticulous nature of the Israelites' worship as commanded by Yahweh, crucial for His presence among His people in the wilderness. The repetition of the exact gifts for each tribe signifies unity and equality in devotion.

Numbers 7 14 Word Analysis

• One gold dish:

  • One: Signifies the singular nature of this specific item in the list of offerings, part of a set of prescribed gifts.
  • Gold (זָהָב - zahav): Denotes supreme value, purity, glory, and holiness. Gold was extensively used in the Tabernacle (e.g., ark, lampstand, altar of incense) to symbolize God's divine presence and the preciousness of His dwelling. Its incorruptible nature points to eternal truths and divine glory.
  • Dish (קְעָרָה - qə‘ārâ): A bowl or plate, specifically designed for cultic purposes or sacrificial rites. Its purpose was not for common use but for holding sacred substances, signifying its role in worship.

• weighing ten shekels:

  • Weighing (מִשְׁקַל - mišqal): Refers to its precise weight. Emphasizes God's demand for meticulousness and exact adherence in Tabernacle worship. There was no room for approximation.
  • Ten shekels (עֶשֶׂר שֶׁקֶל - ʿeśer sheqel): A specific, exact measurement. The "sanctuary shekel" was a standardized unit of weight, crucial for ensuring uniformity and fairness in religious contributions (Ex 30:13). Ten is often a number of completeness or order in the Bible (e.g., Ten Commandments). The specified weight indicates the high value and precise standard required for elements entering God's sanctuary. This stood in contrast to chaotic or imprecise pagan rites.

• full of incense:

  • Full of (מְלֵאָה - məlēʾâ): Implies abundance, completeness, and readiness for purpose. The dish was not half-empty, but fully supplied.
  • Incense (קְטֹרֶת - qəṭōreṯ): A specially prepared, sacred, aromatic mixture, burnt on the golden altar of incense in the Holy Place (Ex 30:34-38). It symbolizes prayer ascending to God (Psa 141:2, Rev 5:8), a pleasing aroma to Him, and its cloud acted as a "covering" for atonement (Lev 16:13) and a sign of divine presence. Its prescribed use ensured holiness, distinct from profane use in pagan worship.

• Group analysis - "one gold dish weighing ten shekels, full of incense":This phrase perfectly encapsulates the Israelites' worship: pure, precise, and permeated with prayer and atonement. The materials (gold) were of the highest value and sanctity, reflecting God's glory. The exact measurements (ten shekels) demonstrated the imperative of obedient adherence to divine command. The content (incense) signified worship as an acceptable "aroma" to God and linked the offering to atonement and intercessory prayer. This combination also served as a direct polemic against chaotic, imitative, or profane pagan offerings by emphasizing strict divine ordinance, holy materials, and unique spiritual purpose.

Numbers 7 14 Bonus Section

• Typological Significance: The Tabernacle system, including these offerings, served as a "copy and shadow of heavenly things" (Heb 8:5). The gold dish and sacred incense thus point forward to Christ's perfect high priestly ministry, where His intercession for us is eternally pleasing to God. Our access to God is no longer via physical incense, but through the efficacy of Christ's blood and His ongoing intercession (Heb 7:25).
• Voluntary but Prescribed Offerings: While these were offerings by tribal leaders, they were explicitly defined by God. This shows that true worship involves both the free will of the giver and adherence to divine standards. It wasn't about bringing anything, but bringing the right thing in the right way.
• Unified and Distinct Worship: The identical nature of the offerings across all tribes showcased Israel's unity under one God, despite their tribal distinctions. This provided a foundational practice for a unified nation centered around Yahweh's dwelling place.

Numbers 7 14 Commentary

Numbers 7:14, though seemingly a small detail within a lengthy list of offerings, is rich in significance. It highlights the profound value placed on genuine worship and meticulous obedience in the Old Covenant. The gold signifies the preciousness of drawing near to God and the divine glory of His dwelling place. The exact weight of ten shekels emphasizes that God cares for every detail of our service, demanding not just external acts but an internal commitment to follow His instructions precisely. The incense, a unique blend known only to Israel, represented prayer, communion, and atonement, rising as a sweet aroma before God's presence.

This particular item, the golden dish filled with incense, pointed to the heart of Tabernacle worship: facilitating communion with a holy God through priestly mediation. In the New Covenant, while we no longer offer physical incense, the spiritual truth remains. Our prayers and acts of worship are to be offered sincerely and from a heart purified by faith in Christ. Just as the incense ascended, so do the prayers of believers, an acceptable offering to God (Heb 13:15, Phil 4:18). Christ himself is the ultimate "fragrant offering" (Eph 5:2), through whom our spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works become pleasing to God.